From Life-Changing Journeys to Essential Support When It’s Needed Most

Last year, thanks to the ongoing support of Greenwich Hospital, six Royal Navy families supported by Sailors’ Children’s Society took part in an extraordinary CatZero voyage from Hull to Portsmouth.

The 10-day sailing journey offered families the chance to step away from everyday pressures and reconnect in a completely new environment. From learning sailing skills and sharing onboard responsibilities to cooking together, watch-keeping and teamwork, families grew in confidence and resilience while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Along the way, they explored coastal towns, spotted dolphins and seals, swam in the sea, and enjoyed time together away from the challenges they were facing at home.

The long-term impact of the CatZero programme has been profound. One child developed an interest in becoming a chef after spending time working with the First Mate in the galley, whilst another young person joined a 12-week employability programme with CatZero, completed it with positive feedback, and as a result gained the confidence needed to secure a role as a paralegal within a law firm. These outcomes highlight how experiences like this can open doors, build ambition, and change futures.

Building on this life-changing work, Greenwich Hospital has since awarded an additional £8,950 to support Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary families at Christmas. This funding has enabled Sailors’ Children’s Society to provide Christmas vouchers to families experiencing financial and emotional hardship, helping to ease pressure during what can be an incredibly difficult time of year. For many families, these vouchers ensure there is food on the table, warmth in the home, and the opportunity to create happy memories together.

This additional funding forms part of a wider, long-standing partnership. Recently, Greenwich Hospital pledged £245,580 over three years to support the Society’s Benevolence Grants Programme, strengthening vital support for Royal Navy and Royal Marines families alongside funding from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).

Together, this support enables Sailors’ Children’s Society to provide practical, often life-changing help, from winter clothing and school uniforms to weekly subsistence and specialist grants, ensuring families receive the right support at the right time.

Watch our families’ CatZero journey
To see more about the impact of this partnership and hear directly from families who took part, watch the video below.