Veterans struggling to transition into civilian life and at risk of isolation will be able to access veteran development programmes, thanks to our grant toward CatZero’s yacht refit project.
The ABF’s latest grant to CatZero aims to help veterans moving into civilian life who are struggling with feelings of isolation and finding that they miss the camaraderie and friendship that comes with Army life.
CatZero is a charity that provides development programmes for veterans who may have fallen on hard times, empowering them to address issues such as mental wellbeing through bespoke personal development programmes that combine one-to-one support with group activities.
At the heart of CatZero’s veteran development programme is its 72-foot challenge yacht. Veterans have the opportunity to experience a 9-day residential sail, where they will learn skills that will enable them to successfully transition into civilian life.
This year, the ABF has provided a grant to CatZero of £9,000 towards the cost of the yacht refit. The funding will be used to replace the current bunks, ensuring that, over the next five years, at least 100 veterans will continue to experience CatZero’s sailing residentials.
Pete Tighe, Partnership and Development Manager at CatZero, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the Army Benevolent Fund for this generous grant and its continued support of CatZero’s work with veterans.
“The funding will enable us to replace all 18 bunks on our 72-foot challenge yacht for the first time since it was built 26 years ago. This vital investment in our vessel’s infrastructure will ensure safe, comfortable accommodation for participants for many years to come.”
As well as providing a block grant to CatZero, the ABF also provides individual grants to veterans so they can take part in CatZero’s residential programmes, develop skills and complete training. We supported ABF beneficiary, Wayne, who was homeless, to complete one of these programmes,..
About ABF individual grants, Pete Tighe added:
“The Army Benevolent Fund’s support also extends directly to the veterans taking part in our personal development programme. Through ABF-funded individual grants, we are supporting 10 veterans on a 10-day sailing voyage as part of a wider programme of residential challenges.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with one participant telling us, ‘This is just what I needed, at exactly the right time.’ The ABF’s investment is making a lasting difference to the lives of those who have served.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer, Army Benevolent Fund, added:
“We are proud to provide a grant towards the refitting costs of the CatZero yacht, and to provide individual grants to enable veterans in need to participate in the charity’s wellbeing programmes. CatZero provides vital support to veterans who are experiencing isolation, allowing them to connect with other Armed forces leavers and build skills to help them in civilian life.”