ONCE CatZero, Always Catzero: and 25-year-old Adam Danville is proof that is certainly the case.
Adam was accepted onto a programme several years ago and after its successful completion, he was geared up to send his life in a different direction. However, circumstances changed, and for Adam hopes of a new start failed to materialise. Back into a downward spiral he found old problems re-emerging and ended up homeless as a result.
That was earlier this year and when a friend encouraged him to walk through the doors of CatZero again, he was welcomed back – and Adam has special thanks to manager Gail Howson for supporting and guiding his decision. The result was another programme, and a fresh determination to change – and this time for good. In three-weeks’ time he will embark on a Stevedore training course with the hope of future career at sea. He has also been able to secure accommodation in a hostel as he looks for permanent accommodation in Hull.
“When I made the decision to try again, I was able to speak to Gail and open up to her with no pressure, she didn’t say I had to do anything and that made it easier for me to make up my mind what I wanted, and that I needed to try again and to build my life in a different way,” said Adam.
“Over the weeks, on the course, I have also seen others blossom and transform and that also made me realise that I want to do the same,” he added.
Adam was one of the participants on CLLD 5, who attended their presentation event at the Minerva Masonic Hall, having successfully completed their course – together gaining 135 accredited qualifications and certificates of achievement, while attending weekly one-to-one sessions, CV writing sessions, business and team building days, sailing and mock interviews.
ReNew, Hull’s drug and alcohol service for adults, works closely with CatZero and regularly refers clients onto programmes. Richard Bacon is a firm supporter of the work of CatZero and its ability to guide people to effect transformational change.
“This is about learning and confidence building, with our service users joining CatZero programmes being taken on a massive journey. The stability they are offered over the weeks is an extremely large part of achieving change for them and we see the difference all of the time. Of course, clients will progress at different levels and speeds, but all will be on a forward path as a result of CatZero,” he said.
CLLD 5 was for long-term programme for unemployed adults supported by Community Led Local Development (CLLD). Monies from the European Structural and Investment Funds was secured by the city to run the over-arching CLLD programme.