Due to the latest Government requirements and subsequent lockdown for COVID-19, we have put a number of key actions in place to ensure we are working safely whilst at the same time, still able to support the vulnerable children, young people, families and other adults we are currently working with. Our on-going programmes for veterans, Grimsby & Hull Full Families, and the long-term unemployed in Scunthorpe are continuing, as is our move-on support. If you need to contact any members of the team, you can find our details on the contacts page.
Over 12 years we have established ourselves as one of the Humber’s leading independent charities, delivering positive and lasting change to thousands of individuals.
It has been a journey of opportunity and challenge, during which our work has evolved. Our initial NEETs programmes with young people were hugely successfully but we became aware that, to tackle the root causes of youngsters’ issues, we needed ‘full family’, intergenerational engagement – to work with the parents, relatives, and siblings. Our Full Families work in Grimsby and Hull began. This early intervention has been key and has enabled us to identify more young people (sisters & brothers), lone parents and unemployed adults who need individual support too.
Our work now covers all generations with programmes for individuals and young people on-going. This includes sails on our yacht, extensive mentoring, one-to-ones, learning new skills, obtaining qualifications, progressing to be ‘work or education-ready’ and long-term move-on help. We have a programme retention rate of more than 90 per cent and have delivered to more than 2,000 people.
Meanwhile, our work with young people and ‘full families’ presents the very best opportunity to stop a revolving door of deprivation. By supporting each family member, we best deliver lasting change. Successful communities are built upon strong and successful family units.
“Before CatZero I was ready to give up, but I can now live life and care for my two children, who are the most important people in my life.” The words of mum Paige, a Full Families participant.”
“Before I was given this amazing opportunity I was in a dark place and struggled to believe I would be able to withstand such a challenge. To be given the trust to steer and sail a 72ft yacht, wow. This made me realise the sky is the limit!! I am strong, I am capable, and I am worth it!!!!” Under 25 participant Andrea Morton.”
FESTIVE fun came early for our Grimsby Full Families participants as they received bags of Christmas treats. Kindly donated to us by BRIDGEfriends, the goodies and cooking treats were put into festive packages to be delivered by our Grimsby team to households in the town that are on our programme, which is run in conjunction with…
“TODAY my drugs are the air that I breathe and the breakfast I eat in the mornings.” The inspiring words of veteran Ross Baldinger, who is sharing his story of hope and determination with others who may be battling addiction. Now ‘clean’ for well over a year, Ross says with deep honesty: “There is always…
Welcome to our final 30in30 picture diary – great to see the wonderful pictures at a time when we are unable to travel! We can all look forward to visiting some of these places in 2021…. Day 21 and it was a total of 28.03 miles through the Lincolnshire flatlands as Danny pushed on to…
“The crew were fantastic and gave lots of time to us all, explaining all of the many questions we all had about sailing and just generally providing a really enjoyable experience on a great yacht. I would definitely recommend this to anyone to try, as this really was a great way to spend a weekend.”
“I can speak for everyone when I say the experience, personally and as a team, was one that we will remember for a very long time. I think sailing is one of those sports that actually compares to running a business and I took a number of things away, as I am certain others did too. A wonderful group of people and a fantastic charity.”
“The staff lead the programme without being judgemental or condescending. They helped the group to help each other at their own pace – this is the reason why we bonded.”
Our programmes receive grant funding. For example, monies from the European Structural and Investment Fund, (ESIF) are helping to fund our CLLD programmes in Hull and Scunthorpe, along with our Full Families Programme for the Preston Road area in Hull.
But to unlock that money and run programmes across the Humber, we must attract our own match-funding and we do this by fund-raising, organising private, corporate and competition sailing events and donations.
All the profit made from our sailing goes directly back into programme delivery.
