A REPORT highlighting the success of our Grimsby Full Families programme is testament to the evolution of our charity as it continues to support young people and adults across both sides of the Humber.
Reflecting on more than 11 years of delivering lasting personal change, our chair of trustees, Jim Dick OBE and Director of Operations Dave Bertholini are both proud and humble, in equal measure, of the way in which CatZero has grown.
Now one of the region’s leading independent charities, all here at CatZero are looking to this new decade with a fresh sense of purpose to extend our work with whole family units. This, in turn, identifies more people of all ages who need individual support. Young people, unemployed adults, lone parents, and adults with specific needs continue to be helped as a result.
Earlier this year the Grimsby Full Families programme, operating in conjunction with CPO, was subject to an independent review, which was commissioned by us to assist with future planning.
Conducted by eminent social worker Lesley Wilkinson MBE, it praised the “passionate, committed, enthusiastic workforce” who are dedicated to supporting families on the successful Grimsby programme.
In her report, Lesley said: “The Full Families programme is making such a difference across Grimsby. It is a benchmark for good practice.”
The glowing report also contained quotes from Full Families service users. One young family member was quoted as saying: “We are all involved in it; we all have a voice, even the younger kids.”
For Jim, who combines his active trustee role with his position as Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, the family work reflects the way in which CatZero has identified different community needs and has responded accordingly.
“It is interesting when you look back and reflect upon how our work started with young people who were not in work, education or training – our region’s ‘NEETs’,” says Jim.
“For us and the area at that time, that work was vital and of course it remains so – our work with young people is a key ingredient to the future growth and success of the wider Humber region. However, what has emerged over time is the way in which our teams have to work with a young person’s wider family, in order that they can make real and lasting positive change to their lives,” he explains.
Dave agrees: “It was our initial work with young people that led us to a greater awareness of the need for intervention at an earlier stage and how engaging a full family can make such a positive difference. This, in turn, gives rise to multi-generational support for the family as a whole and the individuals within that unit. We are supporting more people – young and old – as a result.”
You can read all about our Full Families programme on our Programmes page.
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