It was a cause for celebration as we marked 21 years of transforming lives predominately through supporting unemployed individuals into work. To commemorate the occasion we held an evening event on 10th November at All Saints Church in Peckham, South London.
The evening highlighted stories from a few of the people who have benefited from our work over the years. Two such young people Alfie McMahan, 16 and Alfala Syl-Turay, 17 came to us from very different parts of the world but with stories that are all too familiar.
Before our support both teenagers were at high risk of not reaching their full potential. Alfie shared that his lack of confidence was a huge barrier to his educational progress. Alfala told how he struggled to access mainstream education having emigrated from Sierra Leone after his mother died.
Alfie and Alfala were supported and encouraged to develop their skills and confidence; they are both now successfully engaged in full-time college courses.
For their hard work and achievements whilst attending our youth programme, both Alfie and Alfala have been awarded the Jack Petchey Achievement Award which were presented at the 21st Annual Celebration.
These two young men are just two of 27,000 people we have supported since 1989. Pecan – Peckham Evangelical Churches Action Network – was created by local churches working together to address unemployment and other needs in Peckham.
Alongside guiding young people back into training or work, we support asylum seekers, those struggling with mental health issues and ex-offenders into employment.
At the 21st celebration we were joined by Simon Hughes MP for Southwark and Old Bermondsey and deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats. In his address Simon Hughes commended us for demonstrating how churches can effectively work together to practically support individuals and families which brings huge long-term benefits to the communities in which they are a part of.
Simon Hughes said ‘Turning 21 is a significant milestone, representing entry into adult life. In the same way, Pecan’s 21st anniversary represents a turning point; the charity has come of age and it has plenty more years ahead.’
Although there is much to celebrate after 21 years, we face difficult times ahead with cuts to our funding. We will however continue to provide services that will seek to meet the needs of Peckham in the coming years. Our long term success is due to the many dedicated staff and volunteers who never stop believing in the people they support. They have worked tirelessly to empower individuals to return to work and to reach their full potential.
