Charlton Athletic men's first-team manager Nathan Jones once again lauded the work of Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) after attending the Trust's annual awards ceremony at the House of Lords on Thursday evening.
Jones was on hand to present the Sir Maurice Hatter Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award to Azmeena Azim, who was recognised for bravely sharing her mental health journey at last year's CACT Awards and for the support she now provides to others through her role as a Lived Experience Mental Health Project Assistant at CACT.
Speaking after the ceremony, Jones said: “First and foremost, our wonderful Community Trust here is one of, if not the best, in the land.
“The work it does, I can't put into words how truly magnificent CACT is, how far-reaching its work is and the lives it changes.”
Jones was speaking alongside Azim, who was surprised with the award on the night with members of her family also in attendance. The accolade was presented following a moving speech from former professional footballer, Chair of Mind and prominent mental health advocate Clarke Carlisle, who first met Azim earlier this year after the pair reflected on their shared lived experiences of mental health challenges.
“Of course I knew [about Azmeena winning the award]!” Jones added. “Azmeena was helped by CACT at one time and now she's the one helping others. That's a wonderful story and it's part and parcel of our wonderful football club.
“Every year when I come to the CACT Awards, I leave feeling inspired by the stories you hear and the people you meet.”
Azim admitted receiving the award came as a complete surprise and reflected on her own journey after recently joining CACT's Disability & Mental Health team.
“I did not expect to win this award today and I'm so grateful,” she said. “As Nathan said, words can't express the amount of work CACT does.
“They save people's lives, like mine. They always go the extra mile out of pure love and care.
“I'm so grateful to receive this award and now be in a position to give back and support the next people who come through our programmes. Before, the future was so dark and I couldn't see a way out. Now it feels so bright.”