programmes that work in the long-term.In CatZero, Wynne says he sees a group that has the foresight and skills to truly change lives, with the after-care and support being a vital ingredient. “I had seen first-hand what I call ‘tick-box’ schemes to help young people and that approach simply did not work.
‘CatZero has the foresight and skills to change lives’ IN JANUARY 2009, CatZero launched its first ever programme for young people in Hull, who were not in employment, education or training (NEETS). As we move towards our tenth anniversary, our work has now expanded to encompass both sides of the Humber estuary - delivering lasting personal change to all ages,with many of our participants living in some of the most challenging areas of East Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire. Over the years our work has been recognised and supported by some of the most successful businessmen and women in the region, who recognise the need for ‘change’ programmes to be different in their delivery. Through the Hawerby Trust, CatZero receives such support from Wynne Griffiths, who is the former Chief Executive of Young’s. In his previous business role, Wynne saw a talented team of people at Young’s given the opportunity to succeed and he sees the same ethos engrained in CatZero. “Young’s was built by people from this region who, when given the opportunity to use their commitment, energy and skills created one of the world’s most successful seafood businesses here in Grimsby. Those who support CatZero have the same ambition and aspirations,” said Wynne. A frustration for many professionals has been the inability of other organisations to offer change
“What I found in CatZero was an organisation that gets results, with a high success rate and really sustainable outcomes.” What also impressed Wynne was the way in which the founders of CatZero were determined to stand by their focus to include sailing as a bedrock of their change programmes. A keen sailor, Wynne understands the demands that are put on a person out at sea. “What those who criticise or question this fail to understand is that this is the truly transformational part of the programme, especially for the young people. “To spend days in such a close environment, to be on four-hour watches, to cook, clean up after others and be responsible for every part of that boat is a massive journey and all of this with no alcohol, drugs, cigarettes or mobiles phones. It is also a chance for some of the young people to actually eat three proper meals, freshly prepared. The ten-day sails on these programmes are the game changers, truly transformational,” he said. Wynne’s support for the charity also sees him take an active part in trying to spread the word and he hosts regular taster sails for leading professionals across both sides of the Humber. “As we look to the future, the vision is to try to change lives. If you look at the population of 16 to 25-year-olds in this region, you realise the need to do so and the absolute requirement to try and secure up to 16 CatZero programmes for young people every year.” With a dream to see a second charity yacht moored permanently on the south side of the Humber, Wynne’s determination is matched by his unstinting support for CatZero.
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