Charlton Athletic charity generates nearly £50m for community

A new report has revealed that a charity has generated £49,609,000 for it’s community.

The report, that has been independently verified by the University of Greenwich, shows that Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT) programmes have generated a social value of £49,609,000.

This means that for every £1 the charity invests in a one-year period, £9.52 is created.

Social value is the economic, social and environmental effects of an organisation’s daily activities in an area.

Peter Storrie, Charlton Athletic’s chief executive, said: “This report underlines the hugely significant social impact its programmes have across South East London and Kent.

“While I’ve only been at Charlton a few months I’ve been aware of the excellent work the community trust does for many years.

“It’s incredible not only how long a period of time this community work at Charlton Athletic has taken place for but how its reach and impact continue to grow. 

“The work and its impact is something our supporters contribute to and take a lot of pride in.

“On behalf of all Charlton Athletic staff, I’d like to congratulate all those involved in what CACT does for their continued efforts.”

An independent charity since 2003, CACT now works with over 25,000 participants every year.

The charity’s community focus includes, improving physical and mental health and wellbeing, access to education and employment as well as community and social cohesion.

CACT runs more than 65 programmes which help to improve each of these areas.

Community work at Charlton Athletic began as football sessions back in 1992, and sport remains an important part of CACT’s work to this day, including new sessions to engage more female participants in football.

CACT delivers Greenwich council’s Young Greenwich youth service, to 19-year-olds who live, work or study in the Borough and 19 to 25-year-olds with special educational needs.

The service combines youth work, school nursing and sexual health advice and support.

The Early Help and Prevention team deal with crime reduction and mentoring as well as mental health and disability work. During this time, over 6,000 hours of mentoring were delivered to 610 young people who are showing advanced stages of negative behaviours such as being gang- affiliated.

CACT’s chief executive, Jason Morgan MBE, said: “CACT understands the importance of its work and the importance of evidencing its impact. 

“We are committed to using this information to shape and influence our future priorities and projects to ensure they meet our communities’ needs, and this will be captured in our new strategic plan which is due for publication in 2024.

“I’d like to thank all volunteers, partners and donors, from local authorities and educational establishments to corporate partners and individuals, who help make what we do possible”.

Pictured top: CACT’s Post-16 Football & Education Academy (Picture: Charlton Athletic Community Trust)