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www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com DYW GLASGOW
Mentoring the young workforce of Glasgow
More than 1,500 young people across Scotland are being supported by the MCR Pathways programme, which began in 2007. Each volunteer mentor spends an
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hour a week in school listening to and encouraging their young person. MCR Pathways, founded by philanthropist Iain MacRitchie, based at the Mitchell Library, is about building motivation, commitment and resilience and is championed by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. Over 85 per cent of mentored young people progress to college, university or full-time work. Shona MacPherson, Senior
Programme Manager for Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow, and her colleague Nicholas Carroll, Programme Manager, who both work at the Chamber, are mentors and find it highly rewarding. Shona has been a mentor to a young
woman for four years, starting when her mentee was just in third year. “It has been fantastic to watch her
grow to become such a confident and kind young woman. When I first met her, she did not know what she wanted to do, she lacked confidence and couldn’t really see a path for herself when she left school,” said Shona. “She is now looking forward to
starting college in August with lots of experience under her belt including a part time job at the Rainbow Room and work experience at places such as the SEC. She is now confident getting the train into Glasgow city centre by herself which a lot of people take for granted, but that is a huge step for my mentee. If I had told her that four years ago, she would not have believed me.
Shona MacPherson, Senior Programme Manager, DYW Glasgow
Nicholas Carroll, Programme Manager, DYW Glasgow
oung people in Glasgow from difficult backgrounds are being helped to find, grow and use their unlocked talent.
“Spending just one hour a week
with her, offering a friendly ear and encouragement has hopefully helped her realise that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. I would recommend it to anyone to become a mentor, you do not need any prior experience – just listen, let them chat and encourage them along the way.” Nicholas has been involved for a
shorter spell, since autumn last year, but has had similar experiences. “I mentor a young person in a school
who was identified as having particular challenges that may lead them to disengage from learning and therefore not realise their potential,” said Nicholas. “My role as a MCR mentor is primarily
to ensure that there is a neutral adult in their life who takes the time to listen and offer advice and guidance when appropriate and necessary. I am aware of the challenges that they are facing and I can offer examples of situations that I found myself in at their age.’’ There are MCR co-ordinators in
schools across Glasgow linking individuals with pupils identified as being in danger of disengagement. The co-ordinators help organise the weekly mentoring sessions in the school and liaise with the mentor following every session.
“For some children, due to a variety
of reasons, this hour of the week may be the only time that they have to interact with someone in a non- authoritative and judgemental setting and where their voices can be heard and opinions aired,” said Nicholas The MCR Pathways programme still
requires mentors and is planning to expand into five more local authorities allowing the programme to support 3,000 young people from the most challenged areas in Scotland. The MCR funders include the
Scottish Government; Glasgow City Council; The Robertson Trust; the William Grant Foundation; Scottish Children’s Lottery; STV Children’s Appeal; MCR Holdings; Cashback for Creativity; the Hugh Fraser Foundation; Life Changes Trust and Wheatley Group. To find out more about mentoring
and become involved please visit
www.mcrpathways.org
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