With pupils returning to schools, MCR Pathways are looking to recruit more volunteer mentors to work with young people throughout Scotland.
Adapting to the ‘New Normal’, MCR is taking an innovative approach to mentor recruitment: Instead of the usual face-to-face recruitment process, the MCR team are now using video webinars to connect with interested potential mentors. One example of this was a recent session with University of Glasgow, when over 40 Uni staff tuned in to a live interactive seminar outlining how they could become part of the MCR mentoring community.
Debby Barry, Head of Mentoring Services at MCR Pathways, led the session and explained:
“We recently ‘met’ over 40 staff from The University of Glasgow and presented our video outlining the programme and why and where we are looking for more mentors, in around 30 minutes. I was delighted with how well it was received and relieved that we can still connect with new organisations and answer people’s questions on mentoring.”
Monique Campbell, Community Engagement Officer from The University of Glasgow said:
“My colleague highlighted the fantastic work of the MCR Pathways mentoring programme and how much she was enjoying mentoring a young person. Hearing from Debby and the team, we were really impressed by the stories and statistics but also how much the mentor themselves gains from the experience. We are keen to introduce MCR to University staff as this is exactly the kind of programme we can support during the working week and give back to local communities.”
Commenting Iain MacRitchie, founder of MCR Pathways, said:
“The pandemic has created an uncertain future for thousands of young people across Scotland and now, more than ever, we need mentors to help young people fulfil their potential.
“We are looking for mentors throughout Scotland and would love to hear from any organisations who would be interested in supporting their people to sign up. MCR Pathways have seen a growing number of organisations who recognise the benefit not only in working with their local communities, but in the positive changes they see and hear from staff.”
Individuals are also welcome to sign up and will be taken through the process step-by-step online.
For more information on becoming a mentor, visit www.mcrpathways.org or email mentor.services@mcrpathways.org to discuss the benefits for organisations.
