It takes a village

When we talk about weapons and violence, we’re talking about young people who feel they’ve run out of choices. Every statistic is a life - someone’s child, someone’s friend, someone with a future that matters. 

Preventing young people carrying weapons is more than raising awareness. It has to be about connection, belonging, and showing young people there’s another path.

That’s where mentoring makes a life-changing difference.

The power of one hour

MCR Pathways is a national, award-winning mentoring programme for young people. Our vision is simple: every young person who needs us should have someone to help them find their way. 

One hour a week of consistent, caring support from a mentor can ignite a young person’s vital spark. The spark of ambition. Confidence. And belief that keeps them moving forward even in the toughest times.

Violence and weapon-carrying are often rooted in fear. Insecurity. The pressure to belong. Mentoring interrupts that cycle. It gives a young person a safe space. They can talk through decisions and imagine a future that doesn’t involve risk or harm. Having a mentor can be the difference between making a destructive choice, or a hopeful one.

A village of mentors

There’s an old saying: it takes a village to raise a child. Mentoring is about rebuilding that village in today’s world. Parents, carers, teachers, and professionals all have vital roles. But mentors add something unique. They’re a consistent presence who isn’t judging or grading, who isn’t a family member caught up in daily pressures. They’re someone who listens without agenda, who encourages without condition.

That human connection is powerful. Research shows mentored young people improve their attendance and behaviour in school. They achieve better results. They are more likely to go into college, university, or a job they enjoy. But key is that they’re less likely to get involved in risky or violent behaviour in their communities.

In other words, mentors help young people do more than survive school — they help them thrive in life.

Changing futures, together

The beauty of mentoring is that the change flows both ways. Mentors often describe it as one of the most rewarding things they’ve ever done. By giving their time, they rediscover their own sense of purpose and connection. For communities feeling fragmented, mentoring helps rebuild bonds across generations and backgrounds.

Violence tears holes in communities; mentoring helps stitch them back together. When young people know they’re believed in, they see a different future is possible. They make better choices — for themselves, and for everyone around them.

Real impact, real stories

At MCR Pathways, we see this impact every day. We meet young people who once felt isolated, angry, or hopeless. With the help of their mentor, they now have the confidence to plan for a career, and a positive adulthood. We meet mentors who say they’ve never felt so inspired. And schools and communities transformed by the powerful ripple effect of stronger relationships.

Violence and weapons may feel like overwhelming issues. But mentoring proves that prevention doesn’t always need complex solutions. Sometimes, it’s as simple as giving an hour a week to listen, encourage, and guide.

Be part of the village

If we want to stop young people turning to weapons or violence, we need to surround them with belief and support. No single person can do it alone - but together, we can.

One hour a week from a caring person like you is all it takes.  

Mentoring won’t just change their life. It might save it.

Find out more about becoming a mentor at mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor

Learn more about our Fearless campaign: It takes a village | Crimestoppers