MCR Pathways programme launches in first English Schools

Hertfordshire County Council and award-winning charity MCR Pathways have joined forces to provide a life-changing mentoring programme to the first nine schools in England.

MCR Pathways was commissioned by the Council’s Education and Children’s Services to support young people who are care-experienced or have experienced disadvantage, with the Young Herts Talent programme. Young people are matched with a volunteer mentor to help them build confidence, overcome challenges and embark on a positive future.

At the core of MCR’s model are weekly mentoring sessions between a young person and their mentor, who commits an hour of their time to meet in school each week. Mentors are fully trained and give their time to listen and encourage a young person.

Right now MCR Pathways is looking for the first 200 volunteer mentors to get involved and help reach young people throughout the county. The programme is particularly looking for people in Tring, Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Hertford, Stevenage and surrounding areas who could commit around one hour a week during the school year.

Fay Gingell, CEO of MCR Pathways, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be working in Hertfordshire. Our programme was first established in 2007 in Glasgow and has been expanding across Scotland for some time, but this move into English schools is a huge moment for us.

“We are keen to get started and have already been looking for mentors to help us hit the ground running. Our volunteers come from all walks of life; anyone can be a mentor, they just need an hour a week and the desire to make a difference. Mentors also gain massively from the experience for relatively little time commitment.

“This partnership with the schools and local authority will make a huge difference to so many young people, directing vital support to those who need it most.”

The Young Herts Talent programme has launched in: The Nobel School, Goffs Academy, Goffs-Churchgate Academy, Barnwell Upper School, Barclay Academy, The Thomas Alleyne Academy, Marriotts School, Simon Balle All-Through School and Tring School.

The charity’s impact is measured by young people’s rates of staying-on for year 11 and 12, attainment and progression to positive destinations. For more information in becoming a mentor, visit www.mcrpathways.org or email hertfordshire@mcrpathways.org.

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