Welcome
A message from Jenny Brown, Pecan Trustee
‘I’m excited to share some of the ways your incredible generosity have transformed lives here in Peckham.‘
Hello I’m Jenny Brown, a proud trustee of Pecan and a volunteer at our Southwark Foodbank. As a retired primary school teacher who spent many years teaching in Southwark, and as a Peckham resident of over 30 years, this community holds a special place in my heart. I’m excited to share some of the ways your incredible generosity have transformed lives here in Peckham. From the donations made during our Christmas 2024 Campaign to dedicated runners and cyclists taking on inspiring fundraising challenges, to early morning bucket collections at London Bridge, to donations large and small from individuals, community groups and organisations; every act of kindness makes a real difference.
Because of your support, since January, we have been able to
- Provide nutritious food parcels to 770 households facing hardship
- Launch a children’s summer food programme in partnership with a local organisation
- Develop our new Rachel Leigh Pop-up Pantry to reach more neighbours in need of a social supermarket
- Offer a wider range of activities at our Women’s Service Summer event
- Bring more creative projects to our Together social programme
- Organise an art project with Peckham Pantry for older residents in our community
Every meal shared, every project delivered, every moment of connection is possible because you care. Thank you for standing alongside us to bring kindness, belief and hope to our community. If you were able to make a donation to our children’s summer food programme that would be much appreciated. You can do so here: LINK.
With a heartfelt appreciation,
Jenny Brown, Pecan Trustee
Thank you for standing alongside us to bring kindness, belief and hope to our community.
May - July 2025
Pecan Highlights and What's Next
At Pecan we have had the pleasure of welcoming again Miatta Fahnbulleh (MP for Peckham) to Pecan. She was able to see our projects, learn more about what’s been happening and have discussions relating to our services which included food insecurity, women, community and employment services.
We are honoured to share exciting news that Miatta selected Pecan as a space for several of her Spring surgeries. This opportunity allowed Pecan to continue to strengthen our links within the community, whilst servicing the local residents by providing a space to discuss the issues at large. So, a big thank you to Miatta Fahnbulleh MP and her team for choosing Pecan.
New Staff Members
Nana Baffoe, Interim Head of Services
I discovered Pecan through my love of volunteering, and it’s an honour to serve now as Interim Head of Services. My passion lies in supporting people on their journeys and seeing how Pecan’s values of Kindness, Belief, and Hope transform lives every day.
From six churches joining forces 36 years ago to a vibrant charity today, Pecan has grown thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners, and above all, supporters like you. Your generosity makes it possible for us to tackle poverty and create lasting change across Southwark.
I hope this newsletter offers a glimpse into the exciting projects you help make possible. Thank you for choosing Pecan as your charity of choice, and we look forward to all we can accomplish together over the coming months.
Ayoub Zahid, Marketing & Events Administrator
I’ve just completed my few months at Pecan, and I’m really enjoying it! It’s been amazing to contribute to Pecan’s mission and see the positive impact we have on people’s lives. I’m learning so much, and I’m grateful to the whole team for being so welcoming and supportive. They’ve really helped me settle in and feel a part of the Pecan family.
Sharing Loneliness
In July we held a talk and open discussion on ‘Sharing Loneliness’. This event was faciliatetd by photographer Julia Hawkins and Alec Leggat from Red Pencil. Julia spoke about her long-term photography project to understand loneliness, and she and Alec invited feedback on the subject, as well as a potential future creative project around loneliness and connection.
We hope to continue addressing this topic with Julia and Alec, so please join our mailing list to keep up-to-date with information or follow us socials (Linkedin, Instagram and Facebook)
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week: During the week we put our clients and members’ wellbeing at the heart of our free events. Shaped by the voices of our clients, members, and community partners, from foodbank conversations to local organisations reaching out – we created a week of events that respond directly to the real mental health needs in our borough. We held a healthy eating session with JB Rose for Pecan members and the first men’s mental health and wellbeing focused sessions with 1st Place, the first Andy’s Man Club at Pecan (every Monday, 7-9pm) and Future Men.
Fundraising Highlights: April – July 2025
Since our Spring newsletter, our incredible volunteers and supporters have been hard at work: running, shopping and dropping, cleaning windows, stocktaking, and so much more. Here’s a look at everything you’ve helped make possible—and a peek at what’s ahead! If you’d like to get involved please email Theresa Tsui, our Partnerships Manager, on fundraising@pecan.org.uk
A huge congratulations to our incredible cyclists, Andrew and Jervis – a.k.a. The Holy Rollers – for completing their epic Dunwich Dynamo challenge in support of Pecan! Not only did they ride overnight from London to Suffolk, but they doubled the challenge by cycling all the way back – an awe-inspiring 240 miles in total. (Photographs by Andrew)
- Victoria Park 5K – 18 April
Staff and volunteers completed the 5K run together – a huge thanks to everyone involved!
- London Marathon – 26 April Congratulations to Kellie on completing the marathon. What an achievement!
Collections & Support
April – London Bridge bucket collection with 4OC, May – Empiric Student Property plc collection, June – OCS collection and Shop and Drop: 23 April – JP Morgan | 12 & 14 May – Leo Burnett | 25 June – JP Morgan
Window Cleaning
17 June
Thanks to OCS our top floor windows are sparkling, especially as they hadn’t been cleaned in 6 years!
Pantry Stock take
5-6 June
Big thanks to Jaguar for their support.
Supermarket Collections:
- 15 April – Pei, Amy, George
- 20 May – OCS (Kellie & Mark)
- 5 June – Network Rail & Pei
Fundraising – Upcoming Events
Join us to get active and fundraise for Pecan:
- Wimbledon Common Half Marathon: Sunday 7 Sept 2025 – Goal: £500
- Women’s Run London (5K & 10K): Saturday 11 Oct 2025
- Richmond Park Half Marathon: Sunday 2 Nov 2025 – Goal: £500
- Santa in the City Run: 3–4 Dec 2025
Thank You!
Interested in joining or supporting an event? Get in touch as we’d love to hear from you!
Contact our Partnership Manager Theresa Tsui: fundraising@pecan.org.uk
Support Abbie and the OCS Team in the Big Half
Pecan Food Services
Southwark Foodbank, Peckham Pantry, and Southwark Food Action Alliance
Southwark Foodbank
Southwark Foodbank – Throughout the Year
At Pecan, we believe no one in Southwark should go hungry. Through the Southwark Foodbank, we support individuals and families facing crisis situations every day. Since the Spring we have given out 26,168 kg of food and supported 770 households which equates to 2000 people.
‘Our dedicated support workers meet with clients to understand their circumstances and help address the root causes that have led to food insecurity.’
Emergency Food Parcels
Each emergency food parcel we provide is a lifeline. For a single person, the cost of a parcel is approximately £30, while for a large family it is more than £50. These parcels ensure that local people who have recently become unemployed, are living on a low income, managing a long-term health condition, or are experiencing other challenges can still access nutritious food when it matters most.
While emergency food is essential, the wrap-around support we offer throughout the year during food bank sessions is what truly transforms lives. Our dedicated support workers meet with clients to understand their circumstances and help address the root causes that have led to food insecurity. This holistic support often enables people to stabilise their finances and reduce or even better eliminate their need to rely on the food bank in the future.
We cannot deliver this level of support without skilled staff in place. To give you an idea of what it takes:
- Since April 2025, we have given out 26,168 kg of food.
- Supported 770 households which equates to 2000 people.
- Funding a support worker costs £45,000
At present, we can only help a handful of people each day. But for every person who receives this assistance, it makes a real and lasting difference. Sometimes we cannot help people who knock on our door, but with more funding and more support workers, we could extend this crucial help to everyone who comes through our doors.
If you would like to support our work and make a donation please do so here LINK. Thank you!
Engagement
‘From rising debt to food insecurity, the stories our clients told were clear: “It’s not enough money to survive, let alone live.’
Lobby Day with Trussell
Southwark Foodbank and members of Voices for Southwark, left Pecan in the morning of 18 June and joined hundreds across the UK in Westminster for Trussell’s Lobby Day. Our Southwark Foodbank team met with Neil Coyle MP (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) and Ellen Stafford (Senior Caseworker for Miatta Fahnbulleh MP) to share powerful first-hand accounts of life on Universal Credit. From rising debt to food insecurity, the stories our clients told were clear: “It’s not enough money to survive, let alone live.”
We’re proud to support the campaign for an Essentials Guarantee, so Universal Credit always covers life’s basic costs.’ Thank you to Trussell and Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) for standing with us in the fight to end hunger and hardship.
To find out more about Voices for Southwark, please contact: foodbank.support@pecan.org.uk
Southwark Food Action Alliance – SFAA
SFAA is a Southwark-based food partnership, hosted by Pecan. It brings together local food providers, charities, businesses, and residents, all working toward an affordable, inclusive, healthy, and sustainable food system in Southwark.
If you are interested in hearing more about our work, head over to our website to sign up to our mailing list.
Peckham Pantry
Peckham Pantry is a membership scheme that will make your money go further. Members of Peckham Pantry pay £5 per shop, which gives access to fresh fruit and veg and store cupboard favourites – to the value of £15 or more.
Golden Oldies and Drawing People Together
Last month we had a joyful and heartwarming morning at the Golden Oldies Community Care Project at Walworth Methodist Church. Together with the talented Lucie from Drawing People Together, we reimagined a Peckham Pantry shop through still life art! The creative session was more than just drawing. It was a celebration of community, creativity, and connection. Our brilliant participants embraced the challenge of sketching a £5 Peckham Pantry shop – a fun way to spark conversations around affordable food, art, how much cake was loved by all and an unexpected heartwarming story about ‘the lovely woman at Pecan in Employment Support that helped me with my CV when I was looking for work.’
Thanks to great volunteers like Lucie and Peckham Pantry for supplying a £5 shop for the workshop, which was enjoyed by all after the session.
PANTRY OPENING TIMES:
- Peckham Pantry, 49-53 Peckham Park Road –Tuesdays 10am-4pm, Wednesdays 9am-4pm, Thursdays 10am-7pm, Fridays 9am-4pm and Saturdays 9am-3pm
- St.Luke’s, Chandlers Way – Wednesdays 11am-2pm
- Rachel Leigh Community Hall, 32 Andrews Walk – Tuesdays 11am-2pm (from 15 April 2025)
The Peckham Food Weekend and Janda – Thank You
We are so pleased that Mr.Bao organised the Peckham Food Weekend (4-6 July) again this year with 17 restaurants being involved to fundraise for Peckham Pantry.
Also, Janda Restaurant continues to support Peckham Pantry through their creative idea of having invisible rice on the menu. Each invisible rice order goes to support us, which means supporting our Peckham Pantry members!
Women's Service
We provide gender specific, trauma-informed services to women who have had contact with the criminal justice system and/or face multiple disadvantages in the community. This includes 1-2-1 advocacy, workshops and activities, weekly drop-ins and monthly hub lunches. All women (including Trans women) are welcome in our warm, welcoming, inclusive space.
What's Happening at the Hub
Hello Summer
We know it’s the summer, but we are able to have such a full programme of events due to us reaching our Christmas campaign 2024 target. So, we are pleased to announce our workshops and events below:
- Coffee Mornings – As always, our coffee mornings will be running every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30am-12.30pm at our Southwark Hub.
– South Asian History Talk – Tuesday 5 August during the coffee morning.
- Making Music with Izzy – Every Thursday, 11am-12.30pm, until 24 July, join us for joyful music-making, rhythm, and creativity! No experience needed, just bring your energy and curiosity.
- Hub Lunch – Come together for good food and great company at our monthly hub lunch on Thursday 25 July from 12.30pm-2pm, catered by the wonderful Guncha from Bereket Food.
More workshops to be coming later in the summer!
For further information about our Women’s Services including volunteering, please email Alyssa Reene: womenshub@pecan.org.uk
Employment Support
Employment Support: our longest running programme supports people back into work at a pace that suits them, supporting them to feel ready both with skills and knowledge as well as mentally ready to take the next step. We are currently supporting families and unpaid carers (through a Southwark Works contract).
Everyone deserves the chance to build a secure future
Our holistic employment support goes beyond job searches – we help people overcome the barriers that hold them back. Many face challenges like housing issues, debt, or the rising cost of living. We work with each client to resolve these obstacles first, so employment is sustainable, not just temporary.
When clients need new skills or qualifications, we cover accredited training costs – never asking for payment. We also provide smart interview outfits, transport for interviews and the first weeks of work, and help with DBS checks. For parents, we offer childcare support and access to after-school clubs, easing the transition into employment.
We’re passionate about opening up free education and skill development, partnering with local colleges to create learning opportunities for those who’ve had limited access. From the first meeting to the first paycheck and beyond, we’re here to help every Southwark resident achieve their goals.
For further information about our Employment Support and our services, please contact employment.support@pecan.org.uk
Basic IT Training at Peckham Library
IT training and support restarts at Peckham Library on Wednesday 23 July. For further information and to register, please contact Employment Support on 0207 732 0007 then select option 2 to speak with a team member.
For further details and to register, please contact employment.support@pecan.org.uk
If you are looking for support to learn or to gain employment, please contact Pecan –Employment Support team on 0207 732 0007 then select option 2 to speak with a team member. We have many short courses that can boost your chance to secure your desired job role.
Together
Together provides a range of community life skills in a relaxed environment. We also support people understanding their rights, and the chance to build new social circles. Everyone’s welcome! Activities include free café, cultural trips, creative writing classes, crafts and support to fill in online forms. We signpost onto other Pecan services and partner organisations to ensure all needs are met.
‘I have enjoyed coming to the class as it has helped me improve my writing skills. Also, I have learned so much from others in the class.’
The Together Café at Pecan is a warm, welcoming space where locals can enjoy free refreshments and snacks every Monday and Tuesday. Alongside the café, Pecan offers a six-week Creative Writing program led by Wordsmiths Writing for Wellbeing, helping participants explore self-expression and mindfulness.
Our Bread & Salt Drop-In supports asylum seekers and Arabic and Kurdish speakers by providing a friendly place to practise English, play games, and build connections. While not a formal advice service or language class, it offers community and companionship. Our dedicated volunteers like Elizabeth and Florence help make these activities possible, also collecting food donations through their local church. Throughout the year, the Together Hub hosts events celebrating cultural festivals and awareness days, fostering learning and inclusion.
If you’d like to get involved or join our free activities, please contact the Together Co-ordinator Vashti Henry at together@pecan.org.uk.
Please note: The hub will be closed during August for the summer break, and all workshops will resume in September 2025.
What’s happening in Together from September – December
- Mondays and Tuesdays, 12-2pm
A community café and warm hub. We have volunteers supporting our Together co-ordinator, and it is a welcoming and safe space. - Creative Writing
Classes resume in September
Creative writing for wellbeing facilitated by Wordsmith, and all abilities welcome. - Bread and Salt
Fridays, 10am-12noon,
5 September -10 October
17 October – 21 November
28 November – 12 December
Facilitated by W.E.C. International, Bread & Salt continues to provide a space to visit with friends or make new ones, particularly for Arabic and Kurdish speakers partaking in English conversation with games and craft activities. Interpreters are available to create a welcoming inclusive environment with the offer of Middle Eastern coffee, tea, fruit, and cake.
Volunteer Workshop Facilitator Opportunities
We welcome individuals who would like to share their skills or expertise in volunteering in activities or workshops as a facilitator. Please contact Vashti Henry, Together Coordinator if you would like to facilitate an activity or workshop together@pecan.org.uk
Together at Pecan Membership
Pecan encourages our local community to become a member to keep abreast of our activities and participate in our free events and workshops. At the coffee mornings, there will be an opportunity to sign up to our mailing list.
Celebrating Our Volunteers
Volunteers’ Week 2025 – A BIG Thank You
Celebrations all round at Staffordshire St for Volunteers’ Week 2025
On Tuesday 3 July we had a heartwarming afternoon celebrating the amazing people who support our work at Pecan. Volunteers from across all our services came together, some meeting for the first time to share stories, laughter and learn more about the different projects they each support. The event opened with a thoughtful speech from our Chair of Trustees, followed by a fun Pecan quiz. We also had the pleasure of acknowledging our longest-serving volunteer – over 15 years of dedication, which was met with a very loud round of applause!
Over the past year (April 2024–April 2025), 450 volunteers have supported us — from foodbank sessions, creative workshops, and community cafés to corporate days and fundraising challenges. With over 70 volunteers active right now, we are constantly inspired by their commitment and compassion for Pecan.
Wellbeing & EEDI at Pecan
We hope you enjoyed the array of fabulous events in Southwark during Pride Month.
As we head into summer South-East Asian Heritage Month begins. The theme for South Asian Heritage Month 2025 is ‘Root to Routes’ – making space for real conversations about identity and belonging.
Our Women’s Service will be having a speaker during their coffee morning on Tuesday 5 August to mark South Asian Heritage Month. To attend (women only) please contact the team: womenshubs@pecan.org.uk
Volunteering Opportunities
Community Events & Useful Links
Community Events
- Andy’s Man Club
– Mondays 7-9pm at Pecan (except Bank Holidays) | LINK - Copleston Dementia – Friendly Summer Walks
– Upcoming Walks: 1:30pm on Mondays until 4 August | Meet at Copleston Centre, Copleston Road, SE15 4AN, For more information, contact: ann@coplestoncentre.org.uk | tel. 020 7732 3435 - Guided Walks
Summer guided walks project for refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants | LINK - Proper Blokes Club
– Walk & Talk Group | LINK - Spring Hub Summer Camps
– Dance, Sports, Crafts & Play All Summer! | LINK - Theatre Peckham – What’s On | LINK
- Bold Tendencies
– Summer Programme | LINK - Peckham and Nunhead Free Film Festival
– 29 August – 7 September | LINK - Southwark Presents
– Find out what’s happening this Summer in Southwark | LINK
Glengall Wharf Community Garden
Community events | LINK
Make Pecan your charity of choice and help us challenge poverty in Southwark this summer and beyond.
By supporting Pecan, you’re not just donating, you’re helping people overcome poverty, find employment, and build a better future.
Together, we can keep making a real difference.
