Glasgow Clyde College Principal Jon Vincent is encouraging staff to dedicate an hour a week to ignite potential and awaken ambition in young people, using the transformational power of mentoring to shape brighter futures.
Issuing the call in a written communication to staff endorsing MCR Pathways award-winning mentoring programme, Jon said: “At Glasgow Clyde College, we are deeply committed to transforming lives through education. One of the most powerful ways we can live out that commitment is by giving our time to support a young person through mentoring.
“That’s why I’m proud to endorse our continued partnership with MCR Pathways, an organisation doing truly life changing work. I would like to personally encourage every member of staff to consider becoming an MCR Pathways mentor. This is more than volunteering. It’s about empowering the next generation, breaking cycles of instability, and showing young people that someone believes in them.”
An incredible 26, 893 volunteer mentor hours were delivered across the city last year, supporting 2002 young people. The endorsement supports our urgent wider call for more adult volunteers from all walks of life, careers and experience across Glasgow to become volunteer mentors to help young people to build confidence and overcome obstacles to pursue brighter futures.
Young people like Phoebe, who said: “Ever since I’ve got a mentor, I realise I can do much bigger things, like going to college and uni and I’ve got much bigger plans for myself. My path and goals have definitely changed because of mentoring.”
“Mentoring experience isn’t required to get involved with MCR pathways – they provide lots of training and guidance. I wanted to help a young person reach their goals and thought my experience working in schools and the college sector would be beneficial” says Bryony Wilson, Curriculum Manager of Computing at Glasgow Clyde College.
Reflecting on her mentor experience which has seen her support four young people since 2017, Bryony continues, “You are there as someone not linked to them from school or home, so a different perspective and your focus is them and not as a parent or teacher. This allows less pressured relationships to form, and they may be more likely to talk about their future and discuss any fears/barriers.”
Sharon MacIntyre, MCR Pathways Chief Executive Officer said; “Mentors like Bryony who come forward to dedicate an hour a week, despite all other commitments, are crucial in achieving our vision of ensuring every young person, who needs us, has someone to help find a path to brighter futures.
“That power of having one trusted adult unconditionally in your corner, who consistently turns up for their young person, no matter what, can be truly transformational and life-changing. We are truly grateful for all that Bryony, her fellow mentors and Glasgow Clyde College are doing in supporting young people through MCR Pathways and in championing the power of mentoring and encouraging more staff to come forward in becoming mentors.”
Anyone interested in coming forward to become a volunteer mentor with MCR Pathways can do so by visiting: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/
