Peer mentoring scheme expands

The City Year mentoring programme, which is already running in London and Birmingham, was initially set up in one school in Manchester earlier this year.

The charity has now confirmed that the programme will be extended to five schools. So far 25 young people in the city have signed up to work as mentors and tutors.

Through the programme the volunteers, who are also known as “corp members”, will spend four days a week supporting students both in and out of the classroom, and also spend a day working on their personal and professional development through a training and careers programme.

City Year was initially set up in London in 2011. It was extended to Birmingham in 2013. It aims to tackle educational inequality by developing young people’s talents and enthusiasm for learning.

Sophie Livingstone, chief executive of City Year UK, said: “This region's young people have the energy, talent and determination to create profound change in their local community.

“What they won’t fully realise until next summer, is how life-changing giving a year will be for them as well.”

Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council, added: “This region has so much to offer – we’re home to businesses at the forefront of technology, science, and the creative industries, but to thrive and grow, these businesses need to help create and connect with a pipeline of local young talent.

“What’s exciting about City Year Greater Manchester is that by tapping into the desire of young people to make a difference, it not only helps pupils do better at school, but it gives its young volunteers the skills employers are crying out for.”