A new report has shown that across Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT) programmes in South East London and Kent, a social value of £49,609,000 has been generated. This means that for every £1 the charity invests in a one-year period, £9.52 is created.
Social value refers to the financial and non-financial value created by an organisation through its daily activities and their impact on the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of individuals in a geographical area.
The study has been independently verified by the University of Greenwich.
Peter Storrie, Charlton Athletic’s Chief Executive, said:
“We’re proud to have CACT as our charitable arm – as the charity of Charlton Athletic – delivering vital work across a wide geographical area. 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’s work and its impact has grown year on year, and it now works with over 25,000 participants annually.
The charity has identified three core outcomes which underpin its work in the community:
- Improved physical and mental health and wellbeing
- Improved access to education and employment
- Increased community and social cohesion
CACT runs more than 65 programmes which help achieve these outcomes.
Programmes which help to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of individuals locally include the Live Well Greenwich service CACT is commissioned by Royal Borough of Greenwich to deliver. This service offers signposting and support to get residents the help they need to improve their health.
The programmes work on a referral basis, and in 2021-2022, CACT received 10,706 referrals into the service. In response to the rising cost of living, 1,835 families were referred for food support. Live Well helps improve Royal Greenwich residents’ health and wellbeing through CACT’s own services, but also signposts individuals to partner organisations (such as employment agencies or housing support) to get them the support they need.
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.
The Football and Sports Development department has engaged over 5,000 participants, with all Premier League Primary Stars students reporting improved confidence and 94% reporting improved physical wellbeing.
CACT delivers Royal Greenwich’s Young Greenwich youth service, open to all 5 to 19-year-olds who live, work or study in the Borough and 19 to 25-year-olds with special educational needs. Run in partnership with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and Metro Charity, the service combines youth work, school nursing and sexual health advice and support.
In 2021-2022 there were 3,649 unique participants of the youth service and, whilst being part of Young Greenwich, 275 young people gained qualifications, which can help lead to employment or further education.
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.
A mentee who has had regular sessions with CACT mentors said:
“Since I have been working with my mentors, they have helped me to express my feelings. It’s nice to be able to talk to someone that can help me when I am doing things I probably shouldn’t and when I feel upset and angry.”
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.
“The social value figure has increased by over £15 million since we last measured it, and I’d like to pay tribute to all staff who have contributed to our continued growth. I’d also like to thank all partners and donors, from local authorities and educational establishments to corporate partners and individuals, who help make what we do possible”.
Click here to read the full impact report.
CACT’s vital work across South East London and Kent wouldn’t be possible without voluntary donations. To help support CACT’s work and set up a regular donation, click here.