Senior representatives of the Enrolled Freemen of Grimsby visited the town’s dockside to welcome the CatZero yacht return from its recent sail, involving participants on its latest transformational programme.
As part of its support for the project, the Freemen offer subsidised office accommodation to CatZero at the Business and Digital Hub on Freeman Street Market. The Freemen created the Hub, assisted by an award of match-funding from the ERDF, to create high quality offices and mega-fast broadband for the digital industry – whilst also designing in rooms for community events.
As we all know, we are currently working in Grimsby with CPO (Creating Positive Opportunities), on Freeman Street, to help 100 families in North East Lincolnshire’s most deprived wards as part of our Full Families programme.
Our programme leader, Sean Cahill, said: “The Business and Digital Hub on Freeman Street Market has proved an invaluable base for CatZero’s operations south of the river. It provides a professional environment in the heart of the East Marsh, where a large amount of our current work is being done.
“With our offices set at the back of the market space, we feel part of the local community. The support, with subsidised rents, from the Freemen has allowed the charity to focus the funds we raise directly on the people and families we work with,” he said.
Sean explained the work of the team on its Grimsby Full Families project: “Grimsby Full Families is a targeted, family-focused early intervention programme, which aims to instil confidence and resilience in individuals and families. It is focused in Grimsby’s East Marsh and Freeman Street areas, which includes the ports district hinterland; and West Marsh and South Wards, including the Nunsthorpe Estate.
“Integral to our vision is empowering people to change both their lives for the better and improving the local community,” he added.
Chairman of the Enrolled Freemen, Stephen White said: “Long before this was built we had developed the concept that the market was more than simply a place for people to shop, it was also a community hub and was a vital component of the East Marsh area.
“When CatZero approached us, we were impressed by the work that they are involved in, which struck a chord with our own altruistic intentions to meet one of our charitable objectives, which is to be of public service and benefit.
“The Enrolled Freemen of Grimsby are pleased and proud to be recognised as sponsors of the CatZero yacht and wish them every continued success in their endeavours,” he added.