A CHARITY is recruiting volunteers across Renfrewshire after launching a new mentoring programme for vulnerable young people.
Aberlour Child Care Trust has launched the initiative in partnership with Renfrewshire Council to provide support and guidance for young people who are carers or living in care, whether they are looked after at home, staying with foster parents or living in a residential setting.
Aberlour Attain-Renfrewshire will match looked-after young people aged between eight and 18 with a trained mentor, who will act as a role model to help them realise their potential.
Sarah-Louise Davies, programme manager of the new mentoring programme in Renfrewshire, said: “Our vision is for every young person living in care, whatever the setting, to have the same opportunities and experiences in life as every other young person.
"The key focus is to raise attainment. Our programme takes a complete 360 approach to mentoring, meaning our volunteer mentors will provide support and guidance in any aspect of their mentee’s life, whether that is helping them revise for exams at school, providing guidance on career opportunities or talking through any other problems they may be facing.
“Over the next few weeks and months, we hope to recruit around 120 mentors to support children and young people across Renfrewshire.
"I’d encourage anyone interested in making a difference in a young person’s life to get in touch to find out more. It may just be the best thing you’ve ever done.”
The new mentoring programme is part of Renfrewshire Council’s aim to close the region’s attainment gap.
Recent statistics indicate a quarter of schoolchildren in Renfrewshire live in some of the most deprived communities in Scotland.
Councillor Jim Paterson, Renfrewshire's education and children's service convener, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Aberlour on this new mentoring programme.
"We are highly committed to raising attainment for all across Renfrewshire and our new mentors will provide young people with invaluable support and guidance, helping them to excel and reach their full potential in life.”
If you would like to find out more about becoming an Aberlour mentor, get in touch by emailing volunteering@aberlour.org.uk or calling 0141 260 9180.
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