For Clubs, Groups & ProjectsCAT MARK 
The CAT mark is a mark of quality, awarded by young people, for any organisations providing services to young people.
What is the CAT mark?
The CAT Mark is a stamp of approval for young people’s services. It is awarded by young people who have been trained as CAT Mark Assessors. They assess services, organisations and projects against set conditions. These conditions are as follows:
- Involving young people in all aspects of the service
- The safety, security and wellbeing of young people
- Equal opportunities for all young people
- Links to other services, signposting young people
- Environment and resources of the provision
Being awarded a CAT Mark shows a commitment to providing a good quality service, which successfully meets the need of all young people.
Contact our CAT Mark Development Worker by sending an email.
Who can apply for a CAT mark?
Any organisation based in Hampshire that provides a service for young people can apply, such as children’s homes, youth projects, schools, information and advice services, and health services.
What are the benefits of applying for a CAT Mark?
The CAT Mark is a very special recognition to achieve, as it is awarded by the very people for whom the service is delivered. Being awarded a CAT Mark is a true indicator that the service you provide is meeting the needs of your client group, as it is given to you by young people.
The CAT Mark is a recognized award of good practice across Hampshire, and as a mark of quality issued by young people, it is a positive
Moreover, the assessment process of the CAT Mark is a useful tool for any organization to undertake. The assessors compile a report following their assessment, outlining the areas of achievement and any areas which could be developed, as they see it. This provides an excellent opportunity for you to evaluate your services and processes, and understand what your service looks like to someone with a fresh perspective.
You will be sent a copy of the report and your result within approximately 3 weeks of your assessment date. If you achieve the award, you will receive a certificate. There are still likely to be areas of development, which you can implement into your work. If you do not achieve the award, we are happy to discuss the findings with you and work with you to plan for a re-assessment, approximately 3 months after the original assessment date.
Services that have been awarded the CAT Mark
CAT Mark assessments have taken place across the county, and below is just a selection of the various organizations and services that have achieved the award.
- Hampshire Dyslexia Association
- Breakout Youth Project
- Twenty5, Winchester
- Enham E2E, Alton
- Winnall Youth Café
- Bishops Waltham Youth Club
- Youth of Burley
- Winchester Discovery Centre
- Denmead Youth Club
- Bishop Challoner School
- No Limits, Shirley
- Holybourne Theatre
- Fairbridge, Solent
- Fareport, Gosport
- Smile Support and Care
- Romsey Community School
- Havant Youth Council
- Treloars College
- Basingstoke Young Carers
How can my organisation apply for a CAT Mark?
You can apply for a CAT Mark by filling in the form by following the link on this web page and then returning it to the address provided or email it to us.
If you want to put forward an organisation for the CAT Mark, let us know who they are by using the form. We will then send them information about the CAT Mark and how to apply.
Download CAT Mark Booking Form*
*Please note the CAT Mark email address has changed to cat.ychiow@gmail.com
Once completed, you can submit your form electonically by clicking on the words 'email your enquiry' at the bottom of the form or you can print and return your form to: CAT Mark, Youth Clubs Hampshire and Isle of Wight, The St Thomas Centre, 20 Southgate Street, Winchester, SO23 9EF.
CAT mark assessors
CAT Mark assessors are young people aged between 13 and 25 who understand the needs of young people. They use this knowledge to assess the services that are designed for them.
Assessors will visit the organisations that have applied for the CAT Mark and check them against the set criteria.
They complete their assessment by writing their report to present to the organisation. This report highlights strengths and areas for development.
The assessors decide whether the organisation should receive a CAT Mark.
What do I have to do to become an assessor?
If you are interested, we will train you to become an assessor. You will need to give up some of your time for the training, so it is important to take into consideration any other commitments you may have. The training lasts for one day and following this, you will need to have time to undertake assessments. All your expenses will be paid.
To find out more, fill in the form by following the link on this web page and then returning it to the address provided or emailing it to us. Once we have received your form, we will contact you with more information.
*Please note the CAT Mark email address has changed to cat.ychiow@gmail.com
Once completed, you can submit your form electonically by clicking on the words 'email your enquiry' at the bottom of the form or you can print and return your form to: CAT Mark, Youth Clubs Hampshire and Isle of Wight, The St Thomas Centre, 20 Southgate Street, Winchester, SO23 9EF.
What I Got Out of It: A Cat Mark Assessor’s Story...
"What have I learned on becoming a cat mark assessor? Well, I have learned many useful skills that I use everyday. The first one being listening; this is such an important skill and I can see why you need it as an assessor because you are dealing with all ages, it’s not so much what people say it’s the information and feelings they are trying to convey to you. This has been immensely useful when working with young children and adults because not all their vocabulary has developed and their ability convey what they feel into words can be difficult, so by
having an open mind and well tuned listening skills you will quickly be able to understand what the person is trying to say to you and what they really feel.
Another skill I have learnt is empathy, I can now see different points of view on the same thing. This has given me a more objective view of life and I now have a greater understanding of equality and equal opportunities. Another skill is the understanding of disabilities. It has shown me that a disability can be more than just a broken leg its something that impairs peoples’ everyday living of their life. It has also allowed me to realise that my disabilities need not get in my way, and I can do anything if I work and try hard enough. But the most important lesson I learnt is that of community and the importance of work together and valuing peoples skills and abilities and compromising to gain an outcome that everyone can be proud of and feel that they have contributed to."
Zachary Allgood, CAT Mark Assessor
The Award Ceremonies
We recently hosted the 1st CAT mark Award Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of both the Young Assessors and the organisations who have been awarded the CAT mark. Here are some highlights of the event:
