Two local charities – Sailors’ Children’s Society and CatZero – have joined forces to launch a pioneering programme to support Royal Navy and Royal Marines families, thanks to a generous £19,961 grant from Greenwich Hospital.
The funding will enable a new family development programme, combining CatZero’s life-affirming sailing and outdoor activities with the long-term emotional and financial support provided by Sailors’ Children’s 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.
In addition to the Greenwich Hospital funding, the Sailors’ Children’s Society is also investing £6,000 into the programme to cover the cost of transport and the residential weekend – ensuring that families can fully participate, regardless of location or circumstance.
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’s 72-foot Challenge yacht, which they’ll set sail on in July 2025.
Natasha Barley, CEO of Sailors’ Children’s Society, said:
“Our support has always gone beyond financial grants – it’s 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 Malton has already had a fantastic impact, and the feedback from families has been outstanding. We’re incredibly grateful to Greenwich Hospital for funding a programme that will leave a lasting legacy.”
Adrian Tallon, CEO of CatZero, added:
“People often talk about how charities should collaborate – this is a real demonstration of the power of working together. Children who’ve been on our programmes often describe them as life-changing or the best thing they’ve ever done. At CatZero, our motto is about delivering lasting personal change, and with Sailors’ Children’s Society and Greenwich Hospital behind this initiative, we know we’re creating something truly transformative.”
Greenwich Hospital’s grant allows the programme to provide a unique mix of outdoor activities, emotional support and personal development through the “Families Together” programme. Over the next year, families will continue to engage with the team at Sailors’ Children’s Society, supported by their Family Support Officers, leading up to the residential sailing voyage next summer.
Deirdre Mills, Director at Greenwich Hospital, said:
“This 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.”
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.
To learn more about the work of CatZero, visit: https://www.catzero.org
To learn more about Sailors’ Children’s Society, visit: https://www.sailorschildren.org.uk
