Transforming lives through Kindness, Belief and Hope
Welcome to our February Newsletter.
Our Christmas Campaign officially closed on Tuesday 31 January.
Thank you so much to everyone who supported us in 2022 and early 2023, through generous contributions (both money and food), volunteering and/or helping us to spread the word.
We managed to raise a total of £30,000 that enabled Pecan and Southwark Foodbank in December to:
- Support the 24% rise in the number of people accessing the foodbank compared to last December in Southwark.
- Distributed the equivalent of 9,000 meals, plus an abundance of seasonal treats.
- Donate 14 tonnes of food over the month.
- Kept our warm café ‘Together’ open every Monday and Tuesday afternoon.
- Continued to provide essential advocacy, support and advice through our Women’s Service and community hub.
Your support makes a huge difference over Christmas, and we can’t thank you enough. Our work, however, continues all year round – kindness, belief and hope are not just for Christmas!
So, if you can afford to, please consider regular donation, to ensure we can continue to provide a high-quality service to our community.
Another way to give is time. Pecan is for the community, with the community – we want you to be involved, so if you can spare some time, want to learn new skills, share your expertise and help others in the process, why not volunteer with us. Please contact us to find out more.
Cost-of-Living Support
Southwark Council Cost of Living Fund: Southwark Council are providing a fund giving one-payments of £100 (via a voucher that is cashed in at the Post Office) to Southwark residents who meet the criteria. You MUST live in or receive services from Southwark Council.
You can now apply yourself online: www.southwark.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/cost-of-living-support
If you need support to apply for this fund, we are providing in-person drop-in sessions Monday – Thursday at Pecan 121a Peckham High Street, 11am-12pm. Please be aware Pecan are a referral partner helping people apply for a one-off payment through the Council’s fund. Southwark Council will make decisions based on their eligibility criteria and will contact individuals directly. To follow up on the status of your referral, please contact Southwark Council directly.
Fundraising for Pecan
Welcome to our Partnership Manager
Our new Partnership Manager is Theresa Tsui who will be responsible for our corporate volunteers and our fundraising point of contact for Southwark Foodbank and Pecan’s services.
As a supporter of Pecan and its services, have you thought about being part of Payroll Giving? The numerous benefits include:
- Enhancing your corporate social responsibility profile.
- Boosting your reputation and public image.
- Demonstrating commitment to causes your employees care about.
- Aiding staff recruitment and retention and improves morale.
- Gaining recognition through quality marks and excellence awards.
Supporting Pecan allows us to continue the work we hear from our users, clients, volunteers, trustees and staff. The impact on our community is clear, as we have put projects in place to support those in need of support, in crisis or just needing a space to feel part of a community.
Simple Fundraising ideas
There is a ‘fun’ part in fundraising, and you can get involved at all levels.
Our Christmas campaign has come to an end, but the cost-of-living crisis continues, and Pecan still needs your donations to continue providing its services supporting our community during this time.
Why not take part in some fun and interesting fundraising activities to help Pecan help the community:
- Sponsored walk to work: Not only will you be raising money for a worthwhile cause, walking to work is a great way to get some exercise and travel in a greener way!
- Give up a coffee day: Everyone puts the amount they would have spent on a takeaway coffee (or other drink) into the fundraising pot instead.
- Cake Sale: Round up the keen bakers in your school, university or workplace, and hold a cake sale, all profits going into the fundraising pot.
- Tea Party: Hold a tea party with your friends or colleagues, collecting £2 from everyone who attends.
- Event: Why not organise an event for colleagues and friends, such as a film screening or clothes swap, charge a small entry fee, and donate proceeds to Pecan.
Food Services
Southwark Foodbank | Partnership with Thames Reach & Citizens Advice
Southwark Foodbank are excited to announce new partnerships with charities Thames Reach and Citizens Advice.
These two organisations will be providing advice and support for our clients in-person at our foodbank sessions.
A support worker from Thames Reach will be attending two of our foodbank sessions each week, providing a mix of one-off help as well as ongoing casework.
Support from both Thames Reach and Citizens Advice will be an invaluable resource for our clients, especially given the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
An adviser from Citizens Advice will be providing holistic advice and support and promoting financial inclusion at one of our Peckham sessions. Targeted advice will largely focus on debt, income maximisation, housing, and benefits.
Southwark Foodbank exists to ensure nobody in Southwark goes hungry. At the same time, we want to help people break from poverty by providing additional support to help people resolve the crises they’re facing. Support from both Thames Reach and Citizens Advice will be an invaluable resource for our clients, especially given the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
February Shopping List
Urgently required Items:
- Cereal
- Tinned Fruit
- Long-life Juice (1 Litre Cartons)
- UHT Milk (Semi skimmed & whole)
- Tinned Meat
- Tinned Rice Pudding
- Tinned Custard
- Tinned Vegetarian Options
- Jam
- Instant Coffee (100g jars)
- Pasta Sauce
- We have plenty of:
- Baked beans
- Pasta
Please ensure donated food has a long shelf life & is well within its Best Before End date. Thank you
A Southwark where everyone can afford the essentials
Alongside our day-to-day work of supporting our community with emergency food, we want to build a future where none of us have to rely on a foodbank, because we all have the money for the things we need.
We are currently working closely with members of our community who have used our foodbank and Peckham Pantry to develop a local campaign for a Southwark where everyone can afford the essentials. To get involved with our community organising activities, please contact Flora, Community Engagement Officer.
Get help with the cost of living crisis
Find out what support you might be eligible for and where to get help.
Peckham Pantry
We hope you enjoyed seeing Peckham Pantry on Co-op’s social media recently. The team, ambassadors and customers have showcased how Peckham Pantry offer a different way to shop. Not only can you get essentials at the Pantry but fresh fruit and vegetables, along with store cupboard favourites and all for £4.50.
Meet Samina, Peckham Pantry shopper turned volunteer. She’s one of hundreds of inspiring stories from @yourlocalpantry projects all over the country.
— Co-op (@coopuk) January 19, 2023
Find out more about our partnership: https://t.co/OftlXRFgzq pic.twitter.com/xyvIphp7PO
Meet Rashida, a shopper at Peckham Pantry, and find out what she loves about @yourlocalpantry
— Co-op (@coopuk) January 26, 2023
Find out more about our partnership: https://t.co/yNf1yg716y pic.twitter.com/JHZJ0YV1P4
We love any project that brings people together and gives back to the community - and so does @itsbigzuu! Become a Co-op member and help support projects like @yourlocalpantry with every shop 🙌
— Co-op (@coopuk) January 23, 2023
Find out how you can get involved: https://t.co/btprQBmwpN pic.twitter.com/pH7kA1Rocg
Meet @yourlocalpantry manager, Temi! She's one of the friendly faces you'll find at the Peckham Pantry, from stocking shelves to supporting people of the community.
— Co-op (@coopuk) January 12, 2023
Find out more about our partnership here: https://t.co/WFB0T5MF0M pic.twitter.com/LJXyfSTVG4
Community
Together Café
‘We listened, adjusted what we provide, and now our focus is to create a sanctuary space in the middle of our busy high street.’
Our Together Café opened its doors in October 2022 and quickly became a welcome addition to what Pecan already offers. Two of our trustees have been our regular volunteers and would love to have you join them in hosting this warm welcoming space. The cafe is open 1-3pm on a Monday and Tuesday.
Ish says ” When we were planning the café, we had all sorts of ideas of what we could offer, games jigsaws, craft etc. Quite quickly we got feedback from our guests that what was needed was a space where people could just be. We listened, adjusted what we provide, and now our focus is to create a sanctuary space in the middle of our busy high street. Guests still have access to activities should they want. With a renewed focus on Being we have seen people bring in their own projects and build connections with those around them, as they share what their project means to them. Projects have included everything from knitting to setting up a new IT device with lots of things in between.
Over the months we have developed a group of regular café guests and every week we are joined by folks who just drop in to see what is going on. As the name says it is a great place to be together.”
If you are interested in volunteering at the Together Café do contact welcome@pecan.org.uk
Bringing People ‘TOGETHER’
Loneliness and isolation are a massive problem, not just associated with the elderly but it can affect people at various stages of their lives.
Creating a space to bring people together, in a positive, safe environment describes Pecan’s Together Hub, everyone is welcomed. Establishing social connections is a great way to share resources and help to combat loneliness.
The aim of the Hub is to provide opportunities for people to get support to help themselves by providing a warm space, advice, signposting, workshops, sharing, and a chance to volunteer.
Loneliness and isolation are a massive problem, not just associated with the elderly but affecting people at various stages of their lives. Surprisingly, young people have reported feeling lonely more often than those in the older age group. Older people are particularly susceptible to loneliness following major life events, such as the death of a partner, breakdown of relationships and a decline in health and mobility.
Reports have shown that a lack of social connections can increase the risk of mortality by up to 26%. In addition, the pandemic and lockdown has had a massive effect on some people’s mental health. Experts agree that the way to combat this trend is to provide opportunities for people to come together to create virtuous circles, and friendships which encourages people to improve mental health and well-being.
People coming together can be really life changing, for those facing loneliness and despair. It can improve social skills, build confidence and resilience, and through volunteering, lead towards paid employment and greater financial stability.
February activities:
- Café meetup at All Saints Church | Each Tuesday 9.30am -11am
- Coffee morning and Discussion Group at Pecan | Each Tuesday 11.30am -12.30pm
- Discussion Group on Zoom (Virtual) | Each Thursday 3.30pm onwards
- Creative Expression at Pecan | Started Friday 27 January – 24 February 10.30am -12.30pm
- Oyster trip to South London Gallery | Friday 24 February 1pm – 3pm
- Techie Tea Party at Together Space Café | 15 February 12.30-2.30pm. Hill Group will be hosting a free Tea and Tech workshop to help residents in the local area who are struggling to get online or use their devices. Register HERE.
If you are interested in any of our activities, or would like volunteer, then please contact us by email, together@pecan.org.uk
Our work in creating the Together Hub is to provide a holistic pathway of support that helps to build the community, by transforming lives through ‘Kindness, Belief and Hope.’
Employment Surgeries
New Training Dates
| Course Name | Level | Last Enrolment Date | Starting Date | Number of Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security SIA | Level 2 | 17 February | 21 February | 22 days - Monday to Fridays |
| Business Administration | Level 1 | 6 February | 8 February | 17 Days |
| Functional Maths | Entry 3 | 6 February | 8 February | 10 Days |
| Employability/Customer Service | Level 1 | 6 February | 10 February | 9 Days |
| Pre-Entry ESOL | Pre-Entry | 8 February | 13 February | 12 Weeks |
| ESOL | Entry Level 1&2 | 8 February | 13 February | 12 Weeks |
| Security SIA | Level 2 | 13 February | 17 February | 18 Days |
| Support work in school/college | Level 2 | 17 February | 21 February | 20 Days Monday to Fridays |
Women's Service
Southwark and Lewisham Women’s Service
This March we have our International Women’s Day event on the 7 March at our Peckham Hub
A big hello from Southwark and Lewisham Women’s Service. This March we have our International Women’s Day event on the 7 March at our Peckham Hub at All Saint’s Church on Blenheim Grove. We will be having a meal as well as craft activities, music, and nail painting among other activities to be confirmed.
Women’s Service also now offer an online movement class with Cara and will be introducing new workshops in the coming months including crochet and embroidery with Alyssa, singing, and much more. Please email womenshubs@pecan.org.uk to sign up to our mailing list for details and news.
Women’s Service now offers a monthly Mental Health Surgery on the last Tuesday of the month, from 2-3pm. These will take place at our Peckham Hub. If you are struggling with your mental health, or you would like some information on a diagnosis you have received then please come to our session at the Peckham Hub.
Please come down to our Free Monthly Hub lunches on the last Thursday of every month from 12.30-2pm, lovingly catered for at our Peckham Hub.
Community events and useful links
Peckhamplex | Peckhamplex is an independent, commercial, multiplex screening mainstream, independent, foreign language, and art house films at an affordable price which has remained unchanged at £4.99 all day, every day for more than 10 years – probably London’s cheapest cinema. Peckhamplex 95a Rye Lane, London, SE15 4ST. www.peckhamplex.london
Southwark 2030 | Southwark wants to hear from you about your hopes for Southwark in 2030. Join one of their conversations (in-person or online) to tell them your thoughts and to share your ideas on how the community can work together to achieve these ambitions. Sign up here: consultations.southwark.gov.uk/corporate-strategy/southwark-2030-conversations
Southwark Presents | Free events in the borough www.southwark.gov.uk/events-culture
Walworth Garden | A charity dedicated to knowledge and nurture. Find out about free gardening workshops and diploma levels courses. walworthgarden.org.uk/workshop-events
British Library | A free exhibition exploring British Chinese communities and culture. www.bl.uk/events/chinese-and-british
