Award-Winning Mentoring Programme For Teens Chooses Isle Of Wight For Latest Expansion

The Isle of Wight has today been announced as the next location to benefit from an award-winning, free mentoring programme for disadvantaged 16-and 17-year-olds.

Goal 17, a national provider of youth mentoring services, has announced its intention to make dozens of free places available on the Island via local youth organisation and school referrals up until March 2025.

Adults from across the Isle of Wight and south coast are also invited to join the programme as volunteer mentors.

"We want to shine a light on the incredible potential these young people have and show them that there's a community cheering them on," said Brian Hammersley a current mentor on the programme.

"Mentorship is more than just guidance - it's about giving someone the confidence to dream big and the tools to achieve those dreams."

Young people are matched one-to-one with a fully trained adult mentor and they work together across a six-session structured programme, identifying and delivering a specific community-focused goal which can include organising a local event, volunteering, or launching an awareness campaign.

The free programme is sponsored by the National Citizen Service (NCS) and is designed to create a multi-generational experience that empowers both young people and their mentors.

Fran Boorman, Founder of Goal 17, said:

“We believe every young person has the potential to make a difference, but sometimes they just need a little guidance and support to unlock it. This partnership with the NCS is about more than just mentoring.

"It’s about empowering young people to see themselves as changemakers in their own communities.

"By providing them with a framework, a mentor, and a platform to take action, we’re helping them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose that will last a lifetime.”
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Anyone who is interested in learning about volunteering as a mentor or any organisation/school that would like to access free mentoring support for the young people they work with can find out more information and register on the project website.