Young people, mentors and partners came together at Forth Valley College’s Alloa Campus to celebrate the life-changing impact of mentoring as students transition from school into further education.

The special event welcomed Scottish Government Permanent Secretary Joe Griffin alongside Forth Valley College Principal Kenny MacInnes and representatives from education, local government and the third sector. Together, they heard first-hand from young people and volunteer mentors whose stories demonstrated the difference that one trusted adult can make.

Over the past academic year, MCR Pathways and Forth Valley College have supported 27 students through mentoring, with volunteer mentors giving more than 220 hours of their time to help young people successfully navigate the move from school to college.

The event highlighted how long-term, trusted adult relationships help young people build confidence, overcome challenges and create positive futures beyond school.

Supporting Young People Beyond School

Forth Valley College Principal Kenny MacInnes reflected on the success of the partnership and the importance of continuing support beyond the school gates.

“Moving from school into college is a big step. For many young people it’s exciting, but it can also bring new challenges and uncertainties. What we’ve seen through MCR Pathways is just how valuable it can be for students to have someone in their corner as they navigate that transition.

“This first year of mentoring at Forth Valley College has been a real success. Not only have we supported young people making the move from school to college, but we’ve also seen students already studying at college benefit from mentoring relationships. That tells us something important – the need for support doesn’t stop when a young person leaves school.”

The Power of a Trusted Adult

Sharon McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer of MCR Pathways, thanked everyone involved and spoke about the transformational role mentors play.

“The event was incredibly moving and inspiring. Each story clearly demonstrated the transformational difference mentoring makes in supporting young people as they transition from school to college.

“Mentors, who dedicate an hour each week despite their many other commitments, make MCR Pathways what it is – a bridge to a world of opportunities for young people. The power of having one trusted adult unconditionally in your corner, someone who consistently shows up, no matter what, is truly transformational and life-changing.”

“I Don’t Think I’d Be Where I Am Today”

One student shared just how significant mentoring had been in their own journey.

“I think mentoring is great for so many reasons. It really helps people who struggle in different aspects of their lives. For me, that was school, and I honestly don’t think I would be where I am today without mentoring.”

Their experience reflects what thousands of young people tell us each year. MCR Pathways’ latest survey found:

• 99% of mentored young people said their mentor was a positive role model.
• 96% said mentoring improved their confidence.
• 95% said mentoring helped them with goal setting.

Rewarding for Mentors Too

The event also celebrated the incredible commitment of volunteer mentors, whose support makes the programme possible.

Fiona, a mentor at Forth Valley College, said:

“The event was a wonderful chance to reflect on the impact mentoring has had on both my mentee and me. It was also an opportunity to meet other inspiring young people and their mentors and hear how they are thriving at college. I’m really proud of what my mentee is achieving and of the small part I’ve played in supporting her journey.”

Become a volunteer mentor in Forth Valley

Mentoring with MCR Pathways requires just one hour a week, but the impact can last a lifetime.

Volunteer mentors are aged 21 or over and come from all walks of life. No previous mentoring experience or formal qualifications are required – just the commitment to be a consistent, trusted adult in a young person’s life.

 

Could you give just one hour a week to help a young person build confidence, broaden their horizons and realise their potential?

Find out more about becoming an MCR Pathways mentor at: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor