The Hampshire CAT (Care Assessment Team) mark is a stamp of approval for young people’s services, awarded by young people trained as CAT Mark assessors.  They assess a service against set criteria:

• Involvement of young people
• Safety, security and well-being of young people
• Equal opportunities for all young people
• Links to other services
• Environment and resources
• Availability of support

On 28 May 2008 two young people, accompanied by two facilitators from Youth Clubs Hampshire, visited Relate Basingstoke.  The young people spent the afternoon talking to staff; checking policies, leaflets, advertising and resources.  After a question and answer session they drafted their report.

The assessors particularly remarked on the ability to send text reminders of appointments to young people; the variety of resources available and the centre’s commitment to improving services for young people.

Relate Basingstoke is now the proud possessor of a CAT Mark Certificate and looking forward to the Awards Ceremony in November 2008. 

Evelyn Askew

Centre Manager

12 August 2008