WITH only a few weeks to go until Hull and Grimsby-based charity CatZero reaches its 15-year milestone, staff, volunteers, and participants welcomed local dignitaries and interested businesses to two special anniversary year launch events.
Guests included the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber, Cllr Calvin Neal, and Tina Cerutii, High Sheriff of the East Riding of Yorkshire. Also present were CatZero’s patrons, legendary round the world sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston CBE RD and former Hull MP and UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Alan Johnson. Both have been patrons since CatZero began in January 2009.
The Hull event was held at the Arco building, in Blackfriars Gate, while the Grimsby event was held at the Young’s building on Grimsby dock. Both conference suites were provided by the businesses, who are long-time supporters of CatZero.
Particularly moving were testimonies of past and current participants, all of whom gave glowing reports of CatZero’s programmes and support, and with each underlining the charity’s ethos: “Once CatZero, Always CatZero”. The phrase ensures participants are aware that the CatZero door is always open, whether that is for support, advice, or a cup of tea and a chat.
CatZero was started by Dave Bertholini, Jim Dick, and Danny Watson, after a conversation during the 2007/8 Clipper Round the World Race. Danny was skipper of the Hull & Humber yacht while Jim worked with Yorkshire Forward and a newly formed Clipper Committee. Keen to engage disadvantaged people from the Hull area, Jim and the committee gave a life-changing opportunity for 10 young people to join the race, which saw Dave, then of Hull City Council’s children’s services, asked to find local young people to participate.
Living and working with others in challenging conditions was something the young participants had never encountered before, but in doing so, and overcoming their fears and insecurities, new friendships and new futures were created. The positive changes among the young people spurred on the founding CatZero trio, who sought premises, a suitable yacht – which they continue to use today – and a great name!
“The yacht is in insurance Category Zero, meaning it can sail anywhere and in any conditions,” Danny commented. “It was perfect. Go anywhere, do anything.
“The programme was going to give the time and space needed to make a change in the lives of these young people, sowing seeds and giving them tools for a better future!”
Since 2009, the team now offers a whole range of programmes, working with long-term unemployed, veterans, and people on probation, and the exceptionally successful Full Families programme, currently running in Grimsby and Hull. Having worked with 182 families since it began in Grimsby, in 2017, the Full Families team is not only becoming a “go to” place for families in crisis to seek advice and support, but the programme has also been recognised nationally for best practice. It is hoped Full Families will soon be running in Goole.
Dave Bertholini, who has been CEO of CatZero since 2009, said: “It is difficult to believe that the charity has been running for 15 years! The events were a great opportunity to bring together the many supporters, funders, partners, volunteers, and some of our participants to tell the story of the past decade and a half.
“The organisation has evolved from working with NEET (not in employment, education, or training) young people to working with a broad range of participants that require personal development support.
“We took this opportunity to also inform everybody of our future plans of moving the organisation to work more broadly across the Humber region.
“I am exceptionally proud of everyone involved with CatZero over the years, from supporters and staff to volunteers and participants. It has indeed been a journey and one that we hope will continue for as long as is needed.”
The event also gave skipper Danny Watson the opportunity to announce his forthcoming fundraising challenge for CatZero, the 150km in a day run! Danny, who has already cycled the length of the country, and run 30 marathons in 30 days, among other challenges, to support CatZero will be running 75km on the south bank, in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, and 75km around Hull Marina. The challenge takes place next March, so keep an eye on the website for details of how you can help, or telephone 01482 333303.