THE BODY which runs Glasgow's museums, libraries and sports facilities has signed up to support a revolutionary project aimed at transforming the lives of vulnerable teenagers.
Glasgow Life has become a partner of MCR Pathways, which provides adult mentors for children who have experience of the care system to help inspire them and develop their talents.
The scheme, which is backed by the Herald, operates in ten secondary schools and is due to be is formally adopted as a core part of Glasgow City Council’s education system.
MCR say the national average for disadvantaged young people with a care experience leaving school after their 16th birthday staying on in further education is 15 to 20 percent. In schools MCR are working with in Glasgow, 80 per cent stay on after 16.
Glasgow Life is providing and encouraging mentors from within libraries, galleries, museums & sports facilities to work with MCR young people which takes place during school hours.
Mentors with the scheme work on a one-to-one basis with children giving advice on the wider opportunities available after school, such as routes into specific careers or further.
MCR say Glasgow Life is the latest of the city’s biggest and influential organisations to make a long term commitment to a partnership to providing "ground-breaking support for Glasgow’s most disadvantaged young people".
Glasgow Life chief executive, Dr Bridget McConnell said: “MCR Pathways is one of the most inspiring organisations we have ever worked with, and we are proud to be a partner with them in their invaluable work."
Glasgow Life has worked with MCR to add an initial 19 employment opportunities to a revolutionary Talent Tasters job experience programme, aimed at providing hands on experiences over half a shift of front line jobs as well as middle and senior management perspectives.
Four of these have been trialled by 23 young people.
The Tasters provided ranged from working in the Riverside Museum as a gallery assistant to acting as a stage technician at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The Herald have also run a journalism Talent Taster.
Iain MacRitchie, MCR’s founder and chief executive said: “This partnership is simply pioneering in every respect.
“We are very grateful for the enthusiasm and support of all Glasgow Life staff that are committed to driving the programme and the huge benefits for our young people.”
It counts Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow University, Royal Scottish Conservatoire, Strathclyde University and the University of the West of Scotland among its latest supporters with a plan to train an initial cohort of more then 60 mentors.
Other major partners include Glasgow Kelvin College, the Wheatley Group, the SECC, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Santander.
For more information or to register, please go to www.youngglasgowtalent.org, email info@mcrpathways.org or call 0141 221 6642.
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