In Aberdeen, MCR Pathways has recently launched their Vital Sparks mentoring programme.

First established in Glasgow, the charity has grown to work across local authorities in Scotland, including Aberdeen, where it is continuing to expand its reach through innovative community-based and post-school mentoring programmes.

Rebecca Finnie, Community Delivery Lead (North Region), and Olivia Turnbull, Young Carers Pathway Coordinator, share how the charity is working in line with The Promise to ensure young people from care-experienced backgrounds grow up loved, safe and respected.

“MCR Pathways began in 2007 with the aim of supporting care experienced young people and those facing challenging circumstances,” explains Rebecca. “Our goal has always been to provide strong trusted adult relationships and support networks around young people – to build their confidence, help them with their wellbeing and guide them through key transitions such as leaving school and starting work, college, apprenticeships or university. We work with young people to see their future through a different lens and to re-engage with school to gain qualifications they otherwise would not achieve.”

The charity launched its services in Aberdeen in 2018 at St Machar Academy, piloting its original school-based mentoring model that blends mentoring and group work together to support young people throughout their school journey to increase attendance, gain qualifications and progress to a positive destination. Over the last seven years, the programme has expanded significantly – now supporting young people both in school and in community settings to reach those who might not otherwise access mentoring.

Recognising that not all young people thrive in school environments, MCR Pathways has spent the past summer developing a new community mentoring programme – Vital Sparks.

“We found that some young people benefit most from having a trusted adult mentoring relationship outside of a school setting,” says Rebecca. “That might be because of mental health issues, behavioural clashes or simply that a classroom setting isn’t the best environment for them.

“By moving into community spaces with Vital Sparks, we’re able to support school refusers, non-attenders and recent school leavers – now extending our support up to the age of 20. This bridges the gap between leaving school and the next stage of their journey, helping to sustain positive outcomes over the longer term.”

“The emphasis is on creating a space where young people feel comfortable and supported.”

“We work with young people aged 12 to 20 to help them with their transitions from school and from young carer services to adult services,” says Olivia. “The programme is flexible. Young carers can refer themselves directly – they don’t have to be formally identified first. It’s about making sure they can access support quickly, without unnecessary barriers.”

This approach also allows young people and their mentors to meet in safe, accessible community venues across Aberdeen City, tailored to the young person’s interests.

“Whether it’s cooking in a community kitchen, playing musical instruments or simply sitting down for a chat, the emphasis is on creating a space where young people feel comfortable and supported,” says Olivia.

Funded by Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership as a 12-month ‘test of change’ project, Vital Sparks aims to identify and support young carers at the earliest stage possible.

MCR Pathways works closely with partners such as Barnardo’s Young Carers to ensure a joined-up approach across the city as well as being represented on the Carers Strategy Implementation Group.

Through this partnership, MCR Pathways ensures that the voices and experiences of young carers are reflected in Aberdeen’s ongoing strategic work. Their involvement in the consultation for the next Carers Strategy helps to shape a more inclusive, responsive approach to supporting young carers in Aberdeen.

“It’s always their choice to join us,” says Olivia.

“We listen to what they want out of a mentoring relationship – their interests, their goals and sometimes even the type of mentor they’d like to be matched with. We check in regularly to make sure the relationship is going well. If it’s not the right fit, we can make changes. The young person’s voice is at the centre of everything.”

This commitment reflects the ethos of The Promise, placing young people’s voices at the heart of decision-making. By ensuring they lead the process, from referral through to mentoring and beyond, MCR Pathways empowers young people to have real choice and control over the support they receive.

“Mentoring is designed to fit around their lives,” Rebecca continues. “Whether that means fitting around caring responsibilities, mental health needs or other commitments.”

By meeting the young person where they are most comfortable and familiar, MCR Pathways remove barriers to participation and upholds their right to be heard and respected.

Rebecca and Olivia share that more than 80% of young people mentored through MCR Pathways’ programme have reported an increase in confidence and a better understanding of their strengths.

Beyond the statistics, Rebecca highlights the personal stories: “Success looks different for every young person. For some, it’s about feeling heard and supported. For others, it’s about building the confidence to take their next step in education, work or life. Mentoring gives them a safe space to explore their potential.”

Importantly, there’s no time limit. Some young people may only need mentoring for a few months, while others continue for years, often maintaining the relationship with their mentor informally once they leave the programme.

As the young carers programme takes shape, Olivia shares Vital Spark’s ambition: “We’re aiming to support 55 young carers by the end of the year. Part of that is raising awareness and helping schools and other organisations identify young carers. Many don’t even realise they’re carers – it’s just their normal day-to-day life. We want to change that by creating more understanding amongst adults and professionals.”

For Vital Sparks to succeed, family engagement is key: “We’re now much more involved with parents and carers than ever before,” says Rebecca.

“We talk to families to understand the young person better and to make sure the support fits their lives. If there are siblings who would also benefit, we support them too. If other services can help, we signpost families to those organisations.”

This approach is also closely aligned with The Promise, which highlights the importance of supporting families and the networks around children and young people.

MCR Pathways recognises that a young person’s wellbeing is deeply connected to their home environment and works collaboratively with parents, carers and partner organisations to build a foundation of stability and trust. By nurturing these wider networks, the charity helps ensure young people have consistent support in every area of their lives.

“The Promise means making sure every young person grows up loved, safe and respected – mentoring can be a key part of making that happen.”

MCR Pathways has developed partnerships with organisa-tions such as Home-Start Aberdeen to ensure families can access wrap-around support where needed, including for parents of younger children or those facing mental health challenges.

The work of MCR Pathways aligns closely with the foundations of The Promise, ensuring that care experienced and vulnerable young people are supported through strong, trusted relationships and community collaboration.

“Our mentors are often that one consistent person in a young person’s life,” says Rebecca. “They help them navigate challenges, build confidence and feel supported to achieve their goals. Keeping The Promise means making sure every young person grows up loved, safe and respected – mentoring can be a key part of making that happen.”

To find out more about the Vital Sparks mentoring programme, contact Olivia Turnbull at olivia.turnbull@ mcrpathways.org.

To find out more about MCR Pathways, or if you’re interested in volunteering as a mentor, visit mcrpathways.org or contact Rebecca Finnie at rebecca.finnie@mcr pathways.org.

To find out more about The Promise in Aberdeen, visit ACVO’s dedicated webpage at acvo.org.uk/thepromise.

This article originally appeared in the November 2025 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from the the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the current and past editions, and sign up to our mailing list, at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news