Two local charities \u2013 Sailors\u2019 Children\u2019s Society and CatZero \u2013 have joined forces to launch a pioneering programme to support Royal Navy and Royal Marines families, thanks to a generous \u00a319,961 grant from Greenwich Hospital.<\/p>\n
The funding will enable a new family development programme, combining CatZero\u2019s life-affirming sailing and outdoor activities with the long-term emotional and financial support provided by Sailors\u2019 Children\u2019s Society. The initiative aims to foster deeper bonds between family members, improve emotional well-being, and equip families with the resilience to thrive after crisis.<\/p>\n
In addition to the Greenwich Hospital funding, the Sailors\u2019 Children\u2019s Society is also investing \u00a36,000 into the programme to cover the cost of transport and the residential weekend \u2013 ensuring that families can fully participate, regardless of location or circumstance.<\/p>\n
As part of the programme, families from across the UK came together for the first time at a residential weekend held at a Scout camp in Melton. This gave children and parents the opportunity to bond, hear more about the 10-day voyage ahead of them, and get their first glimpse of CatZero\u2019s 72-foot Challenge yacht, which they\u2019ll set sail on in July 2025.<\/p>\n
Natasha Barley, CEO of Sailors\u2019 Children\u2019s Society, said:
\n\u201cOur support has always gone beyond financial grants \u2013 it\u2019s about helping families heal and thrive long after a crisis has passed. This collaboration with CatZero is an exciting step forward in that vision. The weekend in Melton has already had a fantastic impact, and the feedback from families has been outstanding. We\u2019re incredibly grateful to Greenwich Hospital for funding a programme that will leave a lasting legacy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adrian Tallon, CEO of CatZero, added:
\n\u201cPeople often talk about how charities should collaborate \u2013 this is a real demonstration of the power of working together. Children who\u2019ve been on our programmes often describe them as life-changing or the best thing they\u2019ve ever done. At CatZero, our motto is about delivering lasting personal change, and with Sailors\u2019 Children\u2019s Society and Greenwich Hospital behind this initiative, we know we\u2019re creating something truly transformative.\u201d<\/p>\n
Greenwich Hospital\u2019s grant allows the programme to provide a unique mix of outdoor activities, emotional support and personal development through the \u201cFamilies Together\u201d programme. Over the next year, families will continue to engage with the team at Sailors\u2019 Children\u2019s Society, supported by their Family Support Officers, leading up to the residential sailing voyage next summer.<\/p>\n
Deirdre Mills, Director at Greenwich Hospital, said:
\n\u201cThis unique collaboration brings together two Hull-based charities, combining expertise and development know-how to deliver life-changing experiences for former Royal Navy families in need of expert support. Through shared adventure and meaningful support, this programme will help strengthen family bonds and provide long-term benefits for those who will benefit most.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both charities are already discussing potential plans to turn the programme into an annual fixture, recognising the overwhelmingly positive response from the first cohort of families.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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