Pupil whose mum passed away benefits from new mentoring programme and here's how to help
“My mum passed away and sometimes I just need someone to talk to about it”
An award-winning mentoring programme at Academy 360 is helping young people build on their strengths, grow in confidence and shape positive futures.
The programme, which is run partnership with national mentoring charity MCR Pathways, matches students with volunteer mentors who provide consistent one-to-one support throughout the school year.
The initiative is designed to create trusted adult relationships that help young people recognise their abilities, raise their aspirations and take positive steps towards their future.
One pupil to benefit is Academy 360 pupil Angel who meets with her mentor, Diane every Wednesday.
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Angel said: “She turns up every week, and that's what matters. 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."
Diane has played a crucial role in providing an outlet for Angel to talk about the trauma of her mam passing away.
She added: “My mum passed away and sometimes I just need someone to talk to 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.
Diane said: “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.
Diane added: “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 to 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”.
She added: “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.
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.
You can register an interest top become a volunteer via the MCR website.