Charlton staff cook for kids at summer camp

The Valley is not exactly the most cheerful place to visit at the moment.

But staff are putting relegation and Charlton Athletic’s ownership troubles behind them by cooking for children for the holidays.

They are helping out with a summer camp that gives young people from Greenwich the opportunity to join a week-long programme of educational and sporting activities, which are being held at three venues.

More than 500 young people, between eight and 16 years old, are due to take part throughout the summer holidays at a nearby schools and a youth clubs.

Participants are also provided with a healthy breakfast and lunch each day as part of the programme.

Cllr Danny Thorpe, leader of the Greenwich council, and Cllr Matthew Morrow, cabinet member for children, visited the Young Greenwich Summer Camp programme on Thursday.

Cllr Thorpe said: “It’s been wonderful to come and hear first-hand from young people in Greenwich about the positive difference that we’ve made to their summer.

“The past few months have been really difficult for them and I think it’s incredibly important to be providing activities for them to participate in, in a Covid secure way.

“Providing support for young people and their families is a top priority for the council and our partners, which is why we made sure these camps happen and we are also once again ensuring access to free meals for all young people across the borough during the holidays – details can be found on our website.

“I want to thank all the staff and volunteers who have pulled together to make it all possible this year, under such trying circumstances.”

Free meals are being provided by Charlton Athletic Football Club, with catering partner Gather & Gather, from their kitchens at The Valley.

Cllr Thorpe, Cllr Morrow and Heidi King, from University of Greenwich, visited the kitchen team before heading to Eltham Hill School and Hawksmoor Youth Hub to meet young people on the project.

Jess. 13, who attended the Young Greenwich Summer Camp, said: “It’s really good, it’s a reason to get out of bed every morning because otherwise we would all be at home or just hanging around the area.”

Jason Morgan, CACT’s chief executive, said: “The relationship between the council and CACT over the past six months has been brilliant, with first the Community Hub and now with this summer project.

“Danny knew that there was a need to do something in the summer for young people and was more than happy to help and support.

“To bring Danny and others along to see what we’re doing is really important.”

CACT has launched a fundraising campaign to raise a final, £10,000 towards the Summer Camp programme.