If you work in the videogames sector, regardless of your role, your experience, or your location, the chances are you could help a young person in Scotland.
MCR Pathways is a Scottish mentoring charity which supports young people to realise their full potential. These young people have the same talents as their peers but many are care-experienced or have suffered disadvantages that have had an impact on their life. The MCR Pathways programme offers them the opportunities they need to thrive.
The charity has well over 1,000 mentors across Scotland but there are many more young people who need an adult they can meet in their school to support and encourage them.
Something in Common…
In a recent survey conducted by MCR Pathways, young people shared their likes, and the hobbies they hope their future mentor might have in common with them. Among the top responses was video games, with many young people even interested in pursuing a career in the gaming industry.
For MCR, finding the right match for their young people is crucial to the success of the programme. To have a shared passion gives mentors a great starting point to establish conversation and build a relationship upon. We all have something to offer a young person and full training and support is offered throughout to help mentors support their young person. The impact of this consistent weekly meeting can be transformative.
Matthew Barr, lecturer at Glasgow University, SGDA trustee and founder of the ADA Festival, has been mentoring a young person through the MCR Pathways programme. He told the Scottish Games Network:
Being able to talk to my mentee about video games has allowed us to tap into something he’s genuinely passionate about, providing a shared interest that underpins our entire relationship. Talking about games has also opened up the conversation around the young person’s career aspirations, which are so important to develop. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience, and the MCR Pathways team have offered superb support throughout.
Scotland Wide Support
MCR Pathways are looking for people to sign up to mentor in areas including: Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Glasgow, North Ayrshire, Perth & Kinross, Shetland, South Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire, with more coming in the near future.
The charity continued to support young people throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and has recently secured the backing of the Scottish Government to ensure a wider rollout in the coming months.
If you are interested in volunteering visit mcrpathways.org to register and complete their online info session to find out more.
You can also follow them on Twitter to hear from young people, mentors, schools and organisations.