A Growing Movement for Change

July 24

Scottish Government funding secured. Two major multi-year funding awards from the Scottish Government were awarded to MCR Pathways. Split across the Communities and Social Justice Directorate and the Education and Skills Directorate, this investment is powering enhanced outcomes and experiences for young people, supporting them through school and into positive destinations including Further Education, Apprenticeships, University, and Training.

Nov 24

Expanding our power to influence further policy. To match our ambition, we launched a dedicated Policy and Public Affairs function, strengthening our ability to amplify young people’s voices while maintaining political impartiality. This bold move places us at the forefront of a growing movement to centre lived experience in policymaking, empowering us to shape, challenge, and drive meaningful change.

Feb 25

Shaping future child poverty policy – We were proud to be one of only three organisations invited to help develop the Scottish Government’s Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026 to 2031. As a ‘Lived Experience Partner’, we ensured the voices of those most affected were heard loud and clear. This collaboration led to an additional investment in March 2026, enabling us to reach up to 5,500 young people and take a major step toward delivering a Trusted Adult Guarantee for every young person in Scotland who needs one.

March 25

Community-based mentoring pilot. Our partnership with CentreStage in Kilmarnock is transforming how mentoring is delivered, bringing it beyond the classroom and into the heart of communities. This flexible, relationship-based model creates safe, familiar spaces where young people can thrive, while also opening the door for more adults to step forward as volunteer mentors by providing greater flexibility to mentor outside of school hours.

Sept 25

Further education mentoring breaks new ground. Through an innovative two-year pilot with Forth Valley College, we are ensuring that young people transitioning from school continue their mentoring journeys into college, work, and training. Across Stirling, Alloa, and Falkirk campuses, students will stay connected to their trusted mentors, supporting attendance, wellbeing, and success. Together, we’re unlocking new pathways, strengthening transitions, and expanding access to mentoring for even more students.

North East England mentoring expansion. We took a major step forward by expanding into Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough, bringing life-changing mentoring to more young people than ever. With clear evidence of need highlighted in the ‘Youth Jobs Gap Report’ by Impetus, this expansion is both timely and vital, addressing unique challenges and barriers to unlocking brighter futures across the region.

Oct 25

A refreshed brand launches. Our identity evolved to match our ambition. Introducing the ‘Vital Spark’, the belief that every young person holds untapped potential waiting to be ignited. Alongside this powerful message, we refreshed our visual identity with a bold new logo, vibrant colour palette, modern typography, and motif that celebrates connection, communication, and empowerment.

Nov 25

Launching a new strategic vision. Our new three-year strategy is bold, focused, and unapologetically ambitious to connect every young person with a trusted adult volunteer mentor. Someone who builds confidence, fuels ambition, and walks beside them every step of the way. This is more than a mission, it’s our identity. We will grow, deepen our impact, and strengthen collaboration until everyone has someone.

Feb 26

First Minister engages in Trusted Adult Guarantee discussion. To mark the 6th anniversary of The Promise, we welcomed First Minister John Swinney to the Edinburgh Council Corporate Parenting Hub. Hearing directly from young people and mentors, the visit showcased the life-changing impact of relationship-based mentoring and the power of connection to overcome challenges and unlock potential

First ever Manifesto launches. We proudly launched our first-ever Manifesto ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections, driven directly by the voices of young people. At its heart is a call for a Trusted Adult Guarantee. This bold vision has the power to transform lives, supporting progress on The Promise, widening access to education, tackling child poverty, and revitalising volunteer action across Scotland.

March 2026

Energising collaborative power. Partnership is at the core of everything we do. Our new tiered partnership model unlocks greater opportunities for organisations of all sizes to join us in creating lasting change. Together with partners like the Robertson Group, we are building a powerful movement, nurturing ambition, transforming lives, and shaping a brighter future for young people across the UK.

New Scottish Government Funding. Having contributed as a Lived Experience Partner to the latest Child Poverty Development Plan, and in speaking during its launch, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities of Scotland, said: “We will invest a further million pounds to expand the successful MCR Pathways school-based mentoring programme so up to 5,500 care experienced and disadvantaged young people can benefit across Scotland.”