Life-changing mentoring in the West of Scotland recognised as Volunteers’ Week celebrations continue, with volunteer mentor Daniel Rimmer also nominated as regional Volunteer of the Year.
We’re proud to share that MCR Pathways has been named a finalist for Volunteer Organisation of the Year at the Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) Awards.
This recognition comes as we prepare to celebrate the awards ceremony tomorrow during Volunteers’ Week 2025; a fitting time to highlight the passion, commitment and impact of our volunteer mentors across the region.
Since launching in Argyll and Bute just two years ago, our volunteer mentors have provided more than 1,600 volunteer hours of one-to-one support, helping to transform the lives of over 200 young people.
Mentors meet with a young person for just one hour each week in school near them during term time. With their encouragement, and the guidance of our in-school Pathways Coordinators, young people begin to believe in themselves, grow in confidence and build a foundation for a brighter future.
The impact of mentoring in Argyll and Bute speaks for itself:
- 100% of mentored leavers achieved key academic qualifications
- 87% stayed in school longer
- 75% progressed to a positive post-school destination, compared to just 47% of non-mentored peers
- 100% of mentored leavers moved on to college, university, apprenticeships or employment
In 2023/24 alone, a total of 212 young people were mentored across Oban High School, Dunoon Grammar, Hermitage Academy and Rothesay Academy. That’s a 28% increase on the previous year and a reflection of how our programme continues to grow.
Our mentors tell us the experience is just as rewarding for them. 93% say mentoring brings personal fulfilment, and 72% have seen personal or professional growth through their involvement. Whether attending training, taking part in community events or supporting school careers activities, our mentors are part of a supportive and inspiring network.
Laura Campbell, West Mentor Services and Partnerships Manager, said: “We are incredibly proud to be named a finalist for the Volunteer Organisation of the Year. In just two years across Argyll and Bute, our mentors have dedicated over 1600 hours of 1:1 support, providing extra stability and support to more than 200 young people. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our mentors and the passion of our Pathways Coordinators. Keep your fingers crossed for us!”
From weekly wins to milestone achievements, our mentoring programme continues to grow in strength and impact. We’re honoured to be recognised by Argyll and Bute TSI and so proud of everyone who makes this life-changing support possible.
As well as being named a finalist organisation, we’re also incredibly proud to share that one of our mentors, Daniel Rimmer, has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year for the Oban and Lorne area. Daniel was Oban High School’s very first MCR mentor match and has supported his mentee with care and consistency for the past 20 months, meeting every week without fail.
Emma, the school’s Pathways Coordinator, said: “Daniel was Oban High School’s first ever mentor to be matched and to date has met his young person 61 times since in the last 20 months. The young person who he supports is Care Experienced and can find navigating school and life very challenging.
Daniel is incredibly empathetic, understanding and non-judgemental, which is exactly what we ask for in our mentors. He has consistently shown up week after week and has been fundamental in supporting his mentee.
Daniel and his mentee are exactly what this programme is about. It is heart-warming to see how much their relationship has grown over time and to see how much Daniel means to his mentee who doesn’t let a lot of people into his circle of trust.”
We’ll be sharing more about Daniel’s inspiring mentoring journey ahead of the awards ceremony tomorrow at Rosslea Hall Hotel, Helensburgh.
If you’re thinking about becoming a mentor, now is the perfect time. Visit mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor to learn more.
