“I’m 27 years old and I’ve mentored with MCR Pathways for about 4 years. When I started with MCR Pathways I was working in a bank and now I’m an Early Years Practitioner. A significant obstacle for me has been that I’ve struggled with anxiety for years. Becoming interested in spirituality has helped a lot with this. It reminds you to stay in the present moment and that we are not our thoughts, we are the ones observing them. This helps me in my daily life. 

My initial worries about becoming a mentor were that me and the young person wouldn’t have things to talk about and I was concerned they may not want to open up to me or would feel awkward. I also had concerns thinking how will I know if I’m doing enough and having an impact. I decided to become a volunteer mentor because I wanted to help someone in some way and give back through volunteering. I was looking for more experience working with young people and MCR Pathways seemed like the perfect fit. I enjoy making my mentee feel seen, heard and valued, as well as feeling like I’m making a real difference just by being there.

There have been lots of positives from my experience of volunteering as a mentor. It’s given me so much more confidence. I’ve been able to see my mentee go from being shy and unsure to now about to start university with a great group of friends and social life. I’ve been able to witness my mentee’s achievements and even attended award ceremonies for these. My mentee has gained more self-belief and resilience through having someone to talk to who believes in them and supports them.

All you need is to be a good listener and that drive to make a difference in someone’s life. It’s only an hour each week and makes the biggest difference. When we help others we help ourselves. We don’t know what young people have going on at home or in their personal life, so it can have the biggest impact on that young person to know there’s someone on their side, supporting them and seeing the potential in them.”

“I have been working full-time since I was 16 years old, and I’ve been an active adult learner since leaving school. Currently, I am employed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Coming from a small family, I benefited from the support of community members who ran various clubs and activities, which I took full advantage of.

As a school leaver, I had to enter the workforce immediately instead of pursuing further education. This experience exposed me to the world of work and life beyond my community. Early in my career, I was recognised for my potential and encouraged by those who saw it. My friends’ mothers also played a vital role, nurturing me outside my family. A significant influence was my grandmother, who passed away suddenly when I was 17. Her grounding presence and care left a lasting impact on me.

As an adult, I’ve worked hard to overcome self-criticism and self-esteem issues, despite facing significant challenges in my career and family life. Professional advice has helped me address these issues and recognise that my negative experiences were overshadowing my positive achievements. When I first considered becoming a mentor, I worried about the time commitment and my ability to balance mentoring with my workload. However, my background as a business mentor and coordinator for Modern Apprenticeships equipped me with the skills needed to help young people navigate their first steps into the world of work. These roles highlighted the importance of constructive discussions and problem solving.

What I enjoy most about being a mentor is the learning that goes both ways. I always learn something new from our meetings, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences as well. Having a laugh with my mentee is another highlight, and I often feel energised and glad after our meetings. I’ve seen my mentee understand herself better as she explains things to me, becoming more self-aware. In a short period, her maturity has grown, and she has become more attentive and less easily distracted compared to our initial meetings.

To someone unsure about becoming a mentor because of their age, I would say that communities need a mix of people to engage with each other, bringing all ages together to develop a deeper understanding across generations. Everyone has something to contribute, regardless of their age. At MCR Pathways, there is an experienced team to support you and plenty of resources to help you understand your feelings and prepare for the role. Once you get started, you will wonder why you didn’t begin sooner.”

“My journey began with a deep interest in journalism, which I studied in college and university before working for four years in the communications team at a European cybersecurity firm. However, I took a leap of faith to become self-employed, and now, I run a small business creating content for tabletop role-playing games. It’s a dream job, blending my passion with my career.

Several experiences have shaped who I am today. When I was 10, I told my older brother, who was my role model, that I wanted to be an actor. His supportive response—“I’m pretty sure if you really want to do something, you’ll make a success of it,” – gave me a strong sense of possibility and self-belief. A third pivotal moment was during the 2014 Commonwealth Games when I interviewed young people from deprived backgrounds for a college project. One young man’s resilience, despite his hardships, left me deeply aware of how fortunate I was in my own life.

In primary school, a teacher discovered I had filled my jotter with a fantasy story inspired by Lord of the Rings. Instead of reprimanding me, he encouraged me to read it to the class. Young people need someone to listen and encourage them, just like I did when I was younger. This positive reinforcement of my creative interests was pivotal in guiding me towards a career in writing and content creation.

Before becoming a mentor, I was worried that I was too young. In my mind, mentors were older and more experienced, not 28-year-olds who play Dungeons and Dragons. However, I soon realised that mentoring is less about age or experience and more about listening and engaging with the young person.

The most rewarding aspect has been witnessing the transformation in my mentee. For instance, he started off quiet and withdrawn and didn’t make much eye contact. A year later, I saw him become confident, outgoing, and more optimistic about his future. Observing this growth in real time has been incredibly fulfilling.

It really doesn’t matter how much or little experience you’ve had in life. The only skill you need for mentoring is empathy. It’s not about having the perfect background but about caring and being patient. Mentoring gives you a chance to be a positive force in someone’s life, and while it’s only an hour a week for you, it could make a much bigger difference than you realise.”

“I’m 33 years old and a mum to a teenager. I have worked in offices since leaving college doing administrative work, but as my disability has progressed I now no longer work. I volunteer with MCR Pathways and also a charity called Shout where I am trained to listen and offer support to people in times of crisis. I was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called Friedreich’s Ataxia when I was 19 and I feel this has really shaped who I am as a person today. As it’s a progressive disease, I’ve had to adapt to living with these disabilities.

I feel my life has been a bit of a roller coaster so far with lots of ups and downs: my parents divorced when I was 12, I was diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, I was made redundant from jobs and I’ve had my own mental health struggles. However, all of this has made me who I am. I definitely think having a mentor would’ve helped me when I was younger. I think having an adult to share their life experiences with me and provide guidance would’ve had such a positive impact on me and helped me to reach my full potential!

I was initially concerned about how using a wheelchair would impact my journey. I was worried about how I would be perceived by the young people. I have since realised that my disability isn’t a barrier to mentoring, if anything it has made me feel more confident in speaking about it. It was my mum that actually recommended that I apply to be a volunteer mentor with MCR Pathways. What I enjoy most about being a mentor is spending time with the young person and learning about each other. It makes me feel proud that I’m helping someone to be the best version of themselves. My mentee has taught me a lot about teenagers today which has been helpful for my own family and my confidence in general has increased. My mentee enjoys my company and having a consistent person in their life who they can speak to about anything without judgement.

Age is just a number! We all have a different life story and background. The application process is very detailed and the Coordinators do their best to match you with a young person who has similar interests so it’s easier to form a bond. This is only 1 hour a week and it’s term time only – I’ve found the schools to be extremely flexible in helping to find a time that suits both myself and my mentee.”

“As a 64-year-old retiree, my entire career was spent in the Retail Sector, where interaction—whether with customers or my team—was key. The skills I honed in that environment have been incredibly helpful in mentoring. For me, mentoring is a way to keep my mind active while giving back to society, something that has always been important to me.

My upbringing was fairly settled, with a strong focus on giving and supporting others. My brother had special needs, and looking after him taught me how to talk, listen, and understand someone with unique communication needs. This experience shaped me in ways that have proven invaluable in my mentoring role. During my work life, I faced a significant challenge when I was falsely accused of failing to follow organisational rules, which led to a period of suspension. It was a difficult time, but I learned to maintain my principles, stay resilient, and rely on the support of others. These lessons have been essential in both my personal life and my mentoring journey.

When I first started mentoring, I worried about whether I’d be able to connect with a young person and what we’d have in common. I probably assumed they wouldn’t be overly intelligent or would lack common sense. However, over the past nine years, I’ve been continually surprised and pleased by the intelligence and openness of the young people I’ve worked with.

One experience that stands out involved a mentee whose life seemed chaotic, with poor school attendance and a toxic home environment. I felt I wasn’t making much of a difference, but 18 months later, the school coordinator met this young person by accident. They had moved away from the toxic home, secured their own accommodation, and were working as a carer. They wanted to thank me and the coordinator for everything we had done. That moment showed me that success isn’t always immediate; sometimes, it takes time to see the impact.

For anyone worried about being too old or too young to mentor, let me say this: it’s a fallacy. Anyone who can listen, take an interest, and be non-judgemental can be a great mentor. While some of my mentees initially requested someone younger, any preconceptions quickly disappeared once we started working together.

My advice to anyone considering mentoring is simple: go for it. It’s great fun, with its ups and downs, but that’s what keeps it interesting. If you’re a giving and caring person, mentoring is a fantastic way to help your community and support young people in becoming good citizens. Plus, it’s good for your mental health, keeping you focused and bringing positivity into your life. The support from the MCR Pathways team and your school coordinator makes the journey even more rewarding.”

“Growing up in a small town, my life was sheltered and stable. My home and school life were good—my parents provided many opportunities, and I excelled academically with a solid group of friends. At 17, I went to university, becoming the first in my family to do so. Though I had support, I sometimes think I could have benefited from more guidance and an outside perspective, which might have helped me make better choices. However, I don’t regret my studies. After university, I joined the RNLI and have spent the last decade managing volunteers and fundraising.

My early life was fortunate with little stress, but reflecting on it, I see that some challenges, which seemed minor at the time, were only overcome with strong external support. These moments could have changed my life’s trajectory. Before becoming a mentor, I was concerned about my lack of experience. I don’t have children or experience with young people and I wondered if my straightforward life could offer meaningful support. My views have changed completely; my mentee didn’t need direct advice but simply someone to chat with about her day. I found it therapeutic to watch her confidence grow and offer gentle guidance. Knowing how I would have benefited from such sessions has been healing, thinking she might look back and be grateful in small ways.

I decided to become a mentor because I was missing a bit of purpose week-to-week. I saw an advert on Facebook and signed up after seeing the impact stats of young people staying on after their fourth year. Also, down the line, we might look into fostering, and I thought mentoring would be a great experience.

The best moment of mentoring for me was during a session when my mentee seemed distracted. It turned out she’d just received an unconditional offer from a university she hadn’t expected to get into. It was an absolute honour to share that moment with her as she read the news for the first time.

To those who think they’re too old or young to be a mentor, life experiences help with matching, but that’s not what it’s all about. You’re not there to show them how to follow in your footsteps; you’re there to help them confidently take their own. It’s one hour a week, less than 1% of your week, and the benefits far outweigh the commitment. Perceived barriers often turn out to be the very things that build connections. You won’t know if you don’t try.”

“My journey has been shaped by faith and the support of those who guided me through early life challenges. Growing up in a resource-poor village in Ghana, where studying was a struggle due to a lack of electricity, taught me resilience and a positive attitude. This experience instilled in me the belief that there is no mountain too high and no valley too deep.

I am married with two lovely girls, and we live in Peterborough. My educational background is in Psychology and Youth Work, and for the past 20 years, I have dedicated myself to youth work. As someone originally from Ghana, I understand what it means to have someone be a bridge between you and the future. Mentors have been instrumental in my life, including teachers and ministers.

Serving in the Church and supporting young people have sharpened my skills and talents. My vision in life was shaped by having trusted adults who believed in me and supported me, particularly during my school years. These experiences have shown me the power of mentorship and the significant impact it can have on a young person’s life.

Having worked with young people for two decades, I had no concerns about becoming a mentor. I generally like to help if I can and am passionate about working with and supporting young people. Mentoring has been incredibly fulfilling for me. I enjoy it when my mentee is more open to me and speaks about things they are passionate about. It gladdens my heart to see my mentee come alive and engaged.

Mentoring has greatly benefited me, enhancing my listening, leadership, and creativity as I design activities and keep conversations engaging. For my mentee, it was rewarding to see her gain confidence and interest in her future. Initially unmotivated, she ultimately decided to go to university, demonstrating the powerful impact of mentoring.

For anyone hesitant about becoming a mentor, don’t let anything hold you back. If you care, you can and qualify to be a mentor. Mentoring benefits everyone involved—the mentor, the community, the schools, and especially the young person. An hour a week can make a significant difference. MCR Pathways challenges the notion that a young person’s circumstances define their future by focusing on their talents and potential. Their excellent training and ongoing support make mentoring accessible to anyone eager to build a positive connection, reflecting values that deeply resonate with me.”

“I’m 49 years old and a mum to two teenage daughters. I’m a retired Police Officer and a member of the Children’s Panel. I’ve always had a real interest in supporting young people, making sure their voices are heard. As adults, we should listen to young people as they have incredibly important things to say and can often teach us a thing or two!

In my career, I’ve worked with many young people, including those in gangs involved in violent offences. Getting to know and understand young people behind their behaviours was critical to supporting them – I realised they often behave in certain ways for a whole host of reasons, not because they ‘want to’. It was eye-opening to see how the lack of a positive role model or trusted adult can have drastic consequences. Having two teenage daughters has also taught me so much about myself and the importance of listening to young people without blame or judgement.

My mother in law was and still is a massive influence in my life, teaching me how to recognise and appreciate my own skills and talents, and see the positive side of things. I’ve had many setbacks in my life but they all have commonalities in their solutions. The best way to deal with a crisis is to breathe and know there’ll be a solution – remember ‘this too shall pass’.

I think having a mentor when I was younger would’ve been amazing to know I had a safe space and supportive person in my life who wasn’t a family member and was there just for me. I was apprehensive at the start of my mentoring journey, however, it was obvious right from the start that the MCR Pathways matching process is thorough and we were extremely well-suited. I’ve learnt more about myself through mentoring, as well as the challenges that many young people face these days. I feel I have a real sense of purpose and I’m privileged to be involved in my mentee’s life. We have great fun and I love the time we spend together. She tells me mentoring has been beneficial to her self-confidence and she is now going to college which she didn’t think she’d be able to!

Everyone has something to bring to the mentoring experience. You have skills you don’t even realise you have and these will come through as a mentor. It’s an hour a week – you do have the time if it’s important to you to be a mentor. It would be the most important hour of that young person’s week. All you have to do is be there and listen. If you’re unsure, speak to an existing MCR Pathways mentor – they will reassure you (I’d be delighted to talk to anyone!). Just do it – it’s the best thing you can do!”

“Born in Rutherglen, I have lived here my whole life. I’m a care-experienced adult who is now a foster carer to two amazing teenagers who stay with myself and my wife Karen on a permanent basis. I went back to college at age 21, after initially leaving school at age 16. This was a huge milestone as it set me on the path to becoming a professional actor, theatre manager and theatre producer. I won the Stage Award for Acting Excellence for Singin’ I’m No A Billy, He’s a Tim, as well as starring in films such as The Angels Share, Kajaki and TV series like Outlander. However, the most important roles I’ve undertaken are being a foster carer and a mentor with MCR Pathways as they are both more rewarding than any award or accolades I’ve ever received for football or acting.

In addition to professional setbacks, I was in care and away from my mum for a period when I was very young – a traumatic time in my childhood. My father left our family home when I was 3 years old and we didn’t see him again for almost 30 years. I now have a relationship with him and his four children who he had from another marriage. Although I had people who I didn’t necessarily see as mentors at the time, there were other dads stepping in when mine wasn’t in my life – cheering me on at football or encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone. However, I think having someone as a specific mentor just for me would’ve been a huge positive for myself growing up.

I had a lot of worries about becoming a mentor, but my life experiences gave me the confidence to take the first steps and I was well-supported throughout the process by MCR Pathways. I thought I could be a positive influence, like some of the people who supported me when I was younger. Seeing the progress that the young person I mentor is making at every meeting, and hearing how our chats and meetings have helped them is what I enjoy most about being a mentor. We have built up a mutual respect and trust which has allowed him to seek advice and guidance in making some big decisions in his personal life and education.

If you’re unsure about becoming a volunteer mentor, I’d say take the first step. Fill out the form or make the call – that’s the most difficult part. Every other step of the way you’ll have a support network through MCR Pathways who will help you on your mentoring journey.”