Pennywell, Sunderland – An award-winning mentoring programme at Academy 360, delivered in partnership with national mentoring charity MCR Pathways, is helping young people build on their strengths, grow in confidence and shape positive futures.
The programme matches students with volunteer mentors who provide consistent one-to-one support throughout the school year, creating trusted adult relationships that help young people recognise their abilities, raise their aspirations and take positive steps towards their future.
“She turns up every week, and that’s what matters,” says Angel, a student benefiting from MCR Pathways mentoring at Academy 360.
Describing the value of having a consistent, supportive adult outside the classroom, Angel said:
“Mentoring means somebody who can be a big influence in your life. Somebody who you can trust to tell them things in your life, and they can help you.”
For many young people, life can present unique challenges. Angel describes the difference having a trusted adult to rely on every Wednesday at Academy 360 has made:
“When I see Diane, I don’t have to think about any of that. I can just sit and play Monopoly. It just takes my mind off it, and it’s getting it out. My mum passed away and, sometimes, I just need someone to talk about it. Diane has always been really supportive, helpful and kind about it.”
For Angel’s mentor, Diane, being non-judgemental, empathetic and present are among the essential qualities volunteer mentors bring to helping young people realise their potential.
“For me, mentoring is about being in the moment, having fun and listening. It’s important that Angel has someone she trusts to talk to about her emotions.
“She’s on a journey right now and it’s about taking things at her own pace. She can do whatever she wants in the future; she’s got the skills, she’s got the confidence and she’s so smart.”
For many mentors, the experience is equally rewarding, creating a lasting sense of purpose through supporting local young people.
“It always makes me feel positive and gives me a lift. Seeing Angel so positive means everything. It’s just an hour a week, and I try to tell everyone I meet to do it and become a volunteer mentor.”
Claire Usher, Assistant Principal (Secondary) at Academy 360, said the programme is focused on recognising and developing the strengths students already bring to school while preparing them for positive, sustained destinations.
“MCR Pathways has been an amazing support to our school community, providing our young people with the consistent, dedicated guidance they need to truly thrive. The unique bond between students and their mentors has unlocked potential that many did not know they possessed, boosting their confidence, resilience, and academic focus.
“Watching these relationships flourish and seeing our students grow into ambitious, self-assured young adults is incredibly rewarding, and we are immensely proud of everything they continue to achieve through this invaluable programme.”
MCR Pathways’ approach centres on long-term, trusted relationships between mentors and students, with regular meetings taking place in a safe, supportive school environment.
Mentors and young people may share experiences of growing up in Sunderland, common interests, career ambitions or simply the opportunity to build trust through regular conversations.
The programme expanded across the North East of England last year, increasing access to school-based mentoring with a focus on unlocking young people’s potential and improving future opportunities.
MCR Pathways is encouraging adults from all walks of life to volunteer as mentors and consider giving just one hour a week to help students at Academy 360 build confidence, broaden their aspirations and realise their potential.
Adults interested in becoming a volunteer mentor can register by visiting: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/
