A scheme which helps raise attainment among Glasgow's young people is to team up with the city council in one of the country's biggest public and social partnership (PSP) agreements.

Charity MCR Pathways, which is backed by The Herald, has already changed the lives of many of the city's disadvantaged youths by offering a school-based mentoring system.

The new partnership with the local authority will build on that and secure the scheme's long-term future in a bid to help thousands more.

With £4 million in funding secured, the programme will be rolled out to all of the city's 30 secondary schools over the next three years.

Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said the partnership, which also includes Robertson Trust, STV Appeal and the Life Changes Trust, is a long-term commitment for the council.

He added: "The mentoring project is making an incredible difference to the lives of some of our most disadvantaged young people. In conjunction with other council initiatives, it is helping to close the attainment gap in Glasgow and tackle some of our well documented social challenges.

"So why would we not offer this opportunity to all young people across the city who might not have a steady influence in their lives?

"This new Public and Social Partnership will mean that mentoring – using people from all walks of life to help our children – will be embedded in our schools across the city.

"With almost £4million in funding over the next three years to roll-out the project and fund school-based Pathway co-ordinators to support the young people and their mentors, this is a large commitment from all of the partners and funders who have a common goal – to raise the attainment, aspirations and the life chances of these young people."

MCR Pathways recruits mentors from all walks of life who are willing to give up their time to go and meet with care experienced young people who are likely to leave school early, offering them advice, support and encouragement.

The project aims to widen their opportunities and show them how to access further education and job opportunities.

It also offers Talent Taster events providing work and learning experiences from city employers and higher and further education establishments.

Iain MacRitchie, MCR Pathways founder and Chairman,said: "Glasgow has been pioneering throughout its proud history and there is no doubt People Make Glasgow. It is fantastic to be leading a project that combines both to support our most disadvantaged young people to be all they can be.

"The team and partners we are building is inspired and with the long-term commitment represented in this Agreement, we will impact many generations to come.

"Glasgow is demonstrating in action that it really is a nurturing city that takes care of its own and creates the opportunity for all young people to find, grow and use their talents. "

Dame Barbara Kelly CBE, chairman of The Robertson Trust added: "We are delighted to be involved in this pioneering project which we believe will transform the educational outcomes and life chances for disadvantaged young people in Glasgow.

"The Robertson Trust is committed to reducing the attainment gap for Scotland’s young people by ensuring that disadvantage, which is not a choice, does not prevent someone from realising their potential.

"Partnerships are key to this, and as well as benefitting Glasgow’s young people, we hope this project will be a national exemplar for partnership working between the Third Sector and local authorities."

Help Boost the Life of a Youth

CAN you help a young person realise their full potential and be defined by their talent not their circumstances or postcode? 

The Herald and Evening Times are supporting the Young Glasgow Talent campaign by MCR Pathways to recruit mentors and organisations for its schools-based mentoring and talent taster programme. 

The charity supports disadvantaged young people and especially those in or on the edges of the care system to realise their full potential through education. 

Founded in 2007 and developed in one school over five years, the programme now supports 400 young people aged between 13 to 18 in ten Glasgow schools, with a citywide expansion plan and national ambition.

More disadvantaged young Glaswegians are signing up for mentors to help them overcome barriers and inequality to be all they can be. One hour a week and a willingness to put a young person first are all you need. You’ll make and experience a life-changing difference in helping a young person to find, grow and use their talents. 

MCR Pathways will provide all the training and support you need. For more information or to register, please go to www.youngglasgowtalent.org, e-mail info@mcrpathways.org or call us on 0141 221 6642. We can’t wait to hear from you.