Snow Camp Live on BBC Radio 4 Appeals

Snow Camp Live on BBC Radio 4 

Help Us Reach More Young People Through Snowsports 

A group of smiling young people in snowsports gear pose together with a large Snow Camp banner indoors. The image celebrates the youth who benefit from Snow Camp, as featured in the BBC Radio 4 Appeal.

This December, Snow Camp is incredibly proud to be featured on the BBC Radio 4 Appeal Programme.  

Presented by our amazing Patron, four-time Winter Olympian Chemmy Alcott, the three-minute broadcast shares the emotional story of two young people, Marcus and Connor, whose lives were transformed by Snow Camp’s unique blend of snowsports, mental health support, mentoring and qualifications. 

Tune in to the appeal on 28 December at 7:54 am, then again at 9.25 pm. Plus, a repeat on New Year’s Day (1 January) at 3:27 pm, on BBC Radio 4. 

You can tune in live or listen again here.

This is a huge moment for our charity, and we’d love your support to help us reach more young people who need it most. 

Why Snowsports? Why Now? 

A group of young people in snowboarding gear stand spaced out on a snowy slope, participating in a Snow Camp session. The photo reflects the charity’s mission, featured in the BBC Radio 4 Appeal.

At Snow Camp, we use snowsports to break down barriers. For young people facing poverty, trauma, or mental health challenges, ski slopes can seem a world away. But they’re also a place of confidence, focus, and freedom. 

We currently operate in London, the Midlands, the North West and Scotland, working in close partnership with local youth services, snow centres and mental health professionals. 

Through our unique youth programmes – which progress from First Tracks to our award-winning Apprenticeship Programme, young people not only learn to ski and snowboard, but also gain: 

  • Accredited qualifications 
  • Mental health support 
  • Employability skills 
  • A safe, supportive community 
  • Access to work placements and careers in snowsports and further afield 

All of this is made possible thanks to our dedicated team, our incredible partners, and the generosity of supporters like you. 

Who Snow Camp helps 

Three young men smile and concentrate as they write on forms during an indoor Snow Camp life skills session. This educational focus is part of what Snow Camp promotes in the BBC Radio 4 Appeal.

Snow Camp works with young people aged 13–21 from some of the most disadvantaged communities in the UK, including London, the Midlands, the North West, and Scotland. 

Many of the young people we meet are: 

  • Facing poverty or housing instability 
  • Dealing with serious mental health challenges 
  • At risk of exclusion from school or already not in education, employment or training (NEET) 
  • Living in areas impacted by violence, gangs, or lack of opportunity 

Our programmes offer a safe, aspirational alternative, helping young people to reimagine their futures with purpose, confidence and a pathway forward. 

Read more about who we support and our 2024/25 impact.

Young people like Connor, and Marcus, whose name has been changed to protect his identity.

The Power of Mentoring: Marcus and Connor’s Story 

A group of Snow Camp participants in helmets and branded jackets huddle together in a team embrace on an indoor slope. This image shows the supportive community that donations to the BBC Radio 4 Appeal help build.

In the BBC broadcast, Chemmy tells the story of Marcus, a young person who experienced instability, abuse and gang exploitation before being referred to Snow Camp by his social worker. 

Through the programme, Marcus found confidence, community and a career in snowsports.  

“I never thought I’d ever have the chance to ski. It’s been my way out. Every time I ski, it takes my mind off everything else and helps me to focus. It’s completely changed my life.” – Marcus, Snow Camp Youth Forum member 

Today, Marcus works full-time at a UK snow centre – and plays a vital role in our youth-led mentoring programme, supporting others facing similar challenges. 

One of those young people is Connor. Just a year ago, Connor was homeless, sleeping in train stations and struggling to see a future. Thanks to the support of Marcus and the Snow Camp team, Connor is now a thriving Snow Camp Apprentice, building a pathway to employment and stability. 

Their journeys represent just two of the hundreds of lives transformed each year through Snow Camp. But there are thousands more who still need support. 

What Is the BBC Radio 4 Appeal? 

Two Snow Camp representatives, one in branded staff clothing and the other (Chemmy Alcott, Snow Camp patron) wearing studio headphones, smile in a BBC recording studio. The photo highlights their participation in the BBC Radio 4 Appeal programme.

The BBC Radio 4 Appeal is a long-standing initiative that gives national airtime to charities making a difference. Each week, one charity is selected to share a story with Radio 4’s listeners and invite support through a short three-minute broadcast. 

We’re honoured to have been chosen, and even more grateful to have Chemmy Alcott lend her voice – and her story – to help us reach a wider audience. 

As Chemmy says in the appeal:

“Skiing gave me confidence, purpose, and eventually, the honour of competing for my country. But I know I’ve been lucky. For many young people snowsports can feel completely out of reach, and that’s why I became a patron of Snow Camp.” 

How You Can Help

Two Snow Camp participants shake hands on the snow while wearing helmets and branded jackets. The moment reflects camaraderie and personal development supported through the BBC Radio 4 Appeal.

Snow Camp’s work is only possible thanks to generous people like you. Whether you’re making a donation, sharing our story, or offering your time or resources, you’re making a lasting impact. 

Here’s how you can support the campaign: 

1 Donate 

Every donation helps us reach more young people in 2026 and beyond. 

£50 starts a young person on their Snow Camp journey, giving them their first experience on the slopes, alongside vital life skills and support. 

And whether you give £5, £50 or more, any amount makes a difference and helps us open up opportunities to young people who need them most. 

During the BBC appeal period, until January 1st, you can donate in two ways: 

  • Via the BBC – visit BBC Radio 4 Appeal: Snow Camp 

Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey 

We’ve always believed in the power of sport to change lives – and with your help, we’re turning belief into action. 

Thank you for listening, sharing, donating and supporting. This BBC moment is one to celebrate – and we’re so grateful to have you with us. 

Support the campaign today.

2 Spread the Word 

Whether you’re a supporter, sponsor, or ski enthusiast, simply sharing the appeal can help us reach someone who may be in a position to give or connect us to opportunities. 

Why This Moment Matters

A group of young people in snowboarding gear stand spaced out on a snowy slope, participating in a Snow Camp session. The photo reflects the charity’s mission, featured in the BBC Radio 4 Appeal.

More young people than ever are being referred to Snow Camp – and our waiting lists are growing. We know our programmes work. We’ve seen young people go from surviving to thriving, with the tools and support they need to build a better future. 

Your support today can help us reach more young people in 2026 and beyond. 

Thank you.

Offer Your Assets, Experience or Industry Support 

Not all support comes in the form of a donation. At Snow Camp, we know the incredible value of access, equipment and expertise. 

Do you own a ski chalet or mountain property that’s unused during parts of the season?
Do you work in the snowsports industry, have extra kit in storage, or know someone who does? 

We’re actively looking to partner with individuals and businesses who can support young people in practical, life-changing ways. Your help could make the difference between a young person joining our programme or missing out entirely. 

Here’s how you could support: 

  • Accommodation: A donated chalet or apartment could be used for team training, residentials, or programme delivery weeks in the mountains. 
  • Ski or snowboard kit: Quality equipment donations (boots, skis, snowboards, jackets, goggles) are always in demand and help us kit out young people for success. 
  • Lift passes: If you have access to passes or resort partnerships, they can unlock the mountains for those who’ve never experienced them. 
  • Industry mentorship or training: If you’re a coach, instructor, or work in snowsports logistics or hospitality, your time and knowledge could inspire the next generation. 
  • Corporate or brand partnerships: We love working with like-minded organisations to create long-term impact through collaborative programmes, events and sponsorships. 

Every item donated, every connection made, and every opportunity opened can have a profound impact on a young person’s future. 

If this sounds like something you or your business could help with, we’d love to start a conversation. Get in touch with Dan Keeley, Snow Camp’s Community & Events Director today