We are delighted to announce that the MCR Pathways Highlands and Islands team has been highly commended for the Encouraging Reciprocal Learning award at the annual Scottish Intergenerational Conference & Excellence Award Celebration.
The award recognises projects where younger and older generations successfully enrich each other’s lives through shared experiences. The celebration, held at the Glen Mhor Hotel in Inverness on Tuesday, 30th September, included a day of workshops focusing on intergenerational volunteering, learning opportunities, and climate action. It was truly an excellent day for all involved.
Launched in 2021, MCR Pathways’ programme is now delivered in 11 secondary schools across the Highlands and Islands. The programme matches volunteer mentors with young people for one hour a week to build confidence, instil belief, awaken ambitions, and expand their future horizons. Last academic year alone, over 180 mentoring pairs were meeting across the region.
Abby Lucas, Programme Manager for Highland and Western Isles, attended the event and spoke about the significance of the award: “It is super to receive this Highly Commended award on behalf of all our MCR mentors, YP and staff. It’s recognition of all the amazing reciprocal learning through shared life experiences and skills, that go both ways between mentors and the young people on our programme.
From the young person who taught his mentor to speed cube to the mentor who helped his young person achieve his drone flying license, and many more – we have so many incredible examples of younger and older generations building relationships around shared learning and understanding.”
The support our mentors provide truly makes a tangible difference to the young people in the Highlands and Islands. Our end-of-year survey for care-experienced young people highlighted major improvements:
– 95% of respondents said their mentor was a good role model
– 85% said mentoring helped instill self-belief
– 83% reported improved confidence and a better understanding of their talents and strengths.
The positive impact isn’t one-sided; mentoring also offers significant benefits for our volunteers:
– 92% found personal fulfilment in helping others through mentoring.
– 78% stated improved active listening skills, showcasing professional development through the weekly commitment
For too many young people in the Highlands and Islands, an unfair start in life for a young person can mean they lose their way for the rest of their lives. You can change that.
To learn more or to register as a mentor, please visit: mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor.
