Young people in Forth Valley are set to benefit from a new mentoring support scheme funded by The Robertson Trust and run through Forth Valley College.
More than £143,000 has been earmarked for 'Time 4 Me' which will initially run for two and a half years and be based within the FVC Student Services department. An innovative aspect of 'Time 4 Me' is that college staff will be recruited to become volunteer mentors, reflecting the college’s commitment to supporting young people facing challenging circumstances and helping them to make a successful transition from school into college life.
The incentives for young people to take part are:
- The additional support of the mentor – focused on their needs
- The sense of achievement
- Potential for work taster/work placement opportunity
- Guaranteed interview for college course
- The offer of continued mentoring into year one of their college course
- Improved confidence, skills and resilience
It is hoped that through the project, the young people taking part will gain confidence and develop skills which will help them with their studies, career and life goals.
Gordon Hunt, Head of Scholarship at The Robertson Trust, said: “The Robertson Trust is committed to contributing to the evidence base around what works when trying to widen access to further and higher education.
“We are very pleased to support 'Time 4 Me' as part of our growing portfolio of projects in this area and look forward to working with the team at Forth Valley College going forward.
“It’s an exciting and innovative project and one that I’m sure will be of great benefit to young people in the Forth valley area.”
Pauline Barnaby, FVC’s Development and Fundraising Manager, said: “Working with the Robertson Trust on 'Time 4 Me' is a fantastic opportunity for the College and the funding awarded will help young people in Forth Valley, giving them extra support when it is most needed.”
Jean Duff, Head of FVC’s Student Services Department, said: “I am delighted to be involved with the Robertson Trust on the 'Time 4 Me'Project. It is an exciting opportunity for young people in Forth Valley to be supported in their transition from school to college through this mentoring project. It is also an opportunity for FVC staff to become involved as volunteer mentors which will assist in their professional development.”