Meet the Team Bringing MCR Pathways to the Scottish Borders | Lynn Bellis
16 September 2026
Young people across the Scottish Borders will soon have access to trusted adult mentors as award-winning mentoring charity MCR Pathways prepares to launch its mentoring programme across the region for the first time.
Delivered in partnership with Scottish Borders Council, Developing the Young Workforce Borders, and Skills Development Scotland, the programme will be introduced across secondary schools and further education settings, creating a consistent network of volunteer mentors who help young people overcome unique challenges, recognise their strengths, and realise their full potential.
Having recently started her role as the Mentor Services Coordinator for the region, we sat down with Lynn to learn more about her background, her passion for supporting young people, and what the future holds for the region through the power of mentoring.
Let’s get to Know Lynn
Q: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be—and why? A: Optimistic, kind, and fun. These three words sum me up: I am always looking for positive outcomes, I care deeply about the wellbeing of others, and I have a quirky sense of humour. I love finding the funnies where I can.
Q: What does the word ‘mentoring’ mean to you? A: Helping a person to reach their potential.
Q: Have you ever had someone in your life who really stood in your corner—someone who believed in you, encouraged you, or helped you see what you were capable of? What difference did that make to you? A: My grandmother gave me confidence and the belief that I could achieve anything if I put my mind to it.
Q: What inspired you to apply for the role with MCR Pathways? A: I wanted to support volunteer mentors who in turn would support young people.
Q: Tell us about the knowledge, skills, and experiences you’re bringing to the role—and how you think they’ll help you make a difference in the Scottish Borders. A: I’m an experienced manager of volunteers and know how to work well with them. I am a qualified counsellor with experience of working with young people and adults, and I understand how to support others. The combination of the two puts me in a good position to help volunteer mentors with young people.
Settling in to the role
Q: You’re only two weeks into the role, but how are you finding things so far? What’s stood out to you about MCR Pathways and the people you’ve met? A: I’m enjoying learning the processes and meeting other motivated people on the MCR Pathways team. What has stood out is the enthusiasm for the jobs everyone does and how MCR Pathways can make a real difference.
Bringing MCR Pathways to the Scottish Borders
Q: MCR Pathways is preparing to launch its award-winning mentoring programme in the Scottish Borders for the first time. Where do things stand at the moment when it comes to getting the programme up and running? A: The schools are engaged with us, we are recruiting mentors as we speak, and we are in a good position to start the programme in January.
Q: What are some of the things you’re particularly looking forward to as the programme begins to take shape across the Scottish Borders? A: Seeing mentor relationships start to take shape and watching the volunteers and mentees begin to bring the best out of each other.
Q: What would you say to adults across the Scottish Borders who might be considering becoming a volunteer mentor with MCR Pathways? Why should they get involved? A: If you can spare an hour a week to help a young person, go for it. You can help make such a positive difference to someone else’s life and gain a lot of satisfaction in watching someone develop.
Q: What would success look like for you, and for the Scottish Borders, 12 months from now? A: Recruited mentors to match with all of the mentees. Young people enjoy time with their mentors, and schools and mentors experiencing the benefits of good relationships. Onwards and upwards!
MCR Pathways mentoring programme will operate in the following secondary schools from January 2027:
- Berwickshire High School
- Selkirk High School
- Galashiels Academy
- Earlston High School
- Eyemouth High School
- Hawick High School
- Jedburgh Grammar Campus,
- Kelso High School
- Peebles High School.
The programme will also run at Scottish Borders College Tweedbank, Galashiels, and Newton St Boswells campuses, to support young people make the transition from the classroom to campus, and progress confidently to achieving qualifications.
Here’s how you can support MCR Pathways as it expands into the Scottish Borders.
- Become a volunteer mentor: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/
- Become a partner: https://mcrpathways.org/support-us/
- Support our influencing and policy work: https://mcrpathways.org/policy-and-influencing/
Alternatively, contact Lynn directly: lynn.bellis@mcrpathways.org
