Mentors are being sought to provide support to care-experienced and disadvantaged young people in Shetland, through the school-based mentoring programme - MCR Pathways.
The MCR Pathways is a national programme, launched in Shetland in March this year and which has since been established in Anderson High School in Lerwick, although the level of activities have been affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
MCR Pathways aims to ensure that every care-experienced and disadvantaged young person in the country gets the same education outcomes, career opportunities and life chances as every other young person.
Volunteer mentors are needed to spend one hour a week during the school day to listen to and encourage their young person. The only qualification mentors need is the desire to help and be there. Mentors help the young person they are matched with, to realise their full potential and be empowered with the confidence and belief to make it happen.
Registered MCR Pathways mentors will be provided with training - online wherever possible - and regular local support is available. All mentors will be required to undertake a PVG Disclosure Scotland check.
Gail Herculeson, MCR Pathways Manager in Shetland said: “Mentors can make a really positive difference to young people, many of whom face personal challenges that make it harder for them to succeed. If you are interested in mentoring a young person in Shetland, to help improve their confidence and change their life, we would love to hear from you.”
For more information about the MCR Pathways programme and information about becoming a mentor, please look up: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/