We have a breadth of knowledge and experience working with young people, in particular, the needs outlined below although we work with a wide range of needs.

All our young people are experiencing at least one of these needs, however most experience multiple needs which compounds the level of risk they face.

Mental Health

There has been a significant rise in mental health challenges for young people in recent years. However, just over two in three children and young people with a diagnosable mental health condition do not get access to NHS care and treatment.

We are there to provide community support for those needing our services where NHS care and treatment is inaccessible due to long waiting times or not meeting required thresholds.

Care Experienced

Care experienced young people are at the most risk due to their experiences such as 41% of care leavers aged 19-21 years are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), compared to 12% of all 19- to 21-year-olds.

We work with care experienced young people to build confidence and resilience, widen opportunities and support with life beyond care.

At Risk of or Involved in Offending Behaviour

Some of our young people will have had involvement with the criminal justice system.

We offer non-judgemental support and opportunities to engage in positive activities away from potential detrimental negative influences.

At Risk of or Experiencing Exploitation

Vulnerable young people are at particular risk of criminal, sexual, emotional and financial exploitation. The most common presenting need we support relates to county lines. 

By showing positive alternatives such as routes into work and education, positive social networks and building resilience and confidence, we empower our young people with the tools to thrive as they move into adulthood.

Volunteer Mentors 

Many of our young people are overwhelmed by the number of professionals involved in their life. Volunteer mentors are a voice of reason there by choice not professional caseload.

Volunteer mentors work with Caudwell Youth as a means of using their diverse skills and experience to have a positive impact on their local community.  We are proud to say all our volunteers have an Enhanced DBS check, are referenced checked and complete a minimum training schedule including safeguarding, trauma informed practice, professional boundaries and introduction to mentoring before they are matched with a young person.  

How we work

Each Youth Support Coordinator is dedicated to supporting up to 25 young people and 30 volunteers. Young people may have more than one volunteer mentor. They work collaboratively to guide and encourage young people from referral along a journey of empowerment of up to two years.

Caudwell Youth engage with each young person building positive relationships and supporting them to take the lead on designing their journey.  By advocating for them in multi-agency settings we work hard to ensure that their needs and voices are heard.

1. Referral to Caudwell Youth
2. Assessment of Risk
3. Bespoke Initial Assessment
4. Match to trained volunteer mentor
5. Continuous support for up to two years
6. Planned tapering off of support

Inputs and activities

Mentors and young people typically meet weekly, but talk / message more regularly, especially when they are anxious or need additional support.

Staff and mentors organise and connect young people to a range of activities and resources. We have built strong partnerships, offering opportunities to the young people we support, allowing them to learn to cope and manage with everyday life, build their confidence, and develop the skills to re-engage with education, obtain work experience, employment and greater independence, thereby moving them away from risks associated with negative relationships or behaviour.

Support is person-centred using a range of tools dependent on their needs.

These include:

• 1:1 mentoring;
• Helping with education, especially access to functional skills learning;
• Supporting with housing related challenges;
• Helping with applications for jobs, training, benefits, IDs, residency;
• Registering and accessing NHS services;
• Signposting to other services such as food banks;
• Opportunities that build resilience and result in positive use of time;
• Activities that build positive social connections.