Disadvantaged and care experienced young people in all Glasgow secondary schools will now be able to benefit from MCR. The pioneering and successful mentoring programme developed over the last decade by MCR Pathways and Glasgow City Council is now live across the city.
Our mentors support more than 700 young people, across 15 secondary schools, in their schools. Mentors come from all walks of life and are of all ages. Over the next 4 months the programme will roll-out to all 30 city secondaries.
Powerful statistics recently published in the Impact Report revealed that more secondary pupils than ever before are achieving better results in literacy and numeracy and staying on rates in this group of young people is at an all-time high. These statistics are reversing decades of poor national outcomes for young people in the care system, record numbers of Glasgow’s young people are progressing directly to college, university and employment.
Where it was 48.8% previously, for mentored young people it is now 81% Councillor Chris Cunningham, City Convener for Education, Skills & Early Years is delighted with the expansion into all secondary schools and said today:
“The partnership between MCR Pathways and the council over the last 10 years has had an incredible impact on the lives of mentored young people.
The fact that we can now take this successful model into the rest of our secondary schools and make a difference in the lives of every young person in need is great news for all involved – the schools and of course the young people. However, it does mean that our efforts to attract mentors to the programme is now crucial so as to meet the demand that we have identified across the city.”
Relationship mentoring in Glasgow schools is undoubtedly closing the attainment gap in the city and helping some of our most vulnerable pupils.
As Iain MacRitchie, Founder of MCR Pathways, explains:
“People make Glasgow and from every walk of life. This year’s People Make Glasgow Inspiring City Award for MCR was based on we the fantastic variety of mentors we have of all ages, professions, jobs and backgrounds. They all share the commitment to help a disadvantaged young person to find, grow and use their talent. We want to share the simple fact that mentoring relationships can have a profound impact on everyone involved. Anyone really can make and will themselves experience a life changing difference.”
Over 700 young people like Kate, and incredible MCR mentors, were the winners of this year’s People Make Glasgow award.
In January this year, Glasgow City Council also announced an ambitious target – to engage 10% of council employees as mentors.
Annemarie O’Donnell, Glasgow City Council Chief Executive, who announced the target, said today:
“The response from council staff to our mentor and talent taster appeal has been incredible. I was never in any doubt that our varied staff from all departments and services across the city would rise to the challenge. They’re finding out more information about how they can help this important project. Our staff will influence the lives of many young people across the city over the next few years. I respect them all for volunteering. However, now that we are expanding in to an additional 15 schools we need to encourage more and more people of all ages and all walks of life to mentor.”
As Iain MacRitchie concludes: “When one mentors, two lives are changed. I have learned so much from my mentee. I’m in awe of her resilience and determination given the challenges she has faced. Organisations are also benefiting hugely with staff developing new skills and growing in profound ways. People really do make Glasgow and the commitment from individuals is inspired and inspiring.
“An increasing number of Glasgow’s organisations are encourage and supporting their staff to mentor during their working week. It is a privilege to work with so many people so determined to help young people realise their full potential.
“As well as mentoring, our Talent Taster Programme is expanding and already revolutionising work experience for individuals and organisations alike. We will have a number of exciting announcements in the next few months as very significant plans coming to fruition.”
Our expansion into all 30 Glasgow secondaries means we have many more inspiring young people asking for MCR’s help. They need mentors to make a huge difference to their confidence, educational outcomes and future life chances. Can you help them? Find out more about becoming a mentor.
Mentor with MCR
Can your organisation help? To become involved in our Talent Taster programme, alongside our partners, simply GET INVOLVED!! We can’t wait to work with you! Help us offer deliver our young people a gateway to university, college or employment.
We’re always looking for new mentors to reach all the new young people who are coming on board. Help us spread the word by letting your friends and family know how worthwhile mentoring can be!
