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CATSS

Children Achieving Through Student Support is an extremely worthwhile and rewarding, flagship project.

CATSS provides a time of respite for local children from marginalized and disadvantaged backgrounds, aged 7-13. Split into CATSS Primary (7-11) and CATSS Secondary (11-13).

This project provides day trips to children throughout the year, organised and led by students under the supervision of the staff volunteering team. Students are DBS checked and child safeguarding trained, and leaders are trained in first aid, food safety, and data protection.

CATSS has been supporting children in County Durham since 1996, and with new connections being forged every year we are hoping they can continue to do so long into the future.

If you know a young person that would benefit from being involved in the CATSS project, or for more information please email [email protected].

Referrals onto the 2024-25 project are now open until 20th December 2024.

CATSS Primary Volunteers and Child

Kinship Carers Partnership

Since 2023, CATSS have been working with Durham County Council Kinship Care to provide day trips for children in kinship care placements. Kinship care is when a child lives full-time or most of the time with a relative or friend because they are unable to live with their parents. CATSS is partnered with Durham County Council Kinship Care to ensure that children in these placements, and siblings in the household can be referred to join the CATSS day trips. Children can be referred by carers and/or the council.

Referrals from other services are welcome.

CATSS 23

Testimonials

Parent/carer feedback: “My son is still talking about his amazing time and keeps asking when he can go back. He has gained confidence and he has also found it easier to be away from me without anxiety. A huge thank you. You were the only service willing to help my son in a time when he was in crisis and his mental health was at rock bottom. You have made him feel included and confident. He has loved every minute and seeing him beam with pride has been priceless”.

Parent/carer feedback: “The students involved went above and beyond and were all so lovely. They are fantastic and should be so proud of themselves”.