The MCR Pathways programme was founded in 2007. In 2018, the programme began expanding across Scotland with the Young Clackmannanshire Talent (YCT) programme launching in 2019. YCT is helping young people find, grow and use their talent throughout Clackmannanshire. When one person mentors, two lives are changed. Volunteer mentors spend one hour a week listening to and encouraging their young person. The only qualification you need to be a mentor is the desire to help. Young people are matched with a mentor based on their personalities, interests and career aspirations. All young people are different and have different needs, so it’s important that mentors come from all walks of life. Mentors are role models, who make a life-changing difference to young people. Additionally, mentoring has been shown to make a powerful and positive impact on those who give their time and support. If you are interested in spending one hour a week with a local young person, assisting them to realise their aspirations, MCR will provide all the support and training you require! For more information, or to sign up, please visit https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/

The service provides independent living skills to young people who are homeless or who have additional needs. Volunteers are matched as befrienders/ mentors with interested young people to further assist with the development of social skills and encourage the young people to become involved in sustainable leisure activities of their choice. The volunteers may attend an appointment or undertake an activity with the young person or have an evening in the young person’s flat cooking a curry or baking a cake. Volunteers have also assisted during outdoor activities and on outings and day trips or have supported young people to watch a football match or go to the gym.

Plusone mentoring is looking for people that are willing to regularly meet up with a young person and do things together that are fun and engaging. You must be a good listener and be able to engage in conversations with the young person to encourage them to develop important life skills. You will always set a good example to the young person and encourage positive behaviour. You will play an important role in helping a young person achieve their full potential and build on the young person's strengths. This kind of relationship would make a difference within the community and make a difference in the life of a young person, supporting them to make better choices. The mentor has the opportunity to meet new people and make a difference in their community. This also gives the young person and the Mentor the chance to try new things together.

At MCR Pathways, we know that all young people are talented. However, our country’s care-experienced and disadvantaged young people face challenges beyond their control that make it more difficult for them to succeed. These young people are in our communities but we don’t always see their struggles. As a community, we can change this. We recruit and train volunteer mentors who are matched with a young person based on personality and career aspirations. Mentors meet with their young person at their school for just one hour a week and provide a compassionate, listening ear. MCR Mentors: • Build a relationship, improving the self-esteem of their young person • Help their young people discover their own passion for learning & achieving • Empower their young people to overcome the challenges thrown at them Mentor a disadvantaged young person in numerous local authorities around the country. Volunteer just one hour a week you will help them realise their potential and grow your own skill set! Education is the key to unlocking our young people’s potential. Our volunteer Mentors are supported every step of the way as they guide their young person onto a positive pathway. Organisation aims and objectives MCR Pathways is a Scottish, school based mentoring programme supporting those in or on the edges of the care-system to realise their full potential through education. MCR Pathways works in all Glasgow's secondary schools and in schools in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, North Ayrshire, Shetland, South Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire. The programme supports almost 2,000 young people each week. Our vision is that every care-experienced and disadvantaged young person in Scotland gets the same education outcomes, career opportunities and life chances as every other young person. MCR is growing nationally with support and commitment from both Local and National Government.