For Paul Gilfillan, mentoring in his local community of Kirkcaldy is about giving something back. 

A lifelong Kirkcaldy resident, Paul has built a successful career spanning accounting, consulting and human resources, working with organisations including the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and the National Galleries of Scotland. Now semi-retired, he combines his creative interests as a jeweller and stained-glass artist with studying counselling at Fife College.

Having previously served on Fife Children’s Panel and spent many years coaching and mentoring through his professional roles, Paul was drawn to MCR Pathways by the opportunity to support young people to realise their potential. Since becoming a volunteer mentor, he has seen first-hand the difference that one trusted adult can make in a young person’s life.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m 61, married with three adult children and live in Kirkcaldy. My background is in accounting, consulting and a long career in human resources, working in organisations as diverse as the MOD, RBS and the National Galleries of Scotland.

I’m now semi-retired, work as a small-time jeweller and stained-glass artist, and have recently completed an HNC in Counselling at Fife College. I’ll be returning after the summer to study for my HND.

What motivated you to become a volunteer mentor with MCR Pathways?

While working in HR, I became a member of Fife Children’s Panel because I was interested in supporting young people and firmly believe in giving something back to the community.

When work commitments meant I had to step away from that role, I missed the opportunity to help young people be the best they could be. Mentoring had always been something I enjoyed through my HR career, so when I came across MCR Pathways, I applied straight away.

What does mentoring mean to you?

Simply put, mentoring is a relationship where someone with experience helps someone with less experience build confidence and develop as a person.

Through MCR Pathways, that also includes supporting young people with their learning and helping them navigate school and future opportunities.

How did you build a connection with your young person?

MCR Pathways does a great job of matching mentors and young people based on shared interests or experiences.

My mentee and I bonded over things like football, chess and even South Park. My experience with Children’s Panel also helped me understand some of the challenges he was facing and support him in making sense of them.

What positive changes have you seen in your young person?

The changes can be quite dramatic.

As mentors, we’re part of a wider team that supports the young person’s best interests, but I’ve seen improvements in school attendance, greater participation in mainstream classes and recognition at school prizegiving events.

I’ve also watched his confidence, maturity and sense of humour grow. Most importantly, I’ve seen him learn to trust someone new and build a relationship that has benefited both of us.

What are your hopes for your young person’s future?

He’s just left school after fifth year and will be heading to college after the summer.

I hope he continues to grow, develop and fulfil his potential. More importantly than anything else, I hope he’s happy and successful in whatever path he chooses.

What advice would you give your young person as he takes his next steps?

Try to remember the lessons you’ve learned and the experiences you’ve had, both good and bad.

Take the essence of those experiences with you into whatever comes next. And remember that people believe in you.

How has mentoring impacted you personally?

For me, it’s all about community.

I’ve been fortunate to have a good career, retire relatively early and have the freedom to choose how I spend my time. I’m very aware that not everyone has those opportunities, so mentoring is my way of giving something back.

To me, that’s what a successful society should do.

What qualities do mentors bring to MCR Pathways?

Mentors provide stability, consistency, objectivity, and reliability.

You’re not the school, social work or a family member. You’re a trusted, supportive adult. Sometimes you’re providing things that may be missing elsewhere in a young person’s life, and that’s incredibly valuable.

What would you say to someone considering becoming a mentor?

I’d ask: why haven’t you applied yet?

Any questions or concerns you have will be answered, and once you join, you’ll find an incredibly supportive network around you. You’ll quickly realise you’re part of a team making a genuine difference to a young person who needs that extra support.

It’s a great place to be.

What makes you proud of your community?

I’m a Kirkcaldy boy.

Like many former industrial towns, Kirkcaldy has faced economic challenges and significant change. But there’s a real sense of determination within the community. People are working hard to shape a positive future and create new opportunities.

I’m proud to be part of that. And I love the Rovers!

 

Right now, MCR Pathways urgently needs more volunteer mentors, like Paul, to come forward across Fife.

We’re looking for adults from all walks of life, backgrounds, careers and experiences to spend just one hour a week supporting a young person. You don’t need specialist qualifications – just the willingness to listen, encourage and be there consistently.

Mentors are needed across Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Cupar, Levenmouth and Cowdenbeath.

By becoming a mentor, you could help a young person build confidence, develop aspirations and realise their potential – while gaining a rewarding experience yourself.

If you’ve ever thought about giving something back to your community, now is the perfect time to get involved.

 

Learn more: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/