A CLASSROOM in the woods will be enjoyed by school children, thanks to a group of veterans who are currently taking part in the first ever North/South Humber CatZero programme for former Armed Forces personnel.
Based at The Knoll, in Cleethorpes, the funded course takes unemployed veterans on a journey of discovery as they look to focus their lives again.
Undertaking various vocational qualifications, they also participate in numerous team-building events, volunteering and, of course, the sailing adventure. On the course’s completion, the veterans continue to receive support from CatZero, with the progression team helping with CV writing, in responding to job and volunteering opportunities as well as the long term holistic support that is needed for the veterans of our region.
The volunteering has included time spent with TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) at Goole’s Parkside Primary School where a woodland classroom is being developed. Veterans helped to level the ground, lay paths and create wildlife habitats.
Programme manager Pete Tighe explained: “To get out as a group and be involved in such a worthwhile project is a great experience. A good day was had by all.”
The programme, funded by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Job Centre Plus and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund on an individual participation basis, is being supported by the Armed Forces team at The Knoll, which is currently being transformed into a ‘hub’ for veterans to receive support and advice.
It is the first such programme on the south Humber bank, following a successful course in Hull. Benefits of all those involved are not affected and those on military pensions who are not claiming benefits were also eligible to apply.
Pete added: “The highly successful programme in Hull, which finished earlier this year, opened our eyes to the need for veterans to come together, to bond as a unit and to really understand they have real skills that can be adapted. The south Humber programme is so far going very well.”