Young Person Voice Project: Glasgow City
14 April 2026
During Care Experienced History Month, we are shining a light on our Young Person Voice Project (YPVP). Part of a wider range of features, this month is about amplifying the voices of Care Experienced young people supported through MCR Pathways’ programme, and there is no better way to celebrate than by showcasing youth leadership in action.
Since 2021, MCR Pathways has supported 4,525 Care Experienced young people across Scotland and England. This commitment is rooted in “Collaborative Power”, the fourth pillar of our Bridge the Gap Strategic Plan 2025-2028. Through this pillar, we aim to ensure that 90% of our key strategic and operational decisions are informed by the direct input of our mentors and young people.
The YPVP is at the heart of this pillar; it is a young person-led initiative designed to put the power back into the hands of young people. By providing the tools to manage budgets, to participate and deliver their own community projects, we see them transition from participants to pioneers. Today, we spotlight the YPVP in Glasgow City.
The STEM Club at Bellahouston Academy
Young people at Bellahouston Academy initiated a volunteer-led STEM Lunchtime Club to serve their school community and have used funds to buy a 3D printer. Their primary motivation grew from recognising the school’s diverse ethnicities and the desire to actively promote STEM careers among ethnic minority pupils and girls.
This is so important for young people, as of 2026, women represent only 35% of STEM graduates. By running this club, these students are not only addressing issues of equity and representation but are also developing crucial leadership skills. They are taking ownership of a school programme, mentoring their peers, and gaining experience in organisation and communication—all while demonstrating to others the accessibility and excitement of future technical pathways.
“It is really fun to decide what we are doing with the money, I have never been able to do something like this where we actually have money to spend.”
Young Person - Glasgow City
Connecting Generations and Tackling Hunger at Rosshall Academy
Rosshall Academy has two cohorts of young people taking part. The first cohort is designing a project to spend time in their local care home; they have had to research the home, contact the staff, and arrange the visit, as well as design an activity to do with elderly residents.
The second group has decided to do a food bank drive, especially at this time of year. They have designed posters to put around their school and young people have also made some virtual art to put in the school bulletin to encourage donations. They have decided their excursion will be a trip to the Christmas Markets in Glasgow.
Breaking the Stigma at Drumchapel High School
The young people at Drumchapel High School have decided to throw a fun day at a local day centre for adults with additional support needs: Antonine Court.
They chose to do this because they wanted to give back to local people in their community. Volunteering with adults with learning disabilities is an amazing opportunity because it can break stigma and support young people to develop compassion and understanding of people with differences. The young people are throwing a fun day on 18th December at Antonine which will involve a talent show, activity tables, and food.
Leading Local Change at Whitehill Secondary School and Eastbank Academy
Young people from Whitehill Secondary School demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by independently organising a successful community litter pick over several weeks.
They took full responsibility for the project, coordinating peers, delegating tasks, mapping out cleaning zones, and managing communications. Their efforts not only resulted in a noticeably cleaner local environment but also built their skills in project management, leadership, and communication.
Young people from Eastbank Academy successfully administered a huge litter-picking project within their community, as it is a massive issue in this particular area of Glasgow. As a reward for their hard work and as part of the new excursion option, they will be visiting Pinkston Sports in Sighthill. They are also committed to continuing their engagement through summer sessions, where they will stay connected.
A Pathways Coordinator in Glasgow City noted the long-term benefits of the Young Person Voice Projects: “Opportunities to manage and volunteer in projects like the Young Person Voice Programme are massively beneficial to young people. This opportunity tasks young people with delegating tasks, communicating clearly, and motivating others. These are essential leadership skills that are valuable in school, work, and life. Young people thrive with the opportunity to manage and spend a specific budget.”
“The project management experience gained mirrors the workplace. This gives them a head start in understanding how collaboration, planning, and responsibility work in adult environments. I have seen all of their confidence grow whilst moving through the stages of the YPVP and it is really rewarding for the young people.”
Become a Volunteer Mentor during Care Experienced History Month
You can help more young people in Glasgow amplify their voice. By becoming a mentor for just one hour a week, you provide the steady support they need to lead.
Find out more: mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor
