Sindy can be volatile. She was referred by the Youth Partnership Service. She has a diagnosis of ADHD and Anxiety and lives with her foster carers. She can be volatile and struggles to maintain emotions.

Sindy has had mental health support and is now taking medication and attending counselling. The mentor has developed a trusting relationship and Sindy has opened up about how she is feeling and has really come out of herself. They have enjoyed trips to the fun fair and cinema and shared their love of Starbucks. She's looking forward to her future and spending time with her friends.

Ben left care and struggled living independently Ben was living in the YMCA and had no one in his life but his support workers and was in a lot of debt. His mentor has been working with him around budgeting and he has paid off some of his debt. When he was first referred he struggled with feeling comfortable with his sexuality.

Now he is proud and feels most confident when his hair, makeup and outfit are looking fabulous. They have also worked on his diet. Going from mainly junk food to cooking for himself every night. No Taco Bell for months! "My mentor and Youth Support Coordinator have always been there for me and I don't know what I would have done without you guys, I'm so much happier”

Sandra struggles with her mental health and was sofa surfing. When she joined us, she had no permanent home which impacted her mental health.

Sandra is now living in semi-independent accommodation, she is re-gaining structure and independence. She's attending life-coaching sessions and is engaging really well. She's also now finished her Maths and English exams and is awaiting results.

Her mentor and her have so much in common and often spend sessions doing art together. Sandra's next steps are to prioritise her well being and transition into adulthood.

Callum was referred to us by the Youth Offending Service after being cautioned in 2022. We matched him with mentor Paul, who has gone above and beyond to support Callum during their time together. Here is what Callum has to say about his mentoring journey: ​

“You have helped me improve my life in so many ways. I got a distinction for my course; I went from Sunday boy to assistant manager within a year at my work all because my mentor Paul helped me get my mind on the right path and to focus on the things I love. Thank you for everything Paul and the team I’ve loved every moment, it’s made me the person I was always meant to be.”​

“I have referred over 10 young people to your service. One of the reasons I refer young people to your service is that the Youth Support Co-ordinators encourage the young people to get involved in decisions that affect their lives. The Youth Support Co-ordinators in your service work together to empower, support and safeguard through one to one support.

The staff are also so kind, friendly and approachable. I have worked in partnership with Claire Burns (Luton YSC) and she has supported my young people through assessments. I have signposted Caudwell Youth to my colleagues and they have also found your service helpful too. Thank you for all the support that you provide our young people that make positive changes in their lives. Keep up the hard work!!”

-Family Worker, Family Partnership Service

“With the launch of our Contextualised Safeguarding Hub that focusses on young people at risk of offending or exploitation, Caudwell Youth's experience of working not just in Milton Keynes but also across other geographies is essential. With just a limited number of places to support young people across the city, we know that we cannot support everyone who would benefit from our internal programmes. Being able to therefore refer young people who do not meet our thresholds or as a next steps programme means we can expand support to wider numbers thereby increasing impact.”

-Sarah Bottomly, Professional Lead for Missing, Exploited and Trafficked Children

“The mentoring offered is absolutely invaluable and that you are not rigid with the length of time a young person can have this support really sets you apart. The students at our academy have a diverse range of needs and it can take several meetings before they will even consider interacting with a new person or yet another person!”

-Emma Bryan, Lead Academy Safeguarding, Welfare & Attendance Manager

“As a CAMHS Community service, we love the opportunity to work closely with partners who can offer in-the-community support to young people, and help them achieve their goals. I have been very impressed with the support Caudwell Youth have offered to a number of my young people, either alongside my role, or at the point of discharge from CAMHS. Caudwell Youth have been able to work flexibly with young people, support them to manage their mental health and autism, and engage in social activities or develop skills in independence. A number of my young people have valued having someone that can come and see them at home, take them out, and be there when they need. It’s a great service, and highly recommended within our team.”

-Sarah Harris

“Great service, makes a difference to the people they are working with. Easy referral process and always happy to help if I get stuck with anything when completing a referral. Happy to go over and above and this pays off with building the relationships.

I’ve made several referrals to Caudwell Youth and have been so impressed with the care they take in ensuring the young people are matched to the right mentor who really understands their needs. The communication with professionals and families has been excellent and they aren’t afraid to “think outside the box” when needed. I would definitely recommend this service”

-Rhea Gunn