"Volunteering has provided better insights into the challenges that young people face leaving the care system"

Caudwell Youth: Volunteer Case Study

Caudwell Youth mentors at-risk young people aged 11-24 years into new futures. Founded in 2022 by four co-leaders with experience of charity-led mentoring provision and philanthropist John Caudwell. They are determined to ensure that the needs of at-risk young people are properly addressed. We talked to Alison Crook, a volunteer mentor at Caudwell Youth who has been supporting Luke. Luke has been part of the Caudwell Youth Collective – a group made up of young people across all our areas that support the charity vision, they get to have input on lots of areas from marketing to being on the interview panel for our next CEO.

What Prompted You to Become a Volunteer Mentor?

My plan, when I was able to reduce my regular workload, was to put something together to persuade large corporations to provide some sort guaranteed training apprentice for 3 years to care leavers and to contribute to purpose built care leaver flats in which to reside whilst they were under apprenticeship, with support, afterwards, to move forwards. This young person volunteering, I thought would give me better insights into the issues surrounding care leavers and the support that is necessary. It is doing just this!

How Often do You Volunteer for Caudwell Youth?

Every week I meet with my allocated mentee face to face, with additional contact via messaging in between.

How has Volunteering Changed You?

Volunteering has provided better insights into the challenges that young people face leaving the care system and has demonstrated the inadequacies of the state support that on the face of it, should work, but because of the way it is set up, and lack of funding, fails to deliver. Also, accepting that small wins are OK and a step in the right direction.

What is the Best Thing About Volunteering?

It is a great way to “give something back” to society. Seeing small improvements and someone developing more independence. Meeting new people with different experiences.

What Would You Say to Someone Considering Volunteering?

If you have an interest in supporting young people and can devote some time, just do it!

Finally, Would you Recommend Volunteering to Others?

Definitely – everyone should do something in life to “give something back” to society.

You can find Caudwell Youth mentoring opportunities here.