An event hosted by MCR Pathways to showcase the benefits of post-school mentoring in further education was recently held at Forth Valley College's Alloa Campus.
Invited guests, including Scottish Government Permanent Secretary Joe Griffin, FVC Principal Kenny MacInnes, and representatives from education, local government and the third sector attended the event on Wednesday 17 June to hear directly from young people and their mentors, as well as from college, school and local authority representatives from across Forth Valley.
The event showcased the transformational impact of mentoring in further education and highlighted the important role that trusted, long-term adult relationships play in supporting young people to make successful transitions from school to college and beyond, helping them achieve positive and sustainable futures.
Over the past academic year, MCR Pathways and Forth Valley College have supported 27 students. Volunteers delivered more than 220 hours of mentoring, helping students stay on track in transitioning from school to college.
Forth Valley College Principal Kenny MacInnes said:
"I am delighted with the partnership between Forth Valley College and MCR Pathways, and it was great to celebrate what we've achieved together over the last year at our Alloa Campus.
"Moving from school into college is a big step. For many young people it's exciting, but it can also bring new challenges and uncertainties. What we've seen through MCR Pathways is just how valuable it can be for students to have someone in their corner as they navigate that transition.
"This first year of mentoring at Forth Valley College has been a real success. Not only have we supported young people making the move from school to college, but we've also seen students already studying at college benefit from mentoring relationships. That tells us something important – the need for support doesn't stop when a young person leaves school.
"I'd like to thank the MCR Pathways team, our staff, the mentors and, of course, the young people themselves. Their resilience, determination and willingness to embrace new opportunities are what make this partnership so special. We're proud of what we've achieved together so far, and we look forward to seeing what comes next."
Sharon McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer of MCR Pathways, said:
"The event was incredibly moving and inspiring, and I'd like to thank all the mentors and young people involved for sharing their powerful stories. Each one clearly demonstrates the transformational difference mentoring makes in supporting young people as they transition from school to college.
"Mentors, who dedicate an hour each week despite their many other commitments, make MCR Pathways what it is – a bridge to a world of opportunities for young people. The power of having one trusted adult unconditionally in your corner, someone who consistently shows up, no matter what, is truly transformational and life-changing.
"We're incredibly grateful for all our volunteer mentors, Forth Valley College and local authority partners are doing to strengthen integrated, relationship-based support for young people. Together, we're enabling young people to realise their own dynamic futures."
One young person in attendance, who has been supported by MCR Pathways said:
"I think mentoring is great for so many reasons. It really helps people who struggle in different aspects of their lives. For me, that was school, and I honestly don't think I would be where I am today without mentoring."
Research continues to demonstrate the positive impact that one trusted adult can have on a young person's future. MCR Pathways' latest survey found that:
- 99% of mentored young people said their mentor was a positive role model.
- 96% said mentoring improved their confidence.
- 95% said mentoring helped them with goal setting.
Mentoring is also hugely rewarding for volunteers. Fiona, an MCR Pathways mentor at Forth Valley College, said:
"I was really touched by the wonderful evening and came home with such a buzz for MCR Pathways. What has been achieved at the College this year is phenomenal, and mentoring has been such a huge part of that. MCR Pathways should be really proud.
"The event was a wonderful chance to reflect on the impact mentoring has had on both my mentee and me. It was also an opportunity to meet other inspiring young people and their mentors and hear how they are thriving at college. I'm really proud of what my mentee is achieving and of the small part I've played in supporting her journey."
Volunteer mentors must be aged 21 or over and complete reference and safeguarding checks. No formal qualifications or previous mentoring experience are required.
For more information about MCR Pathways, visit: www.mcrpathways.org
To find out more about Forth Valley College's courses and student support, visit: www.forthvalley.ac.uk
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