By james art Motivation, Engagement and Resilience (MCR) pathways work alongside young people with care experiences and other young people facing ongoing instability in their lives.
They do this by providing children with an adult mentor – with the aim of providing all young people with equal educational outcomes, career opportunities and chances in life.
In North Ayrshire, the organization currently works with over 300 young people in eight schools across the region.
They are also working closely with North Ayrshire Council as part of their three year improvement plan to extend our work to disengaged young people.
At the heart of their work is matching young people with one of their volunteer mentors who come from a variety of backgrounds to provide a consistent, caring adult relationship that can boost confidence, academic achievement and open doors to a brighter future.
A passionate supporter of the program is North Ayrshire Council’s mental health champion Jean McClung, who previously worked as a school teacher.
She commented: “I was interested to hear more recently about the mentoring work being done in our schools by MCR Pathways.
“As a former teacher, I am very aware of the role a trusted adult can play in the well-being, educational outcomes and overall life experiences of our young people.
“During my career as a secondary school teacher, I have had the privilege of working with young people from diverse backgrounds.
“Some of my students have had difficult lives at home and I have often felt that for them having a sympathetic adult they can confide in and who can also give some practical advice is more important than the actual lessons I teach!
“Given the rising incidence of mental illness among our young people, I am delighted that our schools are taking advantage of this mentoring service.”
MCR Pathways are currently in need of recruiting mentors to continue their work throughout the community.
Those interested in finding out how they can get involved can learn more online at mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/.