We’re delighted to share another exciting milestone in MCR Pathways’ journey as our award-winning mentoring programme prepares to launch across the Scottish Borders for the first time.
From January 2027, young people across secondary schools and further education settings throughout the region will begin benefiting from the support of trusted adult volunteer mentors, thanks to a new partnership with Scottish Borders Council, Developing the Young Workforce Borders and Skills Development Scotland.
This expansion is about much more than opening in a new area. It represents another important step towards our strategic vision: ensuring every young person who would benefit from one has access to a trusted adult who can help them see their potential and find a path to a positive future. It also brings us closer to our long-term ambition of establishing a Trusted Adult Guarantee across Scotland.
Every new partnership reflects the collective efforts of colleagues from right across MCR Pathways. From partnership development and programme design to communications, fundraising, mentor recruitment, training and programme delivery, this achievement is the result of teams working together with a shared commitment to improving outcomes for young people.
Preparations are already well underway, with staff training beginning in September ahead of the official launch in January. Recruitment is also underway for new local roles that will support delivery across schools and colleges and help establish mentoring throughout the region.
Until everyone has someone
Reflecting on the new partnership, Natalie Smith, Head of Schools for the East and South of Scotland, said: “Every day we see the life-changing impact that personalised, relationship-based mentoring has on young people across Scotland. We’re delighted to be working alongside Scottish Borders Council, Developing the Young Workforce Borders and Skills Development Scotland to bring MCR Pathways to the Scottish Borders.
“Every mentoring relationship is unique because every young person is unique. By providing consistent encouragement and support, mentors help young people recognise their strengths, grow in confidence and build ambitions for the future. Those relationships transform the lives of young people—and they often transform mentors too.”
As we prepare for launch, we’ll also be inviting adults from communities across the Scottish Borders to become volunteer mentors. Every new mentor recruited will play an important role in helping local young people build confidence, develop aspirations and take positive next steps towards education, training and employment.
A huge thank you to everyone across MCR Pathways and our partner organisations whose hard work, collaboration and commitment have helped make this expansion possible. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues, mentors, partners and, most importantly, the young people who will soon become part of the MCR Pathways family in the Scottish Borders.