Caudwell Youth has launched its first Christmas appeal, Mentoring Makes Magic, to raise £10,000 to support more at-risk young people in Luton. And, for a short time only, the charity has been given a chance to have its donations doubled.

ExCo

Between 2 and 9 December, all donations made via the Big Give Christmas Challenge platform will be match-funded, turning every £1 donated into £2 and potentially doubling the charity's fundraising ambition to £20,000.

Caudwell Youth provides volunteer-led mentoring for at-risk 11–24-year-olds in Luton and neighbouring counties. Unlike most short-term services, its mentoring can last up to 18 months, giving young people the time, trust and stability they need.

Harvey (22) from Hertfordshire volunteered to be a mentor for Caudwell Youth after the charity helped him when he was younger.

placeholder image — Harvey (22) from Hertfordshire volunteered to be a mentor for Caudwell Youth after the charity helped him when he was younger.

Harvey, from Hertfordshire, is a volunteer mentor for the charity - but his journey with Caudwell Youth has been full circle. He was initially referred to the charity when struggling to leave the house due to panic attacks.

The 22-year-old was diagnosed with autism aged three and wanted to become more independent.

His mentor supported him to practice travel - setting goals first to travel locally, then to London and then abroad.

Harvey has now been to 10 countries independently and since travelling solo abroad, he has now chosen to become a mentor for Caudwell Youth himself.

Donations to Caudwell Youth will be doubled by the annual nationwide Big Give Christmas Challenge until 9 December.

He said: "I feel like now I can really live life on my full terms and I'm actually living my life for myself.

"I found becoming a mentor a really rewarding experience because I get to see the progress that I help make in a young person's life.

"It reminds me of when I was in that position, and just seeing how far I've come."

Demand for the volunteer-led service Caudwell Youth provides continues to rise, and the charity wants to help more young people through this campaign, according to Caudwell Youth CEO Amanda Batten.

She said: “Our young people face challenges they should not have to face alone. Mentoring gives them someone in their corner, week after week.

"Every donation doubled this Christmas means we can support even more young people who are still waiting for that vital lifeline.”

A full Caudwell Youth mentoring programme costs around £3,000 to run for up to 18 months. Just £15 funds one mentoring session. Every young person is matched with a trained volunteer mentor who meets them weekly, offering a listening ear, practical help and consistent encouragement.

All donations to this appeal will help Caudwell Youth provide more mentoring places, expand support, and reach the young people most at risk.

All donations made via the Big Give Platform will be doubled from 2 to 9 December: Mentoring Makes Magic - Big Give