About Caudwell Youth
Not all young people have the same opportunities in life.
Caudwell Youth empowers at-risk young people to shape their own future through mentoring and youth-led support.
They may have mental health challenges, be at risk of exploitation or offending or be part of or leaving the care system.
Caudwell Youth’s vision is a brighter future for at-risk young people.
What Caudwell Youth does
Caudwell Youth shapes futures by providing volunteer-led mentoring to at risk 11 to 24-year-olds. This year, they have supported more than 400 young people.
Unlike most services, which offer short-term support, Caudwell Youth’s mentoring can last for up to 18 months.
Each young person gains a consistent adult who meets with them regularly to support them as they take steps towards a more positive future.
Mentors offer a listening ear, practical help and patient encouragement to ensure every young person feels safe, heard and supported.
They give young people the time, trust and support they need, no matter their starting point.
Founded by John Caudwell in 2022, Caudwell Youth now supports young people across Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire, Slough, Buckinghamshire, and Luton and plan to expand across the UK from 2026.
The young people Caudwell Youth works with
The young people Caudwell Youth supports face four main challenges:
- Almost all (94%) are experiencing mental health challenges
- 57% are at risk of exploitation
- More than a quarter (28%) are at risk of offending
- Almost a fifth (18%) are care experienced
Caudwell Youth’s impact
Caudwell Youth’s latest data (collected via a regular survey which 94% of young people responded to in Oct 2025), found that of the young people they work with:
- 95% reduced offending
- 93% achieved something they are proud of
- 83% improved their mental health
- 82% reengaged in education
- 8 in 10 improved their relationships
- 64% reduced their risk of exploitation
- Half reduced substance use
Click here to read their latest outcomes report.
Caudwell Youth’s ‘Getting Ahead of the Curve’ report also found that for every £1 invested in their mentoring, there are benefits worth £6.05 to public finances – proving that early intervention not only transforms lives, but delivers huge savings to the public purse.
How you can help
Each mentoring programme costs Caudwell Youth around £3,000 to fund for one year. Each individual mentoring session is around £15.
Donate online now
All donations, big and small, make an impact on the lives of at risk young people. Please click here to donate online now. John Caudwell personally matches 33% of all donations to maximise their reach and impact, so your money will go even further.
Join their exclusive philanthropic circles
Join John’s exclusive Life Changers Circle to make a difference to young people over 10 years, or share your time, contacts, expertise and contributions by joining Caudwell Youth’s Oracles fundraising board.
Try a new challenge
Take on a sponsored fundraising challenge to raise money for Caudwell Youth – why not try a marathon, skydive or global trek?
Other ways to help
- Donate unwanted shares to Caudwell Youth via ShareGift UK.
- Consider leaving a gift to Caudwell Youth in your will.
- Support us through your company by joining our Torchrunners corporate supporters network
- Follow them on the social media accounts linked above – every like and share makes a difference!
To find out more about any of these opportunities or if there’s anything else you would like to discuss, please email supporters@caudwellyouth.org
