“The biggest thing for me was seeing that Zoe had managed to thrive in the arts while being from here.”

Sometimes, the person who makes the biggest difference is someone who already understands the streets you come from.

For Robbie, being matched with a mentor through MCR Pathways has been about far more than guidance. It has been about finding someone who understands where he’s come from, shares his passion for the arts, and believes in where he’s capable of going.

Growing up in the West end of Newcastle, Robbie knows the challenges that can shape a young person’s confidence and aspirations. 

When he was introduced to Zoe through the mentoring programme at Excelsior Academy, he met someone whose story felt familiar. Zoe had grown up in the same community, walked the same streets and understood many of the experiences that had shaped his own journey.

That shared understanding helped build trust from the very beginning.

Watch Robbie’s video below

Until everyone has someone.

Their conversations quickly moved beyond day-to-day school life to focus on Robbie’s ambitions. Both passionate about the arts, they found common ground in creativity, opening up honest conversations about careers, opportunities and the future.

For Robbie, who dreams of building a career in the creative industries, having a mentor who has already forged a successful path in the sector has been transformative. Zoe has been able to share her own experiences, offer practical advice and provide reassurance that his ambitions are not only valid, but achievable.

“I think all these kids need someone to have absolute faith in them, and they all need to realise that they’re completely worthwhile and brilliant in themselves.”

More importantly, she’s shown Robbie that where you grow up doesn’t have to define where you end up.

Watch Zoe’s video below

Reflecting on his mentoring journey, Robbie says the biggest difference has been having someone who truly understands him.

“Seeing the things Zoe has achieved, and what she’s shown me can be achieved, has made me a lot less hopeless.”

For Zoe, mentoring is about much more than sharing career advice. It’s about helping a young person recognise their own potential and giving them the confidence to take the next step.

“I think anyone with enough determination can create something from that, or be brave enough to carve out their own path. With the right support and people around them saying, ‘you should definitely do that,’ I think he’ll do something exceptional.”

Together, Robbie and Zoe’s story shows the power of shared experience. Sometimes the most powerful message a young person can hear isn’t simply ‘you can do it’, but seeing a trusted adult show what’s possible through their own example.

Could you give just an hour to guide a local young person on their path to a positive future at Excelsior Academy in Newcastle?

Robbie’s story is just one example of what can happen when a young person has a consistent, trusted adult in their corner.

We’re looking for more volunteer mentors across Newcastle who believe in the potential of local young people. Could you give just one hour a week to help a young person build confidence, broaden their horizons, and take their next step towards a positive future?

No previous mentoring experience is needed — just the willingness to listen, encourage, and show up. Full training and support is provided.

Sat is Programme Manager for MCR Pathways in the North East of England.

“What we’ve noticed with young people is that their attendance improves. We notice that they engage in school more, they feel more comfortable sharing, and they’re more reflective about themselves.”

Watch Sat’s video below.

By sharing just one hour a week, you can help shape a bright, positive future in your community.

For further information, please visit: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/