New Mentoring Programme Launches in East Renfrewshire Schools

Strategic Insights -

A new mentoring programme designed to support care-experienced young people is set to launch in seven secondary schools in East Renfrewshire. The initiative is a partnership between East Renfrewshire Council and the charity MCR Pathways, which has already successfully operated in 61 schools across the West of Scotland. The programme will train adult volunteers to become mentors, dedicating just one hour a week to help young people gain confidence, develop self-belief, and set goals for their future.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new mentoring programme is designed to support care-experienced young people in seven secondary schools in East Renfrewshire.
  • The initiative is a partnership between East Renfrewshire Council and the charity MCR Pathways.
  • MCR Pathways already operates in 61 schools across the West of Scotland, providing 39,455 hours of mentor support to 3531 young people in the past year.
  • The charity's latest impact report shows that 82% of mentees progressed to college, university, or employment, compared to the national average of 61% in 2024.
  • Feedback from care-experienced participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with 95% describing their mentor as a good role model.
  • A further 85% said the programme helped them believe in themselves, and 83% reported improved confidence and a clearer sense of their strengths.
  • Sharon McIntyre, CEO of MCR Pathways, emphasizes the importance of trusted adult mentors in helping young people build confidence and achieve their goals.

Statistics:

  • 82% of mentees progressed to college, university, or employment, compared to the national average of 61% in 2024.
  • 95% of care-experienced participants described their mentor as a good role model.
  • 85% said the programme helped them believe in themselves.
  • 83% reported improved confidence and a clearer sense of their strengths.

Sources:

  • Read more: Barrhead meeting renews calls for action on anti-social behaviour
  • Read more: 'Record-breaking' exam results for East Renfrewshire high schools
  • MCR Pathways' latest impact report
  • Sharon McIntyre, CEO of MCR Pathways, as quoted in the article