Young Person Voice Project: Inverclyde, Argyll & Bute, North Ayrshire, and South Lanarkshire
17 April 2026
As we continue celebrating Care Experienced History Month, we are shining a spotlight on the Young Person Voice Project (YPVP). This initiative empowers young people to lead change, manage budgets, and address local needs head-on. From Argyll & Bute to South Lanarkshire, our young people are using their platforms to bridge gaps, protect the environment, and support their communities.
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.
Inverclyde
Sports and Strategy at Inverclyde Academy
The young people at Inverclyde Academy took the initiative to volunteer as organisers for both a basketball and a chess tournament. Aimed at engaging younger pupils, the project was designed to promote collaboration and build confidence across the school. The organisers demonstrated professional leadership by presenting their proposal to the Headteacher, explaining the benefits for the wider school community. The tournaments were a resounding success, and in a thoughtful legacy move, all the chessboards were donated to the school library so that all pupils could enjoy the game for years to come.
Argyll & Bute
Inspiring the Next Generation at Hermitage Academy
Young people at Hermitage Academy decided to focus their efforts on supporting a local feeder primary school. They have taken the lead in organising and delivering paired reading sessions and team-building activities for the primary pupils. By stepping up as mentors, these students are demonstrating a strong desire to positively influence younger children and invest in the future of their local community.
North Ayrshire
Trash to Treasure at Garnock Community Campus
Young people at Garnock Community Campus launched their “Trash to Treasure” initiative, a project rooted in environmental stewardship. After organising a large-scale community litter pick, the group used their leadership skills to oversee the creative process of transforming the collected waste into a unique, durable sign for the school. This project was a brilliant exercise in teamwork and innovation, turning a community problem into a piece of art that represents their commitment to a greener school environment.
Helping Primary Schools’ Young People Transition at Irvine Royal Academy
At Irvine Royal Academy, S2 pupils took the lead in supporting the next generation of students. The group visited local catchment primary schools to deliver team-building sessions for P6 and P7 pupils. These young leaders were responsible for designing the activities and answering questions about the transition to secondary school, drawing on their own experiences to reassure younger children. With dedicated planning sessions and multiple school visits, they demonstrated the organisational skills and empathy required to be effective community mentors.
South Lanarkshire
Community Food Drive at Larkhall Academy
The young people at Larkhall Academy successfully planned and executed a community food drive, demonstrating exceptional initiative and project management skills. This impactful project involved several key phases:
Planning and Promotion
Young People took the lead in creating effective posters and utilising various communication channels to drive awareness and encourage food donations from the school and local community.
Coordination and Logistics
The team managed all logistical aspects, including communicating with the local food bank to coordinate efforts and ensure the donated items met current needs.
Execution and Delivery
Following a successful collection period, the young people oversaw the sorting and delivery of the collected food items directly to the local food bank, successfully completing the project from start to finish.
This initiative not only provided essential support to members of the community but also empowered the young people with valuable skills in organisation, communication, and leadership.
Become a Trusted Adult Volunteer Mentor
The dedication shown by the young people in South Lanarkshire, North Ayrshire, Argyll & Bute and Inverclyde is a testament to what can be achieved with the right support.
By becoming a Trusted Adult Volunteer Mentor for just one hour a week, you can encourage a young person to find their voice and lead. Sign up today: mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor
