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History of CatZero
CatZero was established as a result of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in 2007/2008. Dave Bertholini initiated a tag team of young people from the Hull area to take part in the Clipper Race. Ten young people, all NEETs and including care leavers and those involved with the Youth Justice Service, became Ambassadors for Hull. Young people were placed on each leg of the famous round the world race on the Hull and Humber boat where Skipper, Danny Watson, and race participant, Jim Dick (former global president of Smith and Nephew and founder of the Hull Bondholder Scheme), first met. They saw the tremendous difference taking part made to the motivation, confidence and aspirations of these young people. In the middle of the Atlantic the bold decision was made to take the project to a wider audience in the region and by the time Danny sailed across the finish line, CatZero had been born.
"Preparing for every eventuality is as important in real life as much as it is at sea. Young people could really learn a lot on the programme." (Stacey Blyth, lead administrator Young People’s Support Service, speaking to Grimsby Telegraph, 29/06/12)
CatZero was established as a result of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in 2007/2008. Dave Bertholini initiated a tag team of young people from the Hull area to take part in the Clipper Race. Ten young people, all NEETs and including care leavers and those involved with the Youth Justice Service, became Ambassadors for Hull. Young people were placed on each leg of the famous round the world race on the Hull and Humber boat where Skipper, Danny Watson, and race participant, Jim Dick (former global president of Smith and Nephew and founder of the Hull Bondholder Scheme), first met. They saw the tremendous difference taking part made to the motivation, confidence and aspirations of these young people. In the middle of the Atlantic the bold decision was made to take the project to a wider audience in the region and by the time Danny sailed across the finish line, CatZero had been born.
"Preparing for every eventuality is as important in real life as much as it is at sea. Young people could really learn a lot on the programme." (Stacey Blyth, lead administrator Young People’s Support Service, speaking to Grimsby Telegraph, 29/06/12)
Why is CatZero Needed?
Hull has up to two times the national average of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). After the decision was taken to form CatZero, NHS funding was secured for the 72 foot Challenge Racing Yacht “CatZero”. The project was then successfully awarded WNF money by the Local Strategic partnership ‘OneHull’ to work with some of Hull’s most difficult to reach young people aged 16-18 who were classified as NEET.
Statistically at risk from significant health and social problems, NEET classified young people can be in a potentially vulnerable position, being up to 70% more likely to experiment with drugs and up to 3 times more likely to offend. They also represent a tremendous cost to the taxpayer over the course of a lifetime.
The CatZero programme invests to save and also improves the lives of individual as well as the local community.
"CatZero gives youngsters the skills, confidence and motivation to develop into successful individuals - a win-win for local people and local businesses.” (Dr Paul Sewell, Managing Director, Sewell Group, speaking to www.sewell-group.co.uk, 24/02/12)
Hull has up to two times the national average of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). After the decision was taken to form CatZero, NHS funding was secured for the 72 foot Challenge Racing Yacht “CatZero”. The project was then successfully awarded WNF money by the Local Strategic partnership ‘OneHull’ to work with some of Hull’s most difficult to reach young people aged 16-18 who were classified as NEET.
Statistically at risk from significant health and social problems, NEET classified young people can be in a potentially vulnerable position, being up to 70% more likely to experiment with drugs and up to 3 times more likely to offend. They also represent a tremendous cost to the taxpayer over the course of a lifetime.
The CatZero programme invests to save and also improves the lives of individual as well as the local community.
"CatZero gives youngsters the skills, confidence and motivation to develop into successful individuals - a win-win for local people and local businesses.” (Dr Paul Sewell, Managing Director, Sewell Group, speaking to www.sewell-group.co.uk, 24/02/12)
About Us
Video - CatZero on BBC Breakfast
