Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) is looking for help to make this a summer to remember for young people in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, including some of the most disadvantaged children.
After a difficult few months for children who have missed school and not been able to mix with friends, CACT has teamed up with the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Charlton Athletic Football Club to run week-long summer camps to provide educational and sports activities, fun with friends and nutritious meals for children and young people in Royal Greenwich.
CACT caught up with two young people from Greenwich about the challenges they faced during lockdown.
One said:
“I don’t have a garden. In my house there hasn’t really been fresh air, it’s hot. Everyone’s at home. Everyone’s stressed. Everyone’s arguing. Everyone’s annoyed.
Speaking about the experiences of her school cohort, who were set to take their GCSEs, fellow young person Tilly said:
“We’re basically the year everyone’s forgotten about.
“I’ve been doing the online youth sessions and stuff like that. It’s slowly bringing reality back. Thank you to Young Greenwich.”
14-year-old Natalia has been attending the Young Greenwich Summer Camp, and she described lockdown as “difficult”.
Speaking about her experiences, Natalia said:
“What I enjoyed about the summer camp is being around people again. It’s just so nice to get that familiarity back, to be around people my age who I can talk to.”
Jeannette Harrison, CACT’s Head of Youth Service, said:
“We know lockdown has been hardest for children living in disadvantage.
“We’re grateful to all partners – and Eltham Hill and John Roan School – who make what we can offer possible. All donations to the project will help give them positive memories from summer 2020.”
Open to 8 to 16-year-olds, the
aims to provide a safe environment where young people can have fun, make new friends, learn new skills and be supported to prepare for their return to full-time education. Charlton Athletic Football Club in conjunction with catering partner Gather and Gather are providing healthy and nutritious breakfasts and hot lunches.
Help us support the most vulnerable children in our community this summer