HUMBER-based charity CatZero is delighted to have been awarded almost £200,000 of National Lottery funding towards eight, 12-week employability programmes across the Humber region for three years. The funding will allow the team to work with at least 112 participants in Hull, Grimsby, and Goole, with the first programme already up and running in the Hull area.
CatZero’s programmes create lasting personal change in the lives of people living in often deprived communities across the Humber region. Through trust and commitment, the team helps people move beyond personal barriers, working together to create a bespoke programme of activities that instil confidence and resilience in the participant.
By taking part in outdoor activities and team-building exercises, learning new skills, and gaining work-relevant qualifications, the participants feel more prepared for work, with a majority moving directly into employment, education, volunteering, or training.
CEO of CatZero, Adrian Tallon, said: “The National Lottery Community Fund will have a huge impact on what we do and will enable us to deliver our programmes to more participants across the whole region, which is one of our strategic priorities.
“For The National Lottery to show such a commitment to CatZero is a testament to the impact we have, delivering lasting personal change through our unique personal development programmes.”
Participants will also have the unique opportunity to sail on the charity’s 72-foot Challenge yacht, a life-changing experience that enables people to work on communication skills, teamwork and confidence-building. The sail also offers the chance for adventure and out-of-area travel, something many of the participants have not had previously.
Neil Davison, of the Hull programme’s Personal Development Team, said: “Our current group is really enthusiastic with an amazing attendance. They have already completed three qualifications, in fire safety, food safety, and manual handling, and their CVs are well underway with Gail from our Progressions Team.
“We have been doing plenty of physical activity, including squash, swimming, badminton, and canoeing, and have visited local museums. We have also taken them to Hull charities Turning Corners and The Shed to complete arts and craft sessions. These activities help people with social anxieties in a supporting, caring environment, and allow them to have a voice. Visiting local providers also shines a light on places participants can return to when they complete the 12 weeks.”
Of course, all participants going through CatZero are welcome to ongoing support from the charity with its “Once CatZero, Always CatZero” ethos, and participants are helped by the Progressions Team to support them with their desired outcomes.
CatZero CEO Adrian finished: “We are already seeing positive outcomes and are hugely grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for their unwavering support as we continue to deliver outstanding programmes and move people towards and into work.”
For more about the projects and charities being funded by The National Lottery, visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk