Dundee youth mentoring charity Breakthrough is to expand into Angus following its success in the city.
A three year contract has been awarded by Angus Council, which will see the charity’s programme, aimed at care-experienced young people, introduced at Arbroath High School and Arbroath Academy.
The initiative oversees local businesses and educational establishments offering mentoring through trained volunteers.
Mark Armstrong, chairman of the Angus Corporate Parenting Board, said: “Providing our young people with the opportunity to develop positive mentoring relationships, explore their aspirations for the future and build their confidence is hugely important, especially for some of our young people who are facing some challenges.
“We are looking forward to working with Breakthrough here in Angus to complement the good work that is already happening in our schools.
“I think there are real benefits to employers from engaging with Breakthrough, not only in supporting and developing our future local workforce but also in the increased motivation and productivity that comes from enabling their employees to connect with young people, share their knowledge and experiences and see the positive impact that this can make on our young people.”
Breakthrough, which is funded by the Northwood Charitable Trust and supported by DC Thomson, launched in 2017 in Morgan Academy before rolling out across all nine secondary schools in Dundee.
Around 130 young people are currently being mentored in the city.
Corporate parenting board member councillor Lynne Devine said: “I am absolutely delighted to see Breakthrough starting up in Arbroath, with a view to extending it to our schools across Angus and to young people who need a significant adult they can trust.”
Breakthrough Angus will rely on a range of businesses to work alongside them to design and deliver unique work taster sessions to encourage young people to start planning for life beyond school.
Breakthrough is also keen to hear from local people who are interested in mentoring a young person in Arbroath.
Jenny Paterson, Breakthrough chief executive said: “Breakthrough is one of many incredible organisations working to make a positive difference in the lives of young people and to now have the opportunity to work in partnership with Angus Council is fantastic.
“Relationships are at the heart of our approach and each mentoring relationship is as unique as the people we bring together.”
