Local Outcome 2: Council partners with award-winning charity to expand life-changing mentoring programme.
East Dunbartonshire Council and award-winning charity MCR Pathways partnered up in September 2023 to bring a life-changing mentoring programme to the area.
MCR Pathways is a UK based mentoring programme which offers its support to 126 schools. The charity also works with over 5,000 young people every week. They aim to focus on the difference in education and opportunities between young carers and their classmates. MCR Pathways also offers support for children and young people who have experienced disadvantaged circumstances to help them understand and realise their potential within education.
Fay MacRitchie, CEO of MCR Pathways, said,
We are delighted to be working with East Dunbartonshire Council and colleagues from a number of schools in the area.
"Our partnership will bring the MCR programme and mentoring to young people across the region. Volunteering just an hour a week can have a lifetime of impact for a young person. All you need is the ability to listen, and MCR will provide full training and development opportunities."
MRC Pathways has helped care-experienced young people in East Dunbartonshire to pursue opportunities, built aspirations and helped them reach their full potential. The scheme aims to inspire up to 600 individuals in the next two years.
East Dunbartonshire Council and MCR Pathways are seeking to attract businesses and individuals who may support the scheme, through mentoring and opportunities for work experience. The following schools will benefit over the next two years from volunteer mentors; Bearsden Academy, Bishopbriggs Academy, Boclair Academy, Douglas Academy, Kirkintilloch High, Lenzie Academy, St Ninian’s High and Turnbull High.
The programme is beneficial to both mentor and mentee. They are paired with each other based on personality, interests, and career goals. Each young person is unique and requires different needs. Mentors who have varied life experience are highly valued for their ranging perspectives and support.
Participants are supported through group work, mentoring and work based ‘Talent Taster” sessions. Over 80% of participants go on to pursue further education or employment which is comparable to the 59.8% of care-experienced school leavers who have not been a part of the MCR Pathways Programme.
Greg Bremner, Chief Education Officer said,
I am extremely excited to watch this partnership with MCR continue to benefit young people in East Dunbartonshire Council.
The opportunities offered to care-experienced pupils in particular is invaluable.
“I would like to encourage aspiring mentors to get in touch and become a positive impact in a young person’s life through by offering guidance and encouragement.”
Further information on the MCR Pathways programme and how to become a mentor is available at www.mcrpathways.org. Volunteers will be fully trained – they just need to give an hour per week to change a life.
