CatZero news magazine - Spring 2021 edition by Emma Mathias

Issue NC10 Spring 2021

GREEN FINGERS Beth digs into a new role and urges other people to join us

Our news issues are kindly funded entirely by a private donation from the Hawerby Trust

www.catzero.org

Welcome

Welcome to the spring 2021 edition of our newsletter, within which we detail some exciting developments with new programmes starting and existing ones extending. As we move out of lockdown and into our ‘new normal’, we are planning a packed sailing season too - it’s certainly going to be a busy time ahead for all of us here at CatZero.

Building stronger economies “WE ARE delighted to support CatZero in its work… this partnership will support our ambitions and help to deliver our vision.”

person is ready to start within a business. On-going support for both employee and employer is also available.

The words of Youth Futures’ Chief Executive Anna Smee, as our charity was awarded £169,000 to support young people into work. This money will be targeted at 14 to 24-year-olds in Hull and Grimsby. Split into groups of under and over-18s, our delivery officers will support young people through our unique programmes, offering life-changing experiences.

As we move forward with Youth Futures our aim is clear – to offer a professional and valuable service to local businesses whilst building strong futures for our young people. We thank Youth Futures for offering us this opportunity, which we hope will provide a springboard for even greater things ahead.

In tandem we are dedicating time and resource to assisting businesses with gaps in their workforces. Taking the professional approach of a quality recruitment agency, we will match the right recruits to the right jobs. Our programmes combine vocational and useful qualifications, team building, CV and interview skills, along with ensuring all the practical documentation is ready – meaning a

We also move forward with our families, veterans and adults. Success with our veterans continues and we are working with an increasing number of families in Grimsby and Hull. This all-encompassing work provides a stepping-stone into employment and further training for many, offering new futures and new opportunity. As with many organisations, we are building back after an unprecedented year during which the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have proved

challenging. We have been fortunate with the support we have continued to receive, and the new funding secured – a great achievement in such times. However, our yacht has been out of action for the whole of the year, whilst still incurring costs. As well as being a vital part of our development programmes, the vessel also brings in approximately £40,000 for us annually - the majority of which is revenue we are able to invest in our programmes.

We are hopeful we can build back the lost funds and if any individual, business, or organisation would like to help financially with this challenge it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you all soon. Jim Dick: Chair of Trustees Dave Bertholini: Director of Operations

Beal announces continued support WE are delighted to announce that Beal Homes is once again getting behind our vital work, as an official partner. The family-owned business is a long-standing supporter, recognising our support for people of all ages and how we assist them to overcome barriers that can prevent them moving into education, training or employment. Beal’s confirmation of its continued partnership will include the firm’s team members boarding our yacht for team-building experiences.

difference to the lives of those it supports. It is committed to helping disadvantaged individuals and families, opening up opportunities to help them progress in life, and we’re delighted to continue our support.” Last year Beal also supported the fundraising efforts of our Director of Sailing Danny Watson on his 30 marathons in 30 days (30in30).

Chief Executive Richard Beal said: “CatZero is a fantastic charity which makes an incredible

Youth Futures

Sowing the seeds for success DID you hear our very own Beth Love on BBC Radio Humberside talking about the huge benefits of our programmes for young jobless people? Beth spoke with passion and honesty about how our charity has helped her progression in life. She was being interviewed to promote our new programme for 14 to 24-year-olds, which has been made possible with a grant of £169,000 from the Youth Futures Foundation. Beth is now 23, in full time work, and in the last six years has sailed off the UK’s coast twice and travelled to Nepal as part of Raleigh expedition. During Hull’s City of Culture year in 2017 she also stepped into the spotlight when crowds applauded as she pushed the first piece in a huge domino chain event, which is pictured here. Beth says none of this would have been possible if it were not for CatZero and she is urging young people in her position to join our new programme. “CatZero has helped me in so many ways, giving me confidence I didn’t even know I had. Please, if you’re a young person and get the chance, then join them. I have not looked back and six years on, they are still there for me,” said Beth. We announced last month that we had been awarded the Youth Futures money to expand our work with 14 to- 24-year-olds with a focus on getting them into jobs. “The one-to-one support you get really helps, and you do a lot of interview practice, learning skills and techniques. You also take practical qualifications that help you get into work,” said Beth, who was furloughed from her croupier job this year and determined to work, is now being trained to manage commercial greenhouses. Thanking Youth Futures for its 2021 grant award, CatZero Director of Operations Dave Bertholini said: “Over our 12 years, we have evolved our programmes to fit the people we support, with crucial long-term support for those who need it. “When individuals

Beth in 2017 when she began a giant domino run in Hull.

are with us, they engage to a high level. In fact, we have an average 95 per cent attendance and completion. But we recognise that it is the weeks, months and even years after that, when circumstances may change, that our support can still be needed. It will be the same for those we place into a workplace, our pledge is to work with the young people and the employers at whatever level is required and for as long as necessary,” said Dave. “With the correct support at the right time, change is highly achievable for our young people. Approximately 65 per cent of our participants successfully go into jobs, training or further education and many do stay in touch,” he added. Youth Futures was established to find, fund, support and evaluate programmes which help young people to move into meaningful work. Chief Executive, Anna Smee, said: “We are delighted to support CatZero in its work. Youth Futures Foundation is committed to a society where all young people have equitable access to good quality jobs, by identifying ‘what works’, investing in good practice and initiating new ways of working – to ignite systems change. This partnership will support our ambitions and help to deliver our vision.” Come and join us: Call Bob on 07855 534190 or Neil on 07794 672763 or email info@catzero.org If you are a business owner or manager and wish to join us in trying to improve employment for young people across the Humber please contact Gail Howson: gail@catzero.org

Are you an employer looking for new staff? Ideally placed in the Humber region, CatZero runs a free, fully-funded professional service, finding the right employees for your workplace. • Our experienced team will come and meet you to understand your needs. • We will match the motivated and work-ready people we have to the vacancies you have. • Your new employee will have the appropriate skills & qualifications and is prepared for the work environment having successfully completed one of our programmes. • If further support is required or requested, we offer a professional after-care service within the workplace. • We build a lasting relationship with you, the employer. This includes keeping you up-to date with regional and national employment initiatives with access to funding schemes, grants and programmes that could help your business.

“When a person is supported to find work by giving them the skills to be successful it can transform their lives.” CatZero Trustee Terry Moran, the former Second Permanent Secretary and Chief Operating Officer at the Department for Work and Pensions.

PSCO Kanesha Brown is now on the Humberside Police beat in central Hull. We worked with Kanesha who successfully completed one of our programmes.

Dad of two, John Bennett was placed into work along the South Humber Bank by our team and is doing very well.

Stephen Toyne has a good career as a work coach with JobCentre Plus. Again, he successfully completed one of our programmes.

“CatZero: cannot commend these guys enough. So much care, compassion and enthusiasm, great mentors in helping individuals meet their goals in life. This is the backbone that makes such a successful partnership, always willing to go the extra mile to help and support, seeing potential in people and help change lives…always a happy voice at the end of the phone!’ Carole Elvin, Head of Training - KFM Recruitment.

Email: info@catzero.org or gail@catzero.org

Tel: 01482 333303 / 07855 534190 5

Youth Futures

Great opportunities for all “WE ARE all looking forward to a brighter economic future in 2021 and CatZero is ready to support your business when recruiting new employees.” These are the words of CatZero’s recruitment and business specialist, Gail Howson, pictured right, as we continue to develop our work with the industrial and commercial sectors within the Humber region. In a direct message to businesses, Gail says: “We want to make the recruitment process as simple and straightforward as possible for you and ensure you have the right, work ready candidate in front of you.” Whilst not a recruitment agency and offering a completely free service, Gail assures businesses that she and the team at CatZero has the professional standards of the most reputable agencies…and they will offer much more. “We support people back into work,” she continued. “Our service is completely free and, with our guarantee of continued in work support, you can be confident in the knowledge that we are available to respond to any issues that sometimes arise when a new employee moves into work after a period of unemployment.” A series of key steps highlight the real opportunities that CatZero will offer: Step 1: To get our work-ready participants in front of employers, supporting them (and the employer

if required) to ensure meaningful and sustainable employment, education or training opportunities; Step 2: We will ensure our work is led by real labour demand and help to close skills’ gaps – prioritising areas of growth throughout the Humber region, which are currently health & social care, manufacturing, energy and construction; Step 3: Carefully match participants to a potential opportunity, ensuring we develop, nurture and maintain our relationships with both the employers and their new employees. Or it could be a volunteering or work experience placement to begin with; Step 4: a free advice-style service to businesses, keeping them informed of any national incentives that may be available and of benefit; If you are a business that is interested or would benefit, then please do get in touch – it may only be an informal chat to start with. You can email Gail: gail@catzero.org

Veterans

‘I am ever grateful to CatZero ... the team is brilliant!’ CATZERO has once again pledged its continued support for veterans across the region by renewing its membership of the national Armed Forces Covenant. The pledge of support means the charity continues to have Armed Forces Bronze Recognition, proving its understanding of the value of Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families, and the contribution they make to our country and society. It also allows CatZero to work towards Silver and Gold Armed Forces Covenant awards. Recognising a specific need to support veterans in our community, we began our bespoke courses for ex-servicemen and women two years ago with funding from Jobcentre Plus and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Successful schemes with ongoing support were completed in Hull and the East Riding, and Cleethorpes and Grimsby. Last year further support from Veterans Covenant Pathways Programme, and Jobcentre Plus on an individual basis, saw the start of a new north bank programme. This is on-going and extends over a longer period – reflecting the value of a longer-term commitment between CatZero and the individuals. Fifteen veterans are currently on that programme, with three having joined during the current lockdown. Prior to the full coronavirus restrictions CatZero delivery officers were organising group activities, one-to-one sessions, working towards vocational qualifications to help with future employment and offering the chance of

short or long sails on the charity’s 72ft challenge yacht. Such activity will start again as soon as is possible, with catch-ups in the meantime. Project delivery manager Pete Tighe explains how the specific needs of veterans could best be met with these bespoke programmes. “Our programmes bond veterans together, something they perhaps miss when they exit the Armed Forces. They share the same values and work ethics as well as some of the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. Our long-term support can help overcome these issues, which can often stem from PTSD or mental wellbeing,” he said. Veterans on past and present programmes have praised the support offered. Former soldier Ross Baldinger (pictured, bottom left) has put addiction issues behind him and is settled in Hull. He is currently on the CatZero Veterans programme and looking at ways in which he can help others. “I have come out the other side and now I want to show others that there is a different way to live their lives and that these challenges can make you stronger. I am ever grateful to CatZero, the team there is brilliant,” said Ross. Fellow veteran, Grimsby-based Lee Piggott (pictured, above), successfully completed a similar programme in Grimsby and Cleethorpes. He said: “It was really good, an eye-opener that there are people out there to support and encourage you. Getting to meet the CatZero team and participants was one of the best things about the programme – being involved and pulling together, along of course with the long sail to Cowes on the Isle of Wight. What a fantastic experience.” To find out more about CatZero’s Veterans Programme call Pete on 07773 895932.

Veterans

Wheely boat aids inclusivity CATZERO veterans have been praised for their commitment to helping the community as they volunteer at a leading outdoor adventure centre.

the support they need. What I see in the CatZero veterans is an excellent bunch of people who I would employ straight away if I could,” said Pete.

As a charity, CatZero has been using Welton Waters Adventure Centre on Common Lane in Brough for several years – taking people and families of all ages to enjoy life on the water, including sailing. Good for team building and confidence, this is also a forerunner to the life-changing long-sail experience that they are offered on board our yacht.

The volunteering has included building a new jetty and platform and cutting back trees and shrubs in areas that are widely used – with some of the group giving up more of their own time at weekends. In return Welton Waters has offered the use of its facilities.

The team at the centre is responsible for raising its own funds. As a result, it welcomes volunteers to help with general maintenance of its grounds and facilities, which are used by ‘special educational needs’ SEN and main stream primary schools, and organisations including Scouts and Guides, and Army and Sea cadets from across the region. For centre manager Pete Blaney it provided an ideal opportunity to work with our veterans, which is deeply important to him. Pete’s son is Lance-Corporal Scott Blaney, who in May 2007 became the first amputee guardsman in the British Army when he was seriously injured by an explosion during a foot patrol in Afghanistan. This family experience gives Pete real insight into military life and the support that some veterans can, and do, need. “I am incredibly proud of Scott and all he has achieved, and such a personal experience has highlighted the importance to me, of giving veterans

As Pete continues to welcome the veterans, the Welton Waters team is now buying a ‘Wheely Boat’. Funded with a donation from a local business, Ian Hodges & Co, the vessel enables injured veterans to

Lance-Corporal shares a truly remarkable story The story of Pete Blaney’s son, Scott, will be known by many and should be an inspiration to us all. Lance-Corporal Scott Blaney was the first amputee guardsman in the British Army. The guardsman had only been in Afghanistan for a month when he was seriously injured by an explosion during a foot patrol in May 2007.

‘wheel’ onto the boat and enjoy the water. Company owner Ian Hodges, who also works for The Horncastle Group, a long-term supporter of CatZero, said how pleased he was to help Pete and the team at Welton Waters with the delivery of the wheely boat at this time. Pete is delighted to have been able to make the purchase: “We will be the only venue in this Yorkshire region to have a Wheely Boat for the specific use of veterans who have disabilities and would otherwise not be able to go off-shore. It is so important that, as a nation, we provide such facilities – offering opportunity to our deserving veterans,” added Pete.

His right leg had to be amputated at Camp Bastion, the British military base. The explosion of a mine killed one of his colleagues and injured four others. Scott was lucky to be alive; he lost his lower right leg as well as suffering damage to his right elbow and eye from shrapnel. The soldier who carried Scott on his back for more than a mile to a waiting helicopter was RSM Darren Chant who was subsequently killed in Afghanistan. Scott has said: “We were lying on a mound of earth when the explosion happened. I was thrown on my back and saw my right leg twisted up near my head and I knew it had been blown off. My elbow had been nearly split in two, I had shrapnel in my eye and I saw my mate dead”. After being treated at a field hospital, Scott was returned to England. Determined to achieve, he set goals to walk again, run a marathon, cycle, all of which he did and more. In 2009 he swam the English Channel and in December 2013 rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic with another army amputee and two able-bodied officers. In 2009, Pete was quoted as saying of his son: “What he has done is remarkable and has amazed me. He just gets on with his life and is very positive. He is so well adjusted to what has happened and I think the army sees him as an inspiration to other wounded soldiers.” 9

Veterans

Meeting challenges head on WHEN veteran Tony Duroe was at a low ebb last year, CatZero welcomed him back with open arms – and he hasn’t looked back. Tony, who served in the Army for 29 years, first met our team three years ago when he joined our very first bespoke programme for veterans. He has kept in regular touch since then and has now come back onto our latest programme, which is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant’s Positive Pathways initiative and sees us working with ex-services’ personnel over the course of a whole year. After a number of challenges hitting Tony hard last year, compounded of course by the pandemic, he is delighted to be back with us and making really positive strides. Prior to lockdown he immersed

himself in all our activities as part of the veteran’s team. With tighter restrictions imposed, he took part in our weekly wellbeing phone calls, our home cooking challenges and has started the socially distanced walking. He was also enrolled on a specialist beekeeping course as he looks to move his future on and as a teetotaller for a year, he has put the money saved towards a new car. “I am proof here today that if you put your mind to things and get pointed in the right direction, then you can achieve. CatZero do say it is ‘Once CatZero: Always CatZero’ and that is certainly the case. I have come back to them and have the opportunity to take part in things that I missed out on last time, like the sailing and I can’t wait for that,” said Tony. With a long Army service behind him and the military pension this provides, for Tony the priority is not to enter fulltime paid employment, but instead keeping busy, pursuing interests, helping others…and cooking up a good meal or two! “Even during lockdown, CatZero has been there for us all with the calls and the cooking challenges. I made the chunky tomato chilli and red lentil soup the other day and my partner wants it again soon it was that good, and it was all cooked with a glass of orange juice in front of me, not a glass of wine,” added Tony.

Litter Kids

Families inspire a community WHEN January’s lockdown saw the kids off school again, Bransholme mum Heidi Fraser decided to use the family’s daily exercise as a reason to clean up the streets! Accompanied by their neighbours, Heidi, her daughter Christiana, 11, and son, seven-year-old Thomas, started to pick up the litter in the streets and green spaces near their home. In line with that they started their Facebook page Bransholme Litter Kids. That was in January and now more than 50 families regularly join the picks, they have collected around 600 bags of rubbish and the work has now spread to the nearby Longhill estate. A recent donation of £100 from CatZero has helped Bransholme Litter Kids to purchase more litter pickers, gloves, a trolley and other equipment to help them in their environmental mission. Heidi explained how she asked her children if they wanted to get involved, after hearing about The Litter Squad – a group set up by mum Danielle Rhodes in the Hessle Road area. “Both the kids just said yes, we’ll do it and that’s how it started. I cannot believe how much it’s grown already. People just kept contacting us via Facebook and now we are doing other things in the community, such as planning some planting,” said Heidi. She added her thanks to CatZero for the donation, which has enabled the group to continue its work safely with the correct equipment.

‘I had lost what I had but now

Katie and Lee today, pictured with their pooch!

FROM a future with no ambition or job prospects to a working life during the week, with weekends enjoying bike rides and picnics. Hull couple Lee Atkinson and Katie Hunt are ever grateful to CatZero for helping them to see their positive way forward. Now off benefits, Lee is enjoying life and working towards a team leader role at Cranswick Foods where he is a forklift driver. Whilst Katie is working at Nancy’s Pantry along Marfleet Lane where she prepares Meals on Wheels – both are key workers and helping to feed the nation.

1-2-1s and on-going support, Katie is now working and happy. Seeing the change in Katie, Lee joined Hull CLLD 3 the following year: “I knew that I needed to do something. I saw the amazing difference it made to Katie, but I didn’t realise just what an impact it would have on me. The qualifications, the confidence gained and the opportunity to be open and honest about issues that affect you. “Everything is now better – we are both working and that means we have money to treat ourselves. It is just the small things too, for example when we were

Thanking CatZero for everything, when asked what the charity has done for him and Katie, Lee simply says: “I can’t put it into words what they have done for us both, it has been unbelievable.” At a low ebb several years ago, Lee went through some extremely difficult personal issues, which affected his confidence to the extent where even venturing out could be hard. But it was his partner Katie who first took the plunge and agreed to take part in our CLLD 2 programme in 2018. Katie says: “I was volunteering and the team from CatZero invited me onto the programme. Everything about it was fantastic, especially the sailing. People may not realise just what a difference the sailing can have but it changed my life, giving me time away to concentrate on me, and with Danny there you build your confidence, proving to yourself that you can do things.” With new skills and qualifications, and the valuable

Katie is pictured in here, wearing the yellow and black wetsuit.

I have it back’

with CatZero we would always make pack-ups, and now we do that every day for work with bikes rides and picnics at the weekends. I had lost what I had but now I have it back and it’s thanks to the team at CatZero,” adds Lee. Run by Hull City Council and managed by the Humber Learning Consortium, CLLD (Community Led Local Development) is supported by the Department for Work and Pension’s European Social Funding and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s European Regional Development Funding.

Job update

Will pictured with Pete Tighe, prior to the pandemic.

Katie & Lee are not the only ones – far from it. On a recent call round-up to say hello and see what some of our past participants are doing now: this is just a handful: David, CLLD programme 2019. Working at res-q helping with COVID helpline. Elliot, CLLD programme 2019. Happily working as Stevedore since leaving the programme. Luke Marr, Neets programme 2018. Working at the Bransholme Centre. Will (pictured above with Pete) Marr, Neets 2018. Studying Sports Coaching at University and doing well. Lee, GPH6 programme 2018: Happily working at McDonalds. Shantelle, CLLD programme 2018. Employed in the care sector and life is going great! Shannon, Private Neets programme 2017. Employed at Home Bargains and has been there a few years. Gavin, Hull 2 Ridings programme 2017: Working as a cleaner. We’re proud of you all – and remember, keep in touch and let us know what you’re doing.

Full Families

Further funds for programme A BIG thank you goes out from us all here at CatZero to The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, following the award of £90,000 to invest into our Full Families programme. The Trusthouse grant, to be split into £30,000 over the next three years, will support the work of our programme, which is run in Grimsby in partnership with CPO. This follows the great news that GFF will continue until at least 2024 with the Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund awarding the programme another three years’ funding. You will remember that it was the support of this same Lottery funding that allowed us to launch in 2017. In that time the North East Lincolnshire programme has led the way in its work with families either reaching, or in, crisis and who want to change. Using a positive and informal approach, we have helped these families identify the issues that are causing them problems and support them to access the help they have needed. Since launch, our priorities have aligned with those of North East Lincolnshire Council, with our success dependent upon creating a strong partnership network. This has helped us as we have worked with: • 102 children who were exposed to three or more adverse childhood experiences, (ACEs); • 49 children who had witnessed domestic abuse; • 30 families living in poverty; • 22 families with one or more members misusing drugs or alcohol; • 56 families with one or more members with poor mental health; • 35 children who were identified as at risk of criminal exploitation.

As we come slowly out of lockdown, we expect our workload to increase further with more acute social and employment problems arising out of home schooling and worklessness. Already we are seeing a growing number of weekly referrals both in Grimsby and in Hull, where we will be returning to our base at the Freedom Centre very shortly. Our programme in Hull is supported by CLLD (Community Led Local Development). Following news that we were continuing our GFF programme, we produced a special booklet to highlight our work over the last three years. That is available to download at www.catzero.org

Sailing

New kit and sold out event! OUR yacht will set sail again in May – and those on board will be decked out in new gear, thanks to a £25,000 grant. The Rank Foundation has awarded us the money from its Resilience Fund, launched to help organisations in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. As we look towards an extremely busy time on the water once we can sail again, the grant enabled us to purchase more high-quality inner and outer wear. This includes ocean-going jackets, leggings, and inner warm sailing clothing. It is modelled here by our very own Callum Leach. Meanwhile Director of Sailing Danny has been busy in recent weeks preparing both the boat and the schedule for this season. It is hoped to start with participant and taster sails in late May and June, with some sailing postponed from last year now rescheduled. It’s great news too that the Fastnet Race is now SOLD OUT and we only have limited spaces left on our September Dutch Dash. This is perfect either to treat yourself, or as a present perhaps for someone special – it’s the adventure of a lifetime and for all the info go to the sailing section of our website. All our sailing will be COVID compliant and take place in line with any restrictions that are imposed. Of course, any deposits and payments either for our Fastnet Race or Dutch Dash will be refunded if things do change.

If you wish to enquire about sailing the please email either info@catzero.org or suzanne@catzero.org

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OUR fifth Scunthorpe CLLD programme for unemployed over-18s is starting soon – this is your chance to change your life forever. This new programme, funded by Community Led Local Development, will begin as lockdown eases and we can ensure a full action plan for each participant – including, of course, our sailing. Here’s what some past Scunthorpe CLLD participants have had to say: Andrea Morton: “Before I was given this amazing opportunity I was in a dark place and struggled to believe I would be able to withhold such a challenge. To be given the trust to steer and sail a 72ft yacht, wow. This made me realise the sky is the limit!! I am strong, I am capable, and I am worth it.” Sabrina Milne: “I came out of this with new friends and that’s a huge thing for me. I really liked the way the course was designed, where we have help and support from each other and can be open and honest without judgement.” Matthew Barnes: “When I started CatZero I had nothing and no one but over 12 weeks I’ve gained so many new experiences, things to be proud of, memories to last a lifetime and most importantly I gained my own little family.” If you’re interested and live in the Scunthorpe areas of Crosby, Brumby, the town centre, Westcliff, Ashby, Riddings or the Brigg Road area then email pete@ catzero.org or call on 07773 895932.