Throughout Young Glasgow Talent’s #HelpingHands campaign, we’ve shared the amazing stories of our inspiring young people, incredible mentors and motivated partners.
Our stories have inspired many more Glaswegians to support our city’s most disadvantaged young people. With your help, they’ll get the support they need while at secondary school. Can you offer just one hour a week? Can you provide a listening and supportive ear?
Today, we’ll hear from the STV Appeal. They are passionate supporters of MCR Pathways and now help fund vital opportunities for our city’s care-experienced young people.
YGT young people, mentors and staff met the STV Appeal at St Roch’s Secondary on 31st January, as the organisation made a £100,000 donation to the programme. Discussing with Rob Woodward, STV CEO and trustee of the STV Children’s Appeal, the difference that the mentoring experience has made to them.
“My mentor is always there to support me. She always knows how to help me. She makes me laugh all the time”
“My mentor is funny and interesting. They’re more like a friend”
We were also speaking with the mentors who have made such a difference. Learning more about why they decided to go above and beyond for the youngsters in our city that need and deserve our help.
“I got into mentoring because I was one of these kids when I was at school. I listen to what my young person is interested in”
The Deputy Headteacher of Saint Roch’s, Tommy Donnelly, also spoke about the benefits of the programme from a school’s perspective. Emphasising their school motto, which is to help others, he has been there as volunteers have come to help their pupils.
“MCR Pathways has been transformational for some of our young people”
Rob Woodward, STV plc CEO and Trustee of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “Thanks to everyone who fundraised and donated to the STV Children’s Appeal last year we are able to support vital projects like MCR Pathways, a fantastic initiative which brings together care experienced young people with mentors for support and positive influence.
Today’s visit has been a great opportunity to find out more about the charity and its ambitious plans to improve the future of vulnerable young people. The STV Children’s Appeal was established to make a difference in the lives of children and young people across Scotland, and MCR Pathways is exactly the kind of project we want to support.”
Sir Tom Hunter, trustee of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “It’s projects like MCR Pathways that can make the world of a difference to those young people most in need. From the bottom of my heart I thank everyone who raised money for the STV Children’s Appeal and can again confirm to every last one of you that every pound you gave is being invested in projects like MCR Pathways to the benefit of Scotland’s young people. You raise a pound we give a pound, simple.”
Lorraine Kelly, presenter and STV Children’s Appeal trustee, has announced the STV Children’s Appeal 2016 has raised £2,568,369 for children and young people living in poverty in Scotland, with an exciting line-up of fundraising activities planned for 2017.
Huge thanks to the STV Appeal for their vital support of our programme.
You can read more coverage of the YGT and STV Appeal partnership here.
We have more young people signing up for Young Glasgow Talent’s help. They need mentors to make a huge difference to their confidence, educational outcomes and future life chances. Can you help them? Find out more about becoming a mentor.
Can your organisation help? To become involved in our Talent Taster programme, alongside our partners such as City Building, The Herald and Wheatley Group, get involved.
We’re always looking for new mentors to reach all the new young people who are coming on board with the programme. Help us spread the word by letting your friends and family know how worthwhile mentoring can be!
