Are you interested in ‘a great opportunity to give back?’ A national mentoring programme is quietly transforming lives and is looking for volunteers.
MCR Pathways is a charity that supports disadvantaged young people, and is running 3 programmes in the borough, including with the council’s Young Ealing service:
- at the Horizons Education and Achievement Centre (Young Ealing), in Hanwell
- at Brentside High School, in Hanwell
- and Ark Acton Academy, in Acton
The charity offers a regular, one-to-one relationship with a mentor. Their sessions aim to help build a young person’s confidence, motivation and ambition.
Charlotte Hames, headteacher at Brentside High School, said: “We chose to work with MCR Pathways because their student-focused approach, committed mentors and personalised guidance offer meaningful support to individual students.”
Mentors meet with a young person for 1 hour a week during the school day and term time. No experience is needed – just the ability to listen, empathise and encourage. Volunteers must be 21 or over and complete a DBS check. Training, resources and ongoing support are provided.
A mentor’s story
A mentor, who we can’t name as it might identify his mentee, joined MCR Pathways after facing his own challenges, including the loss of his father at 14 and an adult ADHD diagnosis.
He said: “It screamed out to me as a great opportunity to give back.”
He was matched with a young person who shares his love of cars and martial arts. Their sessions cover everything from chemistry revision to career planning.
He said: “We talk about possible careers and the life he wants after education. He’s under a lot of pressure, and I’m helping him identify what he wants to do with his life.”
The mentor sees mentoring as a 2-way experience. He said: “It’s helped me hone my mentoring and coaching skills, which are like a muscle that needs to be exercised.”
His mentee agreed and said: “My mentor’s a good guy. Helpful, positive and he’s helping me prepare for things by giving me the pros and cons in life.”
‘The chance to thrive’
MCR has been operating since 2007 and started a pilot programme supporting young people in west London last year.
Councillor Josh Blacker, the council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “Every young person deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of their background. MCR Pathways is helping to make that possible by connecting young people in the borough with mentors who listen, encourage and inspire. This programme is a powerful example of how consistent, caring relationships can build confidence and open doors to education, employment and opportunity.”
Get involved
To become a mentor in the borough, email Alice Chalret: alice.chalret@mcrpathways.org or call 07483 401013. To find out more go to the MCR Pathways website.
