A new mentoring programme, Mentoring Young Talent, has been launched in two Moray secondary schools. 
The programme supports young people in discovering and developing their talents to increase their employment options when they leave school or further education. Care-experienced young people and other disadvantaged young people are participating in work related learning within their curriculum and 1:1 mentoring to boost confidence, gain skills and qualifications. The schools are now seeking mentors to step up and help pupils who have joined the programme from the start of the new school year.
Mentors are sought in Buckie and Elgin High School areas who are employed, can offer insights into their working days and provide support for an hour a week. Each young person is matched with an individual mentor as an impartial adult to talk to and build a positive relationship with. In previous programmes the young mentees have seen their confidence and self-esteem increase, and there are personal and professional benefits for the mentor too.
The programme was developed in response to the Corporate Parenting Strategy and involves a range of corporate parent partners, third sector organisations and private employers. Scottish Government figures in 2018 showed only 5% of looked after young people in Moray left school with a higher level qualification, compared with 59% of their peers. Tackling educational inequity is at the heart of the programme, allowing young people to be defined by their potential not their situation.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a mentor or other opportunities within the programme please get in touch with Christine Fairbairn, programme co-ordinator by email at christine.fairbairn@moray.gov.uk
