Issue NC2 Summer 2018
GIRL POWER!
Caz White shares her CatZero success story
‘Plodding On’ PCSO Kanesha credits the charity with her career
Positive changes for young people on the Humber’s south bank
Tasty stuff Serving up three delicious dishes in Hull this summer
Operations Director
Dave Bertholini Dear Friends of CatZero, THERE is not one specific ingredient that is responsible for the success of CatZero – and the contents of this newsletter are a fine example of that. As you read the pages you will come across testimonials from past participants, stories from volunteers who love working with us and the views of funding partners. Then you see images of members of our own CatZero team working with clients – clearly showing their continued enthusiasm. It is clear to me – as it will be to you – that our organisation would fall if just one of those elements was removed, we succeed because we are united in our ambitions to improve individual lives, which in turn improves lives within all our Humber communities. Teamwork, understanding and true commitment is what so many people display when they come on board with CatZero, and we can only thank all of those involved for that. Look at the results we have had so far from the Green Shoots programmes, and further success will come as we continue our follow-on work with participants, a fantastic outcome. Then, more recently, our programme in conjunction with Andrew Marr International has just completed. For young NEETS, there have been some moving stories told with, again, great outcomes. These are just two fresh examples of many we have witnessed, and – as we approach a decade of work – we cannot thank our dedicated supporters enough. Fundraisers too, provide essential resource and we are grateful to those who once again joined Danny Watson on his cycle adventures – this year raising around £15,000, which helps towards the costs of our programmes. So, that said, I hope you enjoy reading this second Friends’ newsletter and don’t forget our new website www.catzero.org has now been launched.
Dave B.
“I have the best job in the world”
There was great news recently, from the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation. Following a fund-raising application and subsequent visit, we have received monies that will go towards vital work on our yacht, with a further individual donation. And here is what the organisation’s Grant Director had to say, thank you very much, Judith ... “I always say I have the best job in the world. I’m Judith, the Grants Director at Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, which gives grants to projects addressing a raft of different needs throughout the UK.
sports complex. I (nearly!) always enjoy these visits and there are a handful that stand out. Visiting CatZero was like that: the people who run it, the people who’ve benefitted from it and the work itself were all outstanding. The commitment of Dave Bertholini and Jim Dick and the infectious enthusiasm of Sean Cahill were a winning and inspiring combination. Meeting and talking to Tim and Sarah and a recent CatZero graduate put the icing on the cake of this visit. Here were a great team of people who knew exactly what they were doing, how to do it and making a real difference to the future of young people and families who were struggling
As part of this job, I visit many different organisations and meet many different people to assess if I was delighted that my trustees were impressed the project is right for Trusthouse support. too and agreed a grant of £18,000 towards the In the last year, I’ve visited a project in Leeds cost of re-rigging CatZero. In fact, they liked it so repairing derelict houses with the help of vol- much, one trustee decided to give a further grant unteers and the new tenants to give them con- of £3,500 towards training costs. That trustee struction skills and a place to live; an Arts project will be coming to see you in the summer to meet in Norfolk restoring a Tudor merchant’s hall to you and sail on CatZero. provide a national writers’ centre with a big education programme to make reading and creative As I say, best job in the world – giving money to writing fun; a Citizens Advice Bureau in Glas- life-changers!” gow desperate for more space; and an amateur boxing club in N Ireland who are building a new Judith Leigh
FULL FAMILIES
The will to change achieves great things CPO’s Steve Ryder, left, with project leader Sean Cahill.
AS MANY of you will know, when CatZero began a decade ago, its main purpose was to work with young people not in education, employment or training, (NEETs).
portunities), was engaging a growing number of individuals across North East Lincolnshire – the fit was perfect.
Together we successfully won £349,000 of Big As our work progressed it became obvious that Lottery Funding through its Reaching Communibehind every troubled young person there was a ties arm and we started in November 2017 with family with a mix of issues – successfully tack- an ambition to work with 100 families over three le those problems, and you are more likely to years. achieve with the young person too. Together with CPO, we received support from And so, the Full Families idea was born. North East Lincolnshire Council, the Police, the CCG and the NSPCC - and set about seeking Our work in Grimsby meant we were ideally referrals, all based on early intervention to turn a placed to attract funding for such a scheme – situation around. Our teams would then visit the our offices on Freeman Street sit on the edge of families with one priority above all – to ensure one of the town’s most deprived estates, with our they all had a will to change. team members already actively engaged with What’s great about your life? What’s worrying young people and, by default, their families. you? What do you want to change? Project leadWe were also able to partner with an organisa- er Sean Cahill says the above three questions tion whose outcomes, missions and values were are always asked: “The families come up with aligned to our work. CPO (Creating Positive Op- their own plans, we do not do things for them.
That is perhaps one of the hardest things for some people to come to terms with – we are not there to provide the answers, but to provide challenge and support,” he explains. CPO Managing Director, Steve Ryder, agrees: “If we are to effect true positive change that lasts, this is the only way to work. Communities and individuals require support to take responsibility for their futures. Spoon-feeding simply does not work.” The outcomes so far: Grimsby Full Families launched in November 2017. June 2018: 29 families reached (referred) surpassing the year-target early More than 100 people being worked with 20 family action plans created One example of the work done includes a visit to a house where the child’s bedroom had a problem with fleas. The house showed signs of neglect with rubbish everywhere and the family could not see a way through.After discussions and a plan developed it was agreed that as bags of rubbish were collected by the family we would support them to dispose of this. Such a scenario may appear obvious, but for this family it was a big issue. Another involved a teenager with no job. When we dug a little deeper it became obvious that all the family members had issues which were a barrier to the teenager’s progress. Mental and physical health were the major issues, which had resulted in benefits being stopped and life expectancy levels reduced due to lifestyle. Our work revolved around getting the family to identify what they wanted to change and then support them in the small steps. This included taking part in local activities and dealing with financial issues. The future sees a growing number of partnerships
with more referrals coming from both the public and private sector as Full Families looks to become an essential tool in the process of turning troubled families around, thereby securing its future beyond the three years. “The non-judgemental supporting approach works, and we are now starting to see real changes in people’s lives,” says Steve. “Our major hurdle is history," says Sean. "Generations of families are used to having things done for them and we exist to help them identify their struggles and support them. We do not offer advice, we offer support.” The programme has also been welcomed by family members involved. Paige is one, who says: “I feel the GFF programme is working well, we now have a lot of positive energy, good communication and have a plan to move forward for a more positive future.”
GREEN SHOOTS
Programme sows the seeds for the future
ONE of our most successful programmes to date has just come to its end. Over the last year or so, funding obtained from the ‘Green Shoots of Opportunity Fund’, has enabled CatZero to run eight programmes across the Humber Bank for the long-term unemployed. The fund itself is managed by a Board of Trustees and is part of Green Port Hull’s commitment to ensuring whole communities benefit from the growth of the Renewables sector across the Humber. The Trustees were particularly keen to support individuals or communities currently distanced or disengaged from access to employment, education or training.
New careers ... FROM bank work in Driffield, to retail and restaurant careers, five successful participants who completed the final Greenport Hull / Green Shoots programme are now enjoying new careers.
Our final programme was completed in Beverley in the last spring of this year, and we are still working with participants on their follow-on programmes. Using measures as set by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, the following outcomes have so far been recorded:
Eight, 12-week programmes were run in Hull, Beverley, Grimsby and Goole from June 2017 to May 2018, to support the long-term unemployed Our target number of starters: 112, (actual 117) Retention rate: 99% National recognised qualifications achieved: 505 Confirmed outcomes into education, training, employment: 38 Outcomes not recordable but part of a personal action plan: 27 Additional outcomes still to be achieved to reach our target: 10
They were engaged on the threemonth project for the long-term unemployed in Beverley, which was supported by Green Shoots. Programme leader Pete Tighe was delighted with the outcome of the three months: “We have five already in work, with one person now at Lloyds Bank in Driffield. “And, of course, we are working with the others to find successful positions for them, it really has been a very good programme,” he said. The Mayor of Beverley at the time, Cllr Ann Willis was a special guest at the final celebration event, which was held in the town’s St Nicholas Church Hall.
PROGRAMMES
Riding the crest of a wave
A celebration event was recently held for the successful course participants – pictures and story can be seen by visiting here: http://catzero.org/2018/07/13/2018-marr-programme
A SUCCESSFUL taster sail, building confidence and teamwork on the back of formal qualifications already gained, was held for teenagers on one of the most recent CatZero programmes. Running thanks to the support of J. Marr (Seafoods) Ltd and Andrew Marr International Ltd, the youngsters – all NEETS (not in education, employment or training), were taking part in the sail as part of their 12-week programme. Organised on Week Eight, the 16 to 19-yearolds had by that stage already undertaken four out of six qualifications while also building rafts at Welton Waters, climbing rock faces at Rock City and experiencing many other challenges along the way. Of course, not all the challenges have been physical as individuals have been developing skills as part of their individual action plans,
alongside developing practical skills, such as cooking a healthy meal for the first time Programme leader, Pete Tighe, explained how the participants had also been ‘suited and booted’ for mock interviews at the Barclays Bank offices at Hull’s Humber Quays. Staff from J. Marr Seafoods had given up their time to be on the interview panel. “We are always grateful for this kind of participation, which gives those in attendance a great experience,” said Pete. He added: “Meanwhile, the taster sail saw those able to attend have an amazing evening on the Humber and all did very well.” The taster sail was an excellent preparation for the main sailing challenge, which was due to depart from Hull at the end of their programme.
A taste of success THE RECIPE for future success is being discovered by a group of CatZero participants, who took part in a personal cookery session. They were all taking part in the MARR 12-week Hull programme for the long-term unemployed. Between them, they had to come up with ideas for a three-course meal, which they went on to prepare from scratch. And the day was a big success, with hard work producing garlic mushrooms in a pancetta, shallot and cream sauce, followed by chicken Kiev with broccoli, carrots and roast potatoes and chocolate brownies with cream and ice-cream for dessert. “Everyone left feeling quite full and very proud if what they had achieved,� said CatZero deliver team member Sean Bob. Participants of the MARR programme cook up a delicious three-course meal.
SUCCESS STORIES BRIGHT FUTURE: Caz White.
The CatZero team guides a youngster onto a new path thanks to an innovative programme
A YOUNG Immingham woman is looking forward to a new future, after turning her life around thanks to an innovative development programme.
and the unique work it does with the long-term unemployed. A follow-up text saw her invited to a programme presentation and that is where her new journey began.
Just two years ago, at just 21 years of age, Caz White admitted to being on the brink of self-destruction. She was drinking and reached extremely low points in her life, during which she could not see a future. Always shy, Caz’s problems escalated when she moved from Yorkshire to live in Immingham and struggled to meet new people. She had completed ICT studies at college in Doncaster but found it hard to progress anything when she moved to North East Lincolnshire.
“I knew I wanted to try and change, in fact I had to, but I am not sure I would have ever done it without the help of the CatZero team. In fact, I look back now and say to myself ‘what the hell were you thinking of,’” said Caz. “I was petrified of everything before I started, in fact terrified to do anything. But the team at CatZero believe in you, so you begin to believe in yourself.
“I hated who I was, I would lay in bed and just pray that people would leave me alone. I did not know anyone or have any friends and did not have the confidence to do anything about it,” she recalled. “So, I just ended up staying in my room, and it got worse and worse,” she remembers. It was at one of Caz’s weekly visits to Jobcentre Plus that first saw her introduced to CatZero,
“To start with I simply thought I would pretend to be enjoying what I was doing, and then I realised I was actually having the most fantastic experience and journey of my life,” she added. Now, having successfully passed the threemonth programme with qualifications and confidence under her belt, Caz remains in contact with the CatZero team, who are assisting her to enter the care profession. “They saved me and now I look to a new future, I cannot thank them all enough,” she said.
AS a 23-year-old Police Community Support Officer, (PCSO), Kanesha Brown walks proudly around her central Hull patch. “I never thought I would have a job that I love this much,” says Kanesha.
No ‘cop’ out!
But it was not always like that for this seemingly confident young woman – and she has CatZero to thank. “If I had not been on the CatZero programme, I really don’t think I would be doing this, it gave me the push that I needed to do something with my life,” she says. Kanesha joined a CatZero programme for young NEETS in Hull in 2011, after reaching what she admits was a real crossroads in her life. As a teenager, she was bright, but the education system did not inspire or motivate her, and after going through school and a year of A-level study, she left college with no real ambition to achieve. She admits that she had struggled to make friends, which had not helped. However, CatZero changed all that: “I just didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I was getting to the point where I was going to have to sign on and feared that cycle of never getting anything was going to start,” explains Kanesha. During the 12-week programme she successfully undertook training courses, confidence and team building exercises and help with interview skills and CV writing. The course culminated in the ‘long sail’ to the Orkney Islands, and, adds Kanesha, that was when her determination to change was cemented. “It was a moment when we were on the boat and I said to myself that, if I wanted to do things like this when I was older, that I had to change. The time on the yacht also taught me resilience,” she says. And it was that experience that has helped her find her ‘dream career’ with Humberside Police. After several different jobs, Kanesha was accepted as a PCSO.
PCSO Kanesha Brown. “I remember getting fitted for my uniform and thinking to myself ‘I can’t believe I’m going to do this,” she says. “It has not always been easy though – during the six-weeks of training, there were points when I felt I may not make it, but it was that resilience that saw me through.” So, what is her advice to others who may be reading this and are in the position she was several years ago. “CatZero is a fantastic programme and if you get the opportunity then do it. Yes, there were points when I thought I was not going to get anywhere in life, but you must tell yourself things will get better and if you don’t push yourself, you are never going to find out,” she adds.
BUSINESS
Old-fashioned grafting SAFETY equipment expert ‘Arco’ has teamed up with CatZero to provide support to residents in East Marsh, Grimsby, helping improve the area by donating cleaning and safety equipment such as hoes, gloves and hoops. The pair have backed the local East Marsh United project - an initiative created by a handful of East Marsh residents who have taken it upon themselves to clean up the streets of their community. A team of 30 residents now spend every Saturday morning tidying and cleaning their streets, using Arco’s donated products.
Pete Tighe, right, with Richard Martin.
Billy Dasein, from East Marsh United Project, said: “East Marsh United have been putting in some old-fashioned graft to clean the area one street at a time and we’re starting to make a real difference here. “We began in the midst of a desperate situation and we now find ourselves with genuine community spirit and a growing vision of hope. “We want to build on this, bring in more ‘East Marshers’ and develop and grow our community to make a substantial and sustainable difference. We need help to move towards our larger ideals, so we’re really grateful to our friends and supporters, such as CatZero and Arco, whose encouragement is invaluable.” The initiative was inspired by New York’s ‘Broken Windows’ policy that examines how maintaining and monitoring urban environments could empower other residents to do the same. With the help of CatZero and Arco’s products, East Marsh’s residents have the opportunity to put this theory into practice. Richard Martin, Digital Director at Arco, said: “We are always looking at ways to help our local community as we have a strong connection to Hull and the surrounding areas.
“When we heard about the East Marsh Project we felt compelled to help, especially as it’s local residents improving their own communities. “We’ve worked a lot with Cat Zero over the years and it’s extremely rewarding to be able to support these types of initiatives as you can clearly see the positive effects they have on the local people.”
All aboard!
BUSINESS and Public Sector leaders from across Northern Lincolnshire heard about the vital work of CatZero during a sail day to raise awareness of the charity and its work. Setting sail from Grimsby, the four-hour venture took the team on a voyage along the Humber, with skipper and CatZero Director of Sailing Danny Watson supervising as the would-be sailors took an active part in the afternoon – hoisting sails and steering a safe passage. Representatives from the office of the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner joined business leaders, including Grimsby Institute Group Chief Executive Gill Alton and the former chair of the governing body Jonathan Lovelle, architect Mark Hodson and Jonathan Goolden, who is a Regulatory and Public Sector Partner at the region’s largest law firm, Wilkin Chapman solicitors. Also on board was Rebecca Kirvan-Rodgers,
2B Humber Street Hull HU1 1TG Info: (01482) 333303
Communications Specialist at Cristal, Chair of Governors at Grimsby’s Franklin College Alex Baxter and Karl Elliott from VANEL, (Voluntary Action North East Lincolnshire). Following the afternoon sail, the work of the charity was explained by our Director of Operations Dave Bertholini, with opportunities identified for team-building and corporate sails, volunteering work and sponsorship and support.
The Business and Digital Hub Freeman Street Market Grimsby DN32 7DS
CatZero’s O-Zone magazine is written and produced by Southbank PR, Grimsby. Copyright 2018
FUNDRAISING AND VOLUNTEERING
Go on, challenge yourself! For our volunteers, working with the programmes is an incredibly rewarding experience. Volunteer, Stan Mann, tells you the reasons why you should join him… “I have been a volunteer with CatZero for the past six years working both ashore and afloat with mainly young unemployed people aged 1624 years and to a lesser extent older long term unemployed people and single mothers. All the young people come from a mixture of backgrounds and many have different needs and problems. The list is long but includes for some, mental or general health problems, drug use, alcohol often mixed with poor educational achievement. Many have very little or no parental support and at a young age find themselves effectively alone in the world. All participants on the courses attend voluntarily, which is an important first step on the road to changing their lives. They may be lonely, living in a hostel or have a disturbed home life. Many have little hope for the future and feel in a rut, unable to see a way out of their predicament, having no self-pride or confidence in themselves. Not uncommonly, they are often solitary people often with poor communication skills and may feel anger at the world around them. Mostly these problems are due to their early environment and many, though not all, have a dysfunctional family background. The permanent staff at CatZero recognise that the young people need to be energised and empowered to change their lives. They are skilled and dedicated individuals who aim to foster self confidence in the young people together with a sense of pride in their abilities. During their course the young people will be taken into situations which stretch their abilities to succeed but with encouragement they find out that they are capable of more than they thought possible. They are treated with respect, firm-
ness and encouragement resulting in feelings of pride and confidence. One staff member leads each group and the individual’s circumstances, mental and health needs are assessed and appropriate referrals arranged. Other agencies such as health and dietary professionals are also brought in to advise them about healthy living, while ‘move on’ staff help the young people make the transition from their course to employment or further education. Sailing for eight or nine days pushes the young people to their limits. They are on a watch system day and night which is very tiring, are cold on deck at night and have to work together sailing cooking and cleaning as a team. They acquire several different skills and are very different people when they get off the boat, proud of their achievements. To see the changes in the young people over the weeks is remarkable and I personally feel proud to be a small cog in the wheel of the organisation. The success rate speaks for itself and if you are reading this I would urge you to give it a trial either as a volunteer or a participant. What have you to lose?” For more on volunteering please contact info@ catzero.org
Over the hills and far away FROM the west coast and Liverpool, to the hills of the Pennines and back to Hull – 13 cyclists took on the coast-to-coast challenge to raise thousands of pounds.
ing on the cycle, while raising the money, and all at CatZero are extremely grateful for that,” said Danny, who also thanked Andrew Baitson for the hog roast when the group arrived back in Hull.
This fourth annual cycling challenge saw the fund-raisers take on the 170-mile trek over three days – stopping off in Stockport and Doncaster, before riding back into Hull.
Awards presented on the group’s return included the ‘Mr Tumble’ prize for the cyclist who fell off their bike the most! The 2018 prize went to Mike Mould.
Danny is already planning the 2019 marathon ride – in which he wants to take the actual coastto-coast route from Hornsea to Southport, marking the cycle’s fifth anniversary, as well a decade of CatZero programme delivery around the Humber. The cycle will take place between September 12th and 15th 2019. Anyone interested “It is always a very good event, with a fantastic in taking part should contact Danny on danny@ bunch of people who love the challenge of tak- catzero.org Our Director of Sailing Danny Watson, leads the event every year and was delighted to reveal that the 2018 coast-to-coast had raised £6,000 – bringing the total raised by cycling events this year to £15,000. The money all goes towards our programme delivery.
THE Three Skippers did it! And thanks to all your generous support, £8,500 has already been raised for our charity! From John O’Groats to Land’s End, covering 986.6 miles, in just 11 days – yes, our very own Danny Watson, joined by Eddie Green and Mark Preedy, took on their ‘Jogle’ challenge of a lifetime, and they managed it. Between them the team carried their ‘homes with them’ and camped every night as they ventured south – averaging 90 miles a day and gainer over 10 miles in vertical elevation! Danny explained how they managed it: “Our route was chosen to keep us away from A roads thus away from heavy traffic. The A roads were only used as transitional phases to take us to B roads and gravel tracks. “The off-road tracks and overgrown paths made it difficult for us to keep our average speeds up. However,
this meant we experienced the beauty and the heart lands of our amazing kingdom and kept us perfectly safe. Mark figured out our route and navigated us brilliantly.” Danny had massive praise for Eddie, who had struggled with a poor knee from Glasgow – but continued the rest of the 500-miles. “How he kept pushing on the hills I will never know. A legendary effort,” said Danny. “A massive thank you goes to my two close friends for making the JOGLE a reality, but the biggest thank you goes to everyone who sent messages of support and donations that truly helped us in the tough times.” To help Danny and his cyclists raise even more money, you can donate at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ fundraiser-portal/fundraiserPage?pageId=918601
Rolex Fastnet 2019 - The experience of a lifetime for only £2,950! THE Rolex Fastnet Race is one of the most iconic races in the world attracting many entrants from around the world. This 608 nm race is the highlight of the sailing calendar and is one of the most demanding offshore races – are you up for it? Now is your chance to compete in this world famous race on our race ready CatZero Challenge 72 Yacht! Limited to 12 places only. Twice Round the World Skipper Danny Watson and our experienced crew will guide you throughout the training and the race. action-packed racing which commences on Sunday, August 18, 2019. The race starts just outside Cowes at the Royal Yacht Squadron start line. The fleet head west to Lands End, before heading over to the Fastnet Rock near the south-west corner of Ireland, before sailing back around the Scilly Isles eventually finishing in Plymouth. Participants will join CatZero on Thursday 15 August 2019 at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth for inductions, kitting up and boat familiarisation before sailing across to the Cowes Yacht Haven, Isle of Wight, ready for 5 days of racing. The CatZero Fastnet package includes:- Training Weekend (including Offshore Safety & Survival Courses*) 2-5 May 2019 - Training Weekend - North Sea Race 30 May – 3 June 2019 - All meals on board - All wet weather gear and safety equipment - CatZero Polo Shirt - Further sailing opportunities to deliver the boat to Gunwharf Quays or return the boat to Hull. For any further information please do not hesitate to contact Danny on 07920 553976 or email danny@catzero.org. To register your interest, please email suzanne@catzero.org who will then forward you an application form along with a crew agreement and full details.