Today marks the start of Care Experienced Week in Scotland, a time to amplify the voices, celebrate the achievements, and advocate for the rights of care-experienced young people across the UK.
Since 2007, MCR Pathways has supported over 20,000 young people, driven by one mission: to provide every young person with the guidance and support of a trusted adult (volunteer mentor), empowering them to realise their own ambitions, navigate their journey and achieve their full potential.
When a single spark of connection ignites, incredible things happen for young people through the power of mentoring.
A mentors commitment to consistent, supportive relationships drives measurable transformation, demonstrating a significant reduction in the attainment gap for care-experienced youth.
What creates this success? It’s the unique bond of a mentor and mentee, built on trust, communication, and consistency. Every relationship tells a unique and powerful story, sparked by shared hobbies or similar life-experiences.
In the 2023/24 school year, 93.8% of mentored care-experienced young people left school for college, university, or employment, sharply contrasting with the national figure of 63.4%. Furthermore, this dedicated support is instrumental earlier in their journey, as mentored young people were 1.5 times more likely to stay in school to S5 than their non-mentored peers.
The impact on academic achievement is also clear, with 84.6% of mentored young people achieving Level 5 in at least one subject, compared to a national rate of 45.6%. MCR’s work truly proves that when a trusted connection is formed, young people thrive, grow, and reach their full potential.
This week, focusing on the theme of ‘Rights,’ we reflect on the incredible impact of trusted relationships and the crucial work still ahead. Our mission to ensure every young person has the right to thrive, grow, and reach their full potential continues.
Throughout Care Experienced Week, we will be amplifying the voices and sharing the powerful stories of our young people, dedicated mentors, and supportive partners. We invite you to take action and become part of this vital change.
Are you interested in being the trusted spark that changes a young person’s story?
Become a volunteer mentor today at mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor.
