Early Intervention in Psychosis clients are taking part in a Next Steps residential in Cornwall part-funded by Charlton Athletic Ambassador Keith Peacock’s annual charity golf day.
This year’s golf day raised more than £7,000 for Demelza Hospice Care for Children and Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT), helping to support CACT staff deliver a trip for clients at an advanced stage of their recovery. Residentials are part of the mental health programme run in partnership with Kent & Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT NHS).
After travelling down by minibus on Monday 21 May, Tuesday saw the group enjoy coasteering and paddle boarding activities run by Newquay Activity Centre.
On Wednesday, they visited the inspirational Eden Project, with an educational workshop in the morning including a tour of the rainforest and Mediterranean biomes.
The group then tried out the UK’s longest zip wire to cap a wonderful programme of activities.
The residentials are designed to provide clients who are at an advanced stage of their recovery with a meaningful trip away from home in a group environment, helping them to engage with others through exciting activities.
Keith said:
“It was the 11th annual golf day that we have held, and the second year we’ve fundraised for CACT.
“This year’s winners were Titan, led by David Warr, one of our most generous as well as competitive players. The celebrity individual winner was Paul Walsh, with Jon Fortune, last year’s winner, being runner-up.
“It’s always great to see so many former players keen to take part and help raise money for charity.
“Money raised for CACT has helped fund residentials in Cornwall for Early Intervention in Psychosis clients, some of the incredibly important work CACT does in the community”.
Derek Hales, Steve Brown and Mark Bright were among the other former Charlton players who took part, while they were also joined by Academy graduates Chris Solly, Dillon Phillips, Grant Basey and Oliver Muldoon.
Charlotte Bailie, KMPT NHS Specialist Care Coordinator, said:
“These trips provide once in a lifetime opportunities for our clients, who often struggle to complete day to day functions. Here they are encouraged to participate in group activities and engage socially with others who have experienced similar challenges to themselves.
“It provides them with opportunities that they wouldn’t normally take part in which undoubtedly help boost their confidence and recovery”.
Carl Krauhaus, CACT’s Head of Early Help & Prevention, said:
“Next Steps residentials are incredibly important for our clients, with many reporting the activities to have significantly helped their recovery.
“We’re very grateful for the support Keith and a number of other former players have provided through events like the annual golf day”.