MCR Pathways to grow across the country, starting in Aberdeen, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Banff and Inverurie
A ground-breaking school-based mentoring programme supporting disadvantaged young people in or on the edges of the care system has announced plans to grow nationally.
Over the last 18 months MCR Pathways has doubled the number of young people it supports to more than 1,000 and currently operates in all 30 secondary schools within Glasgow City Council.
It is now working on a national plan, which will see it reach 2,000 of the country’s most disadvantaged young people, starting in Aberdeen, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Banff and Inverurie.
The project delivers a pioneering mentoring and talent development programme, providing young people with weekly one-to-one adult time and support.
Working in conjunction with schools, the programme supports young people with volunteer mentors who listen and provide encouragement, which can be transformational for both mentor and mentee.
The charity’s vision is that every care experienced and disadvantaged young person in Glasgow, and soon Scotland, gets the same education outcomes, career opportunities and life chances as every other young person.
Independent research revealed that the number of young people enrolled in the programme progressing from school to university, college or a job increased from 48.8% to 81% over three years.
Iain MacRitchie, founder of MCR Pathways, said: “Expanding into other local authorities is a natural next step for us as 2017 saw our expansion and implementation across every Glasgow secondary school.
“We’re proud to be introducing our mentoring scheme in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire this month and we are building capacity to roll out the programme in five more local authorities throughout 2018. As the Year of the Young Person begins, it’s more important now than ever that we ensure disadvantaged young people are defined by their potential and talent and never their circumstances.
“For these young people, relationships and role models matter. It’s simple, by devoting 50 minutes a week to listen, build a trusting relationship and help a young person to find their talent, people can make a life-changing difference. All people have to do is give an hour and they can change a life.”
MCR Pathways, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is hosting its first National Conference on Thursday, 19 April at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, followed by a civic reception.
The event will feature a full schedule of discussions and workshops, with contributions from key speakers, honoured guests, and Young Glasgow Talent Ambassadors.
