About The Cause
Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) is dedicated to empowering communities and changing lives by improving health, education, employment and reducing crime. By partnering with local authorities, health services, and other charitable organisations, CACT delivers high-quality, impactful programmes that bring long-term change.
Our Support
Among CACT’s many initiatives is the Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) programme, which supports individuals in the advanced stages of recovery from psychosis. A key element of this initiative is the organised residential trips called Next Steps, these trips combine outdoor activity with peer interaction.
These residentials encourage participants to step out of their comfort zones, build connections and boost confidence through activities like coasteering, paddleboarding, coastal walks and zip-lining.
With ECF’s sponsorship, CACT successfully delivered three residential trips to Cornwall. Across the three trips, a total of 18 clients and 5 support staff took part in a fun programme where participants could challenge themselves, build trust and friendships.
The Outcome
While many participants initially felt anxious about the activities, the relaxed delivery and supportive group environment made a profound difference. Surrounded by people who understood their experiences, participants gained the confidence to face their fears and embrace challenges.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. A client shared that the trip had been life-changing, helping him get off his medication and prepare for discharge.
CACT’s report echoed this sentiment; every client and staff member rated each part of the residential as great, affirming the programme’s success in delivering a lasting impact.
