The Herald have today published an article celebrating our ground-breaking partnership with Glasgow Life. As one of our city’s biggest and most influential organisations, we’re absolutely thrilled to announce them as a phenomenal Pioneering Partner. Thanks to Glasgow Life, MCR Pathways’ Young Glasgow Talent young people are going to have access to more mentors, more Talent Tasters and more support. Glasgow Life are truly committed to changing the lives of Glasgow’s disadvantaged young people.
Glasgow Life have been very vocal about how much they believe in our programme and team:
“MCR Pathways is one of the most inspiring organisations we have ever worked with, and we are proud to be a partner with them in their invaluable work.” Dr Bridget McConnell CBE, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life.
Mark O’Neil, Glasgow Life’s longstanding Director of Policy and Research also commented, “Glasgow Life is a strong supporter of MCR – because they have achieved one of the most difficult of all goals in providing transformational support for disadvantaged young people. Narrowing the focus to concentrate on one method that really works needs a lot of experimentation and rigorous evaluation. MCR’s core method is mentoring – the consistent support provided by one adult who gives their time voluntarily, who gets to know the young person, who listens and encourages. And they have consistently shown that mentoring works, in keeping young people in school, in getting better qualifications and jobs. But this is not the most difficult part. The step at which many organisations falter is taking the successful method which has worked with a few and expanding it so that it works for hundreds – while still meeting the varied needs of individuals. MCR have successfully made this transition. In addition to supporting the young people, their method provides opportunities for adults – of all ages, from all walks of life – to contribute, enriching their own lives and those of their families and friends. At a time when it is difficult to be confident about the future, MCR have tapped into the latent goodwill of Glaswegians and mobilised it on a scale that will make a difference to the whole city.”
Like all of our Pioneering Partners, Glasgow Life will encourage their staff to mentor. A fabulous commitment. Glasgow Life has a huge workforce, and their employees have so many different skills and career paths. They work in sectors crossing libraries and galleries, to museums and sports facilities. Our young people will get access to loads more mentors that will instil inspiration and aspirations. For over 12 months, Glasgow Life have encouraged staff to mentor and support the programme’s young people, for one hour, every week in school. Volunteer mentors provide dedicated one-to-one support, guidance and encouragement.
Secondly, Glasgow Life will provide Talent Tasters. With such a variety of roles, YGT young people will have the opportunity to try out so many new career paths. Thanks to Glasgow Life, our young people now have an additional 19 employment opportunities to choose from in our revolutionary Talent Taster job experience programme. 4 of these opportunities have already been trialled out by 23 young people, with amazing feedback provided. These Tasters involved high quality, hands on experiences over half a shift of front line jobs, as well as middle and senior management perspectives of both the organisation and remit.
Not only are Glasgow Life providing Talent Tasters, they also support and run the best arts, culture and sports experiences the city has to offer. So YGT young people will have access to this incredible variety of opportunities as well. Tackling issues like self esteem and mental health, experiencing culture in their own city will be an amazing and vital opportunity for these young people.
“MCR Pathways have a rare combination of vision, empathy and rigor, which means that not only are we confident they are effective in improving the lives of young people, but that we learn a great deal from working with them.” Jill Miller, Director of Cultural Services, Glasgow Life.
Have a look at our recent blogs following our young people’s Tasters at Glasgow Life’s Riverside Museum as Gallery Assistants, and their time at The Royal Concert Hall as Stage Technicians!
Iain MacRitchie said: “This partnership is simply pioneering in every respect. Young people, Glasgow Life staff, mentors and schools – absolutely everyone is getting benefit from this phenomenal partnership. Young Glasgow Talent will make it’s mark on many deserving young people whilst impacting our city’s social and economic standing for many years to come. We are very grateful for the enthusiasm and support of all Glasgow Life staff that are committed to driving the programme and the huge benefits for our young people.”
Click here to read the full article as published by The Herald Scotland.
Right now is an important time for YGT. When schools return after summer we’ll have hundreds more young people that need a caring and dedicated mentor. Ready to support them every step of the way through school. Can you help them?
One hour a week and a willingness to put a young person first are all you need. You’ll make and experience a life-changing difference in helping a young person to find, grow and use their talents. MCR Pathways will provide all the training and support you need. For more information or to register, please Click Here , email info@mcrpathways.org or call us on 0141 221 6642. We can’t wait to hear from you!!
