Mentoring programme extends to every Scottish local authority with £1 million of backing

Since launching in 2007, MCR Pathways’ volunteer mentors have helped young people to overcome barriers, navigate unique challenges, and create pathways to sustainable futures.

Glasgow-based MCR presently delivers its mentoring programme in 163 secondary schools, further education and community settings. The £1m of Scottish government funding will support the reach to all local authorities.

The seven-figure backing will support the charity as it rolls out its Trusted Adult Guarantee for up to 5,500 young people across Scotland. Mentoring will support young people to build confidence, resilience and wellbeing as they prepare to navigate their lives out of formal learning, creating relationship support with their future choices and informed career ambitions. It also deepens the integration of relational mentoring into Scotland’s education and skills system.

MCR Pathways chief executive Sharon McIntrye said: “This commitment reflects the shared ambition set out in Scotland’s Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026–31: Bringing Hope, Brighter Futures, ensuring that every young person has the support, opportunity and confidence to achieve their potential.”

The charity’s programme is well established across the country from the Highlands and Islands to the north east through the Central Belt and the west. The expansion will see it reach new communities – the south of Scotland will be a key focus area – working side by side with community organisations and national partners to make mentoring more accessible.

McIntyre added: “For many young people, particularly those facing the barriers that poverty can create, having a consistent and trusted adult in their corner can be transformational. Through mentoring, young people build belief in themselves, recognise their unique talents, and begin to see new possibilities for their futures.

“Every mentoring relationship is unique and shaped around the individual needs, strengths and aspirations of the young person. By connecting volunteer mentors with young people across Scotland, we are helping them develop ambition, resilience and pathways into education, employment and fulfilling careers.”

MCR Pathways launched with a pilot initiative in Glasgow in 2007 and has grown into a national programme covering more than 160 schools in Scotland.