Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT) annual awards ceremony, sponsored by ITRM, took place at the House of Lords on Thursday, October 23rd, hosted by CACT Vice President Lord Michael Grade of Yarmouth.
The CACT Awards celebrate the organisation’s wide-ranging programmes across south-east London and Kent and recognise the achievements of its participants, staff and partners over the past year. More than 150 partners, stakeholders and sponsors joined CACT in the Cholmondeley Room at the House of Lords.
The evening began with guests watching a video featuring CACT CEO Jason Morgan, who spoke about the Trust’s key achievements from another memorable year. (Click below to watch)
CACT participant Azmeena Azim then shared her inspirational story with attendees. After experiencing a severe mental health crisis during the pandemic, she was diagnosed with psychosis, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety and depression in 2022. To support her recovery, she began receiving help through CACT’s Early Intervention in Psychosis programme.
In front of a packed room, Azmeena spoke about how the programme helped her step out of her comfort zone, rediscover joy and build new friendships. From horse-riding to lake fishing and a life-changing trip to Cornwall, she described how CACT supported her to overcome fears, feel a sense of belonging, gain confidence and reconnect with the world around her.
After sharing her story, she explained: “Tonight has been amazing, more than a dream come true! I was honoured to be here and to share my story. I felt so supported, the Charlton family are a group of people who support you whatever you do. They really want you to do well, wish you the best in your recovery and spread so much love and kindness. I’m super honoured and grateful for the opportunities they have given me!”
Men’s first-team manager Nathan Jones was among those who congratulated Azmeena on delivering her story so powerfully. Reflecting on the conversation, she said: “I loved meeting Nathan, he took the time to talk to me and he is such a nice person. He is super enthusiastic about tonight’s event and what Charlton does for the community.”
Following Azmeena’s speech, Lord Grade took to the stage to introduce each award sponsor and announce the winners. Before doing so, he revealed that CACT’s committed spend of £7.6 million for the 2024/25 financial year has generated an incredible £83 million in social value for the local community.
Participant of the Year (Over 18) - Sponsored and presented by Adams & Bowles Wealth Management
This award went to Charlton Upbeat Danny Mardell. As well as being a valued member of the Upbeats who contributes to weekly training sessions, monthly Kent Pan Disability League matches and the annual George Best Community Cup, Danny’s dedication to raising funds and awareness for the project stood out to the judges. He has generated more than £20,000 through fundraising events including the nine-mile Upbeats Walk, and has even stepped into the boxing ring to take on a seasoned former professional.
After receiving this award, Danny said: “I am feeling very happy and so proud. Being part of the Charlton Upbeats is amazing, and it is very good for me to play for the team. I can’t wait to show the team and coaches my trophy!”
Participant of the Year (Under 18) - Sponsored and presented by University of Greenwich
Kaylen Hamilton was recognised as Participant of the Year (under 18) after making excellent progress both off and on the football pitch with support from CACT. He began one-to-one mentoring sessions aimed at improving his behaviour and attitude in school and with support from his mentor, CACT coach Leon, he made excellent progress both in and out of the classroom. After impressing during mentoring sessions, his talent and potential on the pitch quickly stood out at CACT’s Development Centre to coach Robbie. Kaylen has since progressed to the Advanced Centre, where he has become one of the top performers for his age group.
Kaylen’s development off the pitch, as well as on it, resonated with Nathan Jones, who said: “We like the athlete, we like the player, but we love the human. We try to bring really good human beings into the club, both players and staff because we have a set of values. It’s wonderful that the Community Trust are installing that into young people.”
Programme of the Year - Sponsored by Bayliss Executive Travel and presented on their behalf by Charlton Managing Director Jim Rodwell
CACT’s Short Breaks programme was named Programme of the Year. Delivered across Greenwich and Bexley, Short Breaks provides engaging activities for children and young people with disabilities, while offering vital respite for parents and carers. Sessions are tailored to a wide range of needs, making this one of the most trusted and dependable short break programmes in CACT’s delivery areas.
Positive feedback from parents includes:
- “Short Breaks has been amazing for my son. It has given him the opportunity to be independent, and he calls this his ‘trip holiday’ because they always go out on trips.”
- “My daughter started off here as a student. She was very quiet and wouldn’t mix with people. But since attending Short Breaks she has been a totally different person. It also gave me time to do things with my other daughter. My daughter who attended Short Breaks loved it so much she became a volunteer, and she is now a role model for other participants.”
- “I don’t trust many people with my children, but I know I can leave my son here with a team who fully understand his needs.”
Partner of the Year - Sponsored and presented by RSK.
Property consultants Faithorn Farrell Timms, Martin Arnold and Potter Raper were named joint winners of the Partner of the Year Award. CACT has worked in partnership with Royal Borough of Greenwich on a social value pilot scheme alongside the three winners. Their combined investment of £60,000 has seen CACT deliver impactful work with an evidenced social return of investment of £648,000.
CACT ESG Consultant Stuart Butler-Gallie said: “We’re able to say that for every £1 these partners invested in the programme, £10.80 in social value was generated. The partners also engaged in this social value programme, they didn’t just hand out the money, and this is why I think they were selected as the winners of this award.”
Sir Maurice Hatter Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award - Presented on behalf of Lady Irene Hatter by former Charlton directors Martin Simons, David Sumner and David White.
This award is handed out in honour of the late Sir Maurice Hatter, who was the President of CACT between 2010 and 2020. The winners of this year’s award were Richard Buxton and Clare Taylor, who are dedicated supporters of CACT’s Early Intervention in Psychosis programme. Both work for the NHS and have provided invaluable community support to CACT EiP clients for around 18 years.
CACT’s Head of Early Help and Prevention Carl Krauhaus said: “The commitment Richard and Clare give to their clients and our project is amazing. These two people in particular have been involved for such a long period of time, and the programme wouldn’t be running today without their support. Clare was there on day one of the project and she has ensured the programme has been available to thousands of clients. Richard has experienced psychosis and its impact, and that comes through in his passion to support others. There is no one better placed to support the clients than he is.”
Outstanding Staff Contribution Award - Sponsored by former Charlton chairman Roger and Heather Alwen and presented on their behalf by Nathan Jones.
The Outstanding Staff Contribution Award went to CACT Community Outreach Officer Olalekan Ishola. Ola provided crucial mentorship and support to a young person who suffered a family bereavement while on a CACT residential trip in Norwich. During the journey from Norwich to the hospital where the young person’s family member had been taken, Ola offered calm and compassionate support through an incredibly difficult moment.
As a trusted mentor within CACT’s EHP strand, he continued to mentor the young person afterwards, ensuring they had the help they needed while navigating their loss.
CACT Ambassador Steve Sutherland OBE, who was part of this year’s CACT Awards judging panel, said: “Ola’s story resonated with me on a personal level. My mother was killed by a dangerous driver when I was 15, so hearing about what Ola did for the young person on the day when he got the news, and then afterwards, really struck a chord with me. You can’t look past the importance of him going above and beyond in his role for that individual, because he knew how important that was. Ola was a very deserving winner.”
Everyone at CACT would like to thank the staff, participants and partners who helped make the evening a memorable one for all involved. If you would like to help support the vital work of CACT, please consider becoming a Friend of CACT by setting up a regular donation today.