Outdoor gym with wetpour surfacing

Aim

To include new outdoor fitness option for children and young people of all ability who can exercise at the same time as socialising together

The Island's vision is to create a safe, inspirational space for children, young people of all abilities (regardless of their socio-economic circumstances or life experiences) and those that support them - providing activities and opportunities that enable every young person in York to realise their potential!

Our vision is an ambitious, all-encompassing state-of-the-art space that will provide the nucleus for youth provision across York - enabling The island and its many partners to engage, support, mentor and raise the aspirations of young people and future generations.

The model will begin with early intervention and include support through transitions to adulthood and into meaningful future life. To achieve this, we will create opportunites like the outside gym for play, socialising, training and life skills.

The Island makes a difference - "Without The Island I would definitely be 'off the rails', involved in crime, anti-social behaviour . . . possibly dead. Thanks to The Island my life has been transformed. I still meet my mentor for a coffee from time to time."

Until no child seeks to escape from anxiety through self-harm or lives imprisioned by the oppression of poverty, The Island will press on with urgency and expansion.

"I've seen things I shouldn't see and heard things a child should never hear. Thanks to The Island I'm no longer a prisoner; the chains have been broken."

While children in York still roam dark streets, or feel fear at home, The Island will not rest.  While youngsters care for parents incapacitated through addiction or illness, The Island will maintain its urgency.

This project successfully funded on 15th July 2020