FOR veterans that have been in the Army, RAF, Navy or Reserve units, CatZero has proven to be a much-needed lifeline.
Veterans’ programmes run for one year and provide ongoing support, training and access to five accredited qualifications, which can help participants into employment, further training or education. Or, CatZero will simply help you to get where you want to be.
From increasing life skills to helping with self-belief, every veteran participating in the programme takes something valuable away with them, whether that is a new skill or a lasting friendship with a peer. Taking part in activities such as rock climbing, boxercise and dingy sailing underpins other elements of the programme, which in turn increases fitness, motivation and confidence.
A former participant said: “CatZero never let me go. They continued to believe in me. I am lucky enough to have this second chance and have fully applied myself. It is a great opportunity and one I am not going to waste.”
Of course, there is also the 72ft Challenge take into account. Many participants very much enjoy the opportunity to head out for a taster sail on the CatZero yacht. For others, a longer journey can be taken, which usually sails down the east coast of England to the Isle of Wight. Several veterans on the programme recently braved a somewhat chilly voyage and had a fantastic time, returning home with a huge sense of achievement – and rightly so!
Programme Manager Pete Tighe said: “The programme helps participants to bond as a unit and as veterans they have real skills that can be adapted for future employment or training.
“Our goal is to support people to overcome the barriers using one-to-one support and bespoke coaching. Some veterans have struggled for decades and our programmes are tailored to offer a new direction, whatever their time in service.
“CatZero offers many opportunities for veterans and anyone interested should get in touch for a chat.”
CatZero veterans programmes are supported by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Army Benevolent Fund. For more information, call 01482 333303 or email: [email protected]