MCR Pathways is set to expand its award-winning mentoring programme across Scotland, following a £1 million investment from the Scottish Government. Since its launch in 2007, the charity’s volunteer mentors have supported young people in overcoming challenges and creating sustainable pathways for their futures. The programme currently operates in 163 secondary schools, further education and community settings across 22 local authorities, and the new funding will enable MCR Pathways to extend its reach to all local authorities in Scotland.
Over 18,000 young people have benefited from the support of a trusted adult volunteer mentor through MCR Pathways since its foundation. The latest investment, announced at Holyrood during the launch of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026–31, will allow the charity to deliver its Trusted Adult Guarantee to up to 5,500 additional young people. Mentoring will focus on building confidence, resilience, and wellbeing, helping young people navigate life after formal education, make informed career choices, and access further education, training, apprenticeships, or employment opportunities.
The expansion also aims to deepen the integration of relational mentoring into Scotland’s education and skills system, helping bridge opportunity gaps and contribute to the government’s goal of a poverty-free Scotland. MCR Pathways’ ambition is to ensure that every young person who needs one has a trusted adult mentor to guide them toward a brighter future. The programme already operates widely across the country, and the expansion will target new communities, particularly in the south of Scotland, working alongside community organisations and national partners to make mentoring more accessible.
Volunteer mentors continue to support young people through critical transitions beyond school, offering guidance in education, training, apprenticeships, and career pathways. The programme has received strong feedback from participants, with 99% reporting that their mentor was a good role model, 98% saying mentoring helped them be their best selves, and 95% noting an increase in confidence.
Chief Executive Sharon McIntyre highlighted that consistent, trusted adult support can be transformational for young people, particularly those facing poverty-related barriers. Mentoring helps young people recognize their talents, build ambition and resilience, and open doors to fulfilling futures. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville emphasized that the investment aligns with the government’s priority to eradicate child poverty, supporting disadvantaged young people, including those with care experience, to flourish and achieve their ambitions.
