A MENTORING programme that helps some of society's most disadvantaged young people has received 200 volunteer registrations thanks to support from The Herald.
Organisers of the MCR Foundation's Pathways scheme say they have been "blown away" by the response from the paper's readership, who have stepped up to the mark in an effort to give something back to the future generation.
The programme, set up by Glasgow-born entrepreneur Iain MacRitchie, links young people with adults who can help them as they re-engage with school, find their way into the workplace or take up a place in further or higher education.
Mr MacRitchie said the number and range of mentors who have signed up to the scheme since Spring are a "big endorsement for The Herald in terms of the quality and depth of its readership".
However, he added that more volunteers are needed in a bid to double the figure by Christmas.
The businessman said: "The response from Herald readers has been fantastic - I'm genuinely blown away by the depth and quality of the individuals we can now match with young people.
"The make-up of the 200 is absolutely inspired in terms of the experience, knowledge and skills these individuals are bringing. Almost every walk of life and every profession is covered, from the public to the private sector, companies, owners, entrepreneurs and educationalists."
Mr MacRitchie added that he was impressed with the spread of readers who had engaged with the project, with 40 per cent of registrations coming from men and 65 per cent coming from those who are still working.
"The commitment from the mentors is incredible," he said.
"These are working, busy people who are willing to get involved and put something back in. And the really interesting part is when you look at the details of the individuals and their background and experiences - we've got an award-winning poet, an award-winning blogger, someone with a PhD in nuclear physics, as well as people who left school at 16 and then went back into education and completed a masters degree.
"We've got a complete array of skills."
The entrepreneur added that the common thread throughout all of the volunteers is their desire to give something back.
He said the three main messages coming from mentors include a strong belief in the importance of education, a desire to ensure very best for young people and the next generation and an eagerness to give something back.
"We've had phenomenal feedback so far," he said.
"The mentors are really pleased to be able to offer their support directly to somebody who really needs and wants it.
"Every party benefits from this - the mentors get a lot of positivity from it, the young people are clearly seeing an impact and the school environment also benefits. There are no down sides to this."
It is hoped the scheme - which currently runs in six schools in Glasgow's East End - will eventually be introduced city-wide.
However, the next major target for the programme is to see mentor numbers double to 400 by Christmas.
Mr MacRitchie said: "The 200 registrations of interest is an important milestone and we can now filter that through to the young people.
"But we would also like to issue a big call to action for other people to sign up, to join their fellow Herald readers and help the next generation.
"We have a vehicle that takes you straight to the people who will benefit most from your experience, so please get in touch and help us make a difference."
Factfile: MCR Pathways Project
The Herald is supporting The MCR Pathways Project campaign to recruit more new mentors for disadvantaged young people in and around Glasgow.
If you are a motivated, committed adult you could offer the support these young people need to overcome the barriers that means so few currently make it to higher and further education.
An hour a week, plus travelling time, and a willingness to be a listening ear and put a young person first are the only skills you will need to help turn around someone's life. All necessary training and support will be given.
To get involved, visit www.mcrpathways.org/#herald or contact Donna Cunningham on donna.cunningham@glasgow.gov.uk
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