Police Scotland reaffirms partnership commitment to mentoring young people
More than 100 Police Scotland officers and staff have been trained to mentor ‘care-experienced’ young people in a partnership with the charity MCR Pathways.
The training ensures young people, who have had the most unfair start in life, have someone to help them “find their path, through the power of mentoring”.
The partnership has seen the charity train more than 100 police officers and staff to become mentors over the past eight years, who support young people to “build confidence, instil belief, awaken ambition and expand future horizons”.
A further 39 Police Scotland staff members have since been recruited who will soon begin their training to become mentors with the charity.
MCR Pathways said Police Scotland has pledged to continue raising awareness of mentoring opportunities, as outlined in its 2024-2027 Corporate Parenting Plan, ensuring that care-experienced young people will “grow up loved, safe and respected, with the support they need to thrive”.
It added: “The ongoing commitment to MCR Pathways provides more care-experienced young people the support and foundation to succeed in life.”
Assistant Chief Constable Paton, from Policing Together, said: “I am delighted that Police Scotland is now working in partnership nationally with MCR Pathways promoting mentoring opportunities, and I am confident this will make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people.
“This inspiring partnership opens the door for police officers and members of police staff to engage in a rewarding journey of personal growth whilst positively impacting the next generation.”
Susan Buglass, the charity’s strategic partnerships lead, added: “We are incredibly grateful for our ongoing partnership with Police Scotland.
“Their commitment to helping us support care-experienced young people and those facing challenges is making a real difference.
“It takes just one hour a week to mentor, but the impact is life changing, not only for young people, but for mentors themselves. Our volunteers frequently tell us just how rewarding and inspiring the experience is.”
MCR Pathways is a national, award-winning mentoring programme dedicated to ensuring that every care-experienced young person and young people who would benefit from the support of a trusted adult, has the same educational outcomes, career opportunities, and life chances as their peers.