Local charity, Smile Support & Care, has received ‘The CAT Mark’ an official stamp of approval for young people’s services from 4Youth.
The charity, based in Eastleigh, provides respite care to disabled children and young adults across Hampshire and West Sussex.
The CAT Mark is a mark of quality, awarded by young people, for any organisations providing services to young people. CAT Mark assessors are young people themselves aged between 13 and 21 who understand the needs of young people. They use this knowledge to assess the services that are designed for them.
The award involves the assessment services, organisations and projects against set criteria:
- Involving young people
- Equal opportunities
- Links to other services
- Environment and resources (including keeping young people safe)
4Youth say “being awarded a CAT Mark shows a commitment to providing a good quality service, which successfully meets the need of all young people and are young person friendlyâ€.
The CAT Mark is a very special recognition to achieve, as it is awarded by the very people for whom the service is delivered. The CAT Mark is a recognised award of good practice across Hampshire.
Ally Lee-Dudley, Chief Executive from 4Youth came in to Smile’s Headquarters in Eastleigh to make a special presentation of the award in December.
Area Manager Julie Bishop said “We are so pleased to achieve this award as it recognises our commitment to young people’s services and very importantly is assessed by young people themselvesâ€
In addition to Smile’s day-to-day respite work, the charity is also fund-raising to build a short-break centre in Hampshire to enable disabled youngsters to enjoy a break away. The build is now well under-way, but funds are still needed to help develop the centre. There are many opportunities to support the development.
If you would like to support Smile Support & Care and their short-break centre appeal, please call 02380 613084 or email appeals@smilesupport.org.uk