Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) and Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust celebrated the extension of their pioneering partnership at a special event at The O2 on Thursday, May 21st.
The renewed agreement secures the future of existing life-changing mental health programmes already supporting people across south-east London and Kent, while also introducing a range of new initiatives designed to reach even more people over the next five years.
Clients from CACT and Oxleas programmes including Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP), Up and At ’Em and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were invited to take part in the event, beginning the day with an Up at The O2 climb. Those who did not wish to take part in the climb instead enjoyed a trip on the IFS Cloud Cable Car across the River Thames.
Participants were joined throughout the day by Chair of Mind, former Premier League footballer and mental health advocate Clarke Carlisle, who had earlier appeared on BBC Radio London to discuss the partnership and the power of football and community-based support in improving mental health. Charlton Managing Director and CACT Trustee Jim Rodwell also joined the climb alongside clients, staff and partners.
Following the climb, guests gathered at TOCA Social within The O2 for the official relaunch event, hosted by CACT Ambassador Steve Sutherland OBE. Speakers reflected on the impact the partnership has already had across local communities, while also outlining ambitious plans for the future.
CACT Head of Early Help and Prevention Carl Krauhaus, Director of Youth and Inclusion Charlie Macdonald and Oxleas Chief Operating Officer Iain Dimond spoke about the continuation of established programmes alongside the launch of new initiatives that will support people across south-east London and Kent over the next five years.
New initiatives set to be introduced through the renewed partnership include an alternative referral service focused on social connection, guidance and physical activity, expanded social prescribing support within the Greenwich Mental Health Hub and a new CAMHS project blending young social prescribers with enrichment activities inspired by the successful EIP programme.
Former EIP participant Azmeena Azim delivered a powerful speech reflecting on her own experiences and highlighting the importance of the partnership continuing to reach more people in need. Reflecting on the day, Azmeena said: “I shared my story on stage and also climbed The O2 today. It’s a privilege and an honour to be able to do it and has been a real full-circle moment for me, because I also climbed The O2 with CACT at the beginning of my recovery.
“It has been so nice meeting other service users and staff from both CACT and Oxleas - it genuinely felt like both my families coming together. It’s great to see both organisations paving the way and service users are definitely in safe hands.”
Debbie Cook, EFL Director of Community, praised the partnership as a leading example of how Football Club charities can work alongside NHS organisations to deliver trusted and accessible support to those who need it most, stating: “It was a privilege to be here today and see how this partnership will continue transforming lives and improving the mental health of people across local communities.
“It was also fantastic to highlight the relationship between CACT and Oxleas because it really demonstrates the power of football and the trust that Football Club charities hold within their communities. They can engage people in ways that other organisations sometimes can’t.
“This partnership is a brilliant example of best practice and one I’d love to see replicated across the country, with other NHS organisations recognising the impact this kind of model can have.
“It’s always amazing to come and see the incredible work being delivered by CACT. Other Football Club charities look at the work taking place at CACT and what we’ve seen today will inspire many of them to want to replicate similar projects elsewhere.”
The event concluded with another inspiring speech, this time from Clarke Carlisle, who spoke openly about his own mental health journey and the importance of partnerships such as the one between CACT and Oxleas. Clarke explained: “This is something I’m fully behind because I have lived experience of mental health challenges and understand the power football has to reach into people’s lives.
“I came here today to help celebrate the relaunch of this partnership, which is staggering both in terms of the financial investment and the fact it has been secured for the next five years. That long-term commitment creates consistency and stability for service users, and you can see how impactful these programmes are when you hear somebody like Azmeena share her story. From my own experiences, I understand the work and support it takes to get from A to B, so hearing how influential CACT and Oxleas have been in Azmeena’s journey makes me incredibly excited to support this partnership.
“These programmes are changing lives within local communities because retaining people after they reach out for support is so important. What stood out to me today was the way these services are delivered - everyone climbing the dome together, where you couldn’t differentiate between service users and staff. That peer-to-peer human connection is incredibly powerful and can support people through so much.”
To view a gallery of photos from the partnership relaunch event at The O2, please click below.
For more information CACT’s mental health programmes, email Terry Peart, CACT's Disability & Mental Health Coordinator.
Photo credit: Peta Miller / Oxleas NHS