Milnbank employees and board members will be trained as volunteer mentors, helping young people build confidence and resilience while supporting their progression into further and higher education, apprenticeships, training and employment.

Paul Martin, CEO of Milnbank Housing Association, said: “We are delighted to form this partnership with MCR Pathways. Our board, staff and I are looking forward to becoming mentors and making a real difference to young people in the East End of Glasgow.

“We recognise the difference positive role models can make and are proud to support an initiative that helps young people realise their potential and build confidence for the future.”

For MHA, the partnership reflects its commitment to wider role in creating stronger, fairer communities. Staff bring a range of life and work experience to their volunteer mentoring relationships, while gaining fresh insight into the challenges and ambitions of young people growing up locally.

Founded in Glasgow in 2007, MCR Pathways has supported more than 18,000 young people and expanded its award winning programme to 23 Scottish local authorities. The charity today delivers its volunteer mentoring programme in every Glasgow secondary school, where 98.5% of mentored Care Experienced young people achieve a positive post-school destination, compared with 87.9% nationally.

Its latest survey found that 97% of mentored young people said their confidence had improved through their relationship with a trusted adult, while 96% said their mentor helped increase their self-belief and recognise their talents and strengths.

The benefits of mentoring extend beyond individual outcomes. Independent research found that every £1 invested in MCR Pathways generates £2.80 in social value, driven by increased lifetime earnings and wider social outcomes for young people engaged in the programme.

Susanne Richards, who previously benefited from MCR Pathways mentoring and now sits on the boards of both organisations, said: “It is incredibly special for me to see Milnbank Housing Association and MCR Pathways working together. Both organisations have a genuine belief in community and have made a significant impact individually, so it is exciting to think about what they can achieve together.

“I hope the success of this partnership leads to it becoming a model for others to follow, for the benefit of those they serve.”

Sharon McIntyre, CEO of MCR Pathways, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Milnbank Housing Association, an organisation that shares our commitment to supporting young people in Glasgow.

“Through trusted adult relationships and consistent support, mentoring helps young people build confidence, self-belief and a sense of purpose. This partnership creates a valuable opportunity to extend that support and help more young people progress towards positive post-school destinations.”