Could you make a life-changing difference by volunteering as mentors to support local young people?
Argyll and Bute Council is 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. The programme matches mentors with young people to help realise their skills and progress to positive destinations, no matter their circumstances.
The call comes as the programme continues to grow across the area, with many more young people keen to be matched with a mentor. In the past year alone, 238 young people took part, with 153 matched to a dedicated mentor and volunteers giving more than 2,500 hours of their time.
To help people find out more about mentoring, two online information sessions are being held:
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.
No previous experience is needed — just patience, empathy, and a willingness to help a young person thrive. Training and ongoing support for mentors is provided along the way.
MCR Pathways initially started as a one-year pilot in three secondary schools - Dunoon Grammar, Hermitage Academy and Oban High School in 2023 and as of November 2025 the programme has expanded to nine secondary schools across Argyll and Bute with plans being developed to introduce the programme to another secondary school.
Volunteering as a mentor is simple but powerful. By listening, encouraging and building a trusted relationship, mentors can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life journey — from school into further education, training or employment.
The impact on young people, paired with mentors in Argyll and Bute has been striking:
- 97% say their relationships with adults has improved
- 92% report increased confidence
- 93% feel clearer about their future
- 95% say mentoring is helping them move towards a positive destination
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."
If you’re ready to spare an hour to change a life, sign up to one of the information sessions and take the first step towards becoming a mentor.
For more information about becoming a mentor visit https://mcrpathways.org/
