As the lockdown eases, faces that will be familiar to many of you are returning to CatZero following furlough. In the coming weeks we will be looking at how our work continues in this era of a ‘new normal’ and of course we will keep you all posted. In the meantime, if you need to contact any members of the team who have returned so far, you can find their details on our 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.”
“I just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other.” A very simplistic way of ensuring he conquers his massive 30in30 challenge, but for Danny Watson that’s one of the thoughts running through his mind as he begins his epic adventure today. Danny set off from Brighton this morning on the first…
PIPERS Crisps is setting its employees a ‘30of30’ charity challenge to support the mighty efforts of Danny Watson as he runs 30 marathons in 30 days. Tomorrow (Wednesday, September 23), our Director of Sailing at will set off from Brighton to run more than 800 miles – taking in at least a marathon every day,…
Having conquered two around-the-world sails, maritime legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston is certain of Danny Watson’s ability to succeed in his 30in30 challenge. The countdown is certainly on – with just one day and 13 hours left until Danny’s 800-mile run up the country from Brighton starts, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has offered his support – and…
“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.
