Glasgow Live covered MCR Pathways in latest article. MCR Pathways is expanding beyond Glasgow, and Glasgow Live tells the story. Can you become a mentor and help us reach every disadvantaged young person?
The Glasgow programme MCR Pathways will now extend to Aberdeen, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Banff and Inverurie
School-based mentoring programme supporting disadvantaged and care-experienced to realise their full potential, has announced plans to grow nationally.
Over the last 18 months MCR Pathways has doubled the number of young people it supports. Now, they support more than 1,000 young people in all 30 secondary schools within Glasgow City Council.
MCR is now working on a national plan. And will see it reach 2,000 of the country’s most disadvantaged young people.
The project delivers a pioneering mentoring and talent development programme. This provides young people with weekly one-to-one adult time and support.
Working in conjunction with schools, the programme supports young people with volunteer mentors. These mentors listen and provide encouragement, which can be transformational for both mentor and mentee.
The charity’s vision is that every care experienced and disadvantaged young person in Glasgow, and soon Scotland, gets the same education outcomes, career opportunities and life chances as every other young person.
Independent research revealed that the number of young people enrolled in the programme progressing from school to university, college or a job increased from 48.8% to 81% over 3 years.
Iain MacRitchie, founder of MCR Pathways, said: “Expanding into other local authorities is a natural next step for us. Because in in 2017 we expanded across every Glasgow secondary school.
“We’re proud to be introducing our mentoring scheme in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire this month. Additionally, we are building capacity to roll out the programme in five more local authorities throughout 2018.
“This is Year of the Young Person. So it’s more important now than ever that we ensure disadvantaged young people are defined by their potential and talent and never their circumstances.
“For these young people, relationships and role models matter. It’s simple, by devoting 50 minutes a week to listen and build a trusting relationship people can make a life-changing difference. All people have to do is give an hour and they can change a life.”
“The impact that a mentor can have on young people can be immense and provide a life-changing experience. We are fully committed to developing this programme across all Aberdeenshire schools in the near future.” Vincent Docherty, head of education for Aberdeenshire Council, Education and Children’s Services.
#GiveAnHour
We’re going national and we need your help. There are so many talented young people in Glasgow and beyond but many struggle due to difficult circumstances. Our mentors are essential to changing that. When mentors #giveanhour they change lives. Our mentors come from all backgrounds and we need that diversity. Can you help us and become a mentor today? When one person becomes a mentor it changes two lives.
