“The best thing about mentoring a young person for me is knowing that I can make a difference and encourage them to be anything and everything they want to be. Every time my mentee smiles, it brings me such joy knowing that I have been a part of the small but significant changes. ”
Did you know that every day, people are volunteering just an hour of their time a week to help transform the lives of young people across Argyll and Bute?
We’re working in partnership with MCR Pathways to recruit caring, committed volunteer mentors who can give just one hour a week to help a young person realise their full potential. Could you spare an hour to help?
The programme matches mentors with young people to help realise their skills and progress to positive destinations, no matter their circumstances. In the past year alone, 238 young people took part in the programme with 153 matched to a dedicated mentor and volunteers giving more than 2,500 hours of their time.
By listening, encouraging and building a trusted relationship, you could have a lasting impact on a young person’s life journey — from school into further education, training or employment. You really can change a young person’s life. You’ll receive ongoing support and training along the way and gain so much from helping our young people. You can request to mentor during your working week for one hour- providing travel to the designated school is not unreasonable.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a mentor, come along to an online information session.
MCR Pathways & Argyll and Bute Council Information Session – 16/6/26 18:00-18:45
MCR Pathways & Argyll and Bute Council Information Session – 18/6/26 12:00-12:45
These sessions will provide an overview of the programme, what’s involved in mentoring, and the support available to volunteers.
Hear from just some of our mentors:
“The hour a week I spend with my mentee is the highlight of my week! When my mentoring hour comes around, I know that, for that next hour, I can completely switch off from the pressures and challenges of my day job and focus fully on listening to and supporting my mentee. I’d encourage anyone considering mentoring to give it a go. Even if you think you don’t have the time at first, it’s surprising how easy it is to make the time when you’re motivated by something worthwhile.”
“For me mentoring was about trying to make a difference to the mentee and their belief in themselves. I’ve gained a lot from the last 18 months. I’ve learned to be patient, listen more and have more of an understanding of challenges some young people face. By taking yourself out of your comfort zone, you could have a positive impact on a young person which enables them to believe in themselves and realise anything is achievable.”
Young people from across Argyll and Bute spoke about their mentors:
“He’s just the best person that I’ve had that I can have free time and fun with without feeling like I am under pressure”
“She makes my day a lot better, by just being there and listening to me and making me laugh”
“She’s just such a lovely person and I value the time she spends with me every week”
“She’s brilliant…some days I have my ups and downs, but she knows me and she accepts this. She has been a great role model for me and has given me really good advice especially when it comes to my friends. She has also taught me “sharing is caring” and I’m trying hard every day to remember this.”
For more information about becoming a mentor visit https://mcrpathways.org/
