Welcoming Pecan's New CEO
‘We are excited to announce that this October, we will be welcoming Rebecca Scott as Pecan’s new CEO. Rebecca has many years of relevant leadership experience within the charity, youth and education sector – but above all, she shares our core values of Kindness, Belief and Hope.’ – Sally, Chair of Trustees
A message from Rebecca Scott – our incoming CEO!
‘I am absolutely delighted to be joining Pecan as CEO in October. It is such a privilege to join a charity which is so well respected and has worked alongside the people of Peckham for several decades. I am absolutely committed to social justice and to playing a positive role in my community.’ – Rebecca Scott
What's been happening at Pecan
As we step into a new season, we’re entering a season of Hope for the year ahead. Everything we do at Pecan is rooted in our values of Kindness, Belief, and Hope. In 2025, our theme has been the year of Kindness, and in 2026 it will be the year of Hope, because together as a community we are stronger.
This past year and additional support over summer, your incredible generosity has transformed lives across Peckham and Southwark. From bucket collections in the early hours, to committed runners and cyclists, to gifts both large and small from individuals, community groups and organisations, every act of kindness has made a real difference.
This past year and additional support over summer, your incredible generosity has transformed lives across Peckham and Southwark.
Because of your support over the last 12 months, including additional donations over the summer, together we have been able to:
- Provide food for 6,859 adults and 2,629 children, distributing over 4,700 parcels.
- Launch a children’s summer food programme with a local partner.
- Open the new Rachel Leigh Pop-up Pantry, reaching more neighbours through a social supermarket.
- Distribute health and beauty gifts thanks to donations from Beauty Banks at our Women’s Service summer event.
- Plus, we’re relaunching our Together Programme, bringing even more creativity, connection, and support to our community, with a focus on the over 55s.
The Big Give
Women's Service
We’re getting excited for the launch of our Big Give Women & Girls campaign next month with up to 10K through match-funding!
Big Give Women & Girls Announcement!
We’re thrilled to let you know that Pecan has been selected to take part in this year’s Big Give Women and Girls Match Fund! From 8-15 October 2025, every online donation you make to our Women’s Services will be matched £1 for £1, doubling your impact at no extra cost to you.
This year, we’re raising £10,000 to support women in Southwark and Lewisham through our trauma-informed, women-only service. Every pound raised will be matched £1 for £1, so doubling your donation and doubling your impact. We’d like you to be part of it.
Why is this important to Pecan? This is an amazing opportunity to support 250 women in Southwark and Lewisham, who are trying to rebuild their lives having faced multiple disadvantage: poverty, domestic violence, mental ill health, addiction, and unsafe housing.
Black History Month at Pecan
2025 Theme: Standing Firm in Power and Pride: October is Black History Month, and thanks to funding from Southwark Council, we are able to host a programme of events at Pecan to share within our community. Our events range from a film screening, drumming workshop with Baque Luar, a photographer’s talk with Ian Watts, quilt making to welcoming back Ngozi from They Did I Can Too with a Black British quiz and discussion. Plus, lots more including a resource pack that lists all our events that celebrates standing firm in power and pride within our community.
The events will be held at our Together Café and women-only events at our Women’s Service. Plus, we are highlighting our local community and projects in our Resource Pack.
Fundraising Highlights
Summer 2025
Partner Support: We’re grateful for the incredible support from our partners this summer!
- UPP & Nice & Graphic: Printed Christmas cards to raise funds for Pecan.
- JPMorgan & Arena: Supported our Foodbank through the Shop & Drop, filling vital gaps in our emergency parcels.
Thank you for your generosity and teamwork!
Fundraising – Upcoming Events
Event Highlights
- The Big Half (7 Sept 2025): Huge thanks to Abbie Smith, Kellie Newell, Emma Pink, Steph Cox — and Marc Anthony, who fundraised despite injury — raising £1,397!
- Women’s Run London: Good luck to Seraphina Evans & Benedetta Bisaccia from Probation — we’re cheering you on!
- Richmond Half: Best wishes to Michelle from Nice & Graphic — thank you for fundraising and running workshops for Pecan!
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
Community Support
- The SE London BookFest returns on Saturday 18 October and until the end of November. This a book festival in south-east London will also be supporting Southwark Foodbank – so don’t forget to sign for one of their amazing events: LINK
- Supporting Peckham Pantry with invisible rice at Janda Restaurant – every donation from the invisible order goes to our amazing food service Peckham Pantry.
Pecan Food Services
Southwark Foodbank, Peckham Pantry, and Southwark Food Action Alliance
Southwark Foodbank
Harvest
‘It’s such a joy to visit our local schools each year at this time.’
– Genevieve, Southwark Foodbank Manager
The team have been preparing for the busy Harvest period. They’ll be joining school assemblies over the next few weeks to share about harvest and the work of Southwark Foodbank. Genevieve Osei-Kuffuor, Southwark Foodbank Manager said “It’s such a joy to visit our local schools each year at this time. It’s great meeting the staff and children. The children ask so many questions. It’s wonderful to see how generous our community is. We’re always so overwhelmed together and answer their questions about our work”
Photograph above: Emma & Gary dropping off their generous Harvest donations from JAGS Senior School. A whopping 270.66kg!
The food bank team are delighted to welcome Kevin Baddeley, Generalist Citizens Advice Caseworker from Citizens Advice Southwark.
Support from the Citizens Advice Caseworker ensures that all those collecting a food parcel from Southwark Foodbank have access to additional support beyond the food parcel. This can include support with housing issues, debt and managing money, benefits and much more. It is so important that those referred to the food bank receive support with their underlying issues. Citizens Advice project at the food bank is funded by Trussell, to help Southwark Foodbank work towards the shared vision of a Southwark without the need for food banks, where everyone can afford the essentials. Between July 2024-July 2025, it is estimated that around 250 people referred to Southwark Foodbank no longer needed to use the food bank after accessing advice and support through the project with Citizens Advice.
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.
Pantry Party
The Peckham Pantry Annual Gathering took place on Saturday 13 September, at St Luke’s Church. A celebration of peace, support, kindness, and the collective spirit that makes us who we are today.
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.
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
- Women and Girls Match Fund Big Give: From 8-15 October 2025, every online donation you make to our Women’s Services will be matched £1 for £1!
- Coffee Mornings – As always, our coffee mornings will be running every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30am-12.30pm at our Southwark Hub.
- Online Wellbeing: Please email Alyssa for the link to join: womenshub@pecan.org.uk
Wednesdays from 2-2.40pm
- Hub Lunch – Come together for good food and great company at our monthly hub lunch on the last Thursday of the month from 12.30pm-2pm, catered by the wonderful Guncha from Bereket Food.
For further information about our Women’s Services including volunteering, please email Alyssa Reene: womenshub@pecan.org.uk
September Blog: Women’s Service
Hygiene poverty is a hidden crisis in the UK. Alyssa, Project Administrator and Women’s Service Advocate, explains why our partnership with Beauty Banks is vital in tackling this issue. Read our September blog and find out why: www.pecan.org.uk/september-2025-pecan-blog
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).
Changing Lives in Southwark this Autumn
This autumn, we’re stepping it up with two accredited training courses every month. From Food Hygiene and Health & Safety to First Aid and Computer Skills (beginner to advanced), these courses give Southwark residents the tools they need to thrive in work and beyond.
Registration is required to access training opportunities.
Together, we’re building skills, confidence, and brighter futures for our community.
‘In the last quarter alone, our Employment Support team worked with 170 local people — helping 60 into jobs and enabling 70 to achieve accredited qualifications.’
Peckham Library – 12-week digital skills course
This course is designed for people who have very little experience with digital tools and could be a great opportunity for anyone looking to build confidence in this area. The library has confirmed that new participants can still join over the next two weeks. Spaces are limited, so places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
The Together Hub has re-opened after the summer, welcoming our community back during what continues to be a challenging time in the UK. At Pecan, we remain committed to providing safe, supportive spaces where people can connect, relax, and build friendships.
One of our key community partners is Bread & Salt, a group supporting Arabic and Kurdish speakers, asylum seekers, and refugees in Southwark. In the face of divisive political and social attitudes, Bread & Salt offers a vital space for belonging, creativity, and friendship where small acts of kindness and shared activities help reduce isolation and build confidence.
Thanks to funding from Southwark’s Community Fund, we are pleased to continue offering:
- Creative Writing workshops
- 10-week Arts & Crafts programme (starting 23 September)
- Bread & Salt community sessions
- Special events for Black History Month and National Kindness Day
- A Christmas gathering to close the year
Our free community café drop-in runs every Monday and Tuesday, 1–3pm, with refreshments, conversation, and support.
Together Tuesdays facilitated by Lucie from Drawing People Together
55+ Coffee Morning
Our first 55+ coffee morning brought local residents together over tea, coffee, and pastries to share ideas and connect. Attendees suggested activities like crochet, reading, and card games, as well as a need for a relaxed space with practical advice.
Most importantly, people enjoyed simply having time to talk:
“It has been good to just talk to people and have a normal conversation.”
We look forward to building on these mornings to ease loneliness and create welcoming spaces where everyone feels seen and heard.
‘It has been good to just talk to people and have a normal conversation.’
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.
Volunteering Opportunities
Can you help us? At Pecan we currently need:
In our Central Services we are looking for:
- Reception support
- Health & Safety experience and knowledge
- HR admin support
Please contact hr.support@pecan.org.uk for the above voluntary roles.
In our Food Services we are looking for:
- Pantry Ambassadors (contact pantry@pecan.org.uk)
- Southwark Foodbank van drivers (contact foodbank.support@pecan.org.uk)
Wellbeing & EEDI at Pecan
Wellbeing
Our Wellbeing lead attended our neighbourhood Staffordshire Street’s Folk Fayre at the end of August.
‘It was a great opportunity to talk to local residents about Pecan’s services, collect food donations and encourage Fayre goers to guess the sweets in the jar! ‘
South Asian Heritage Month
We celebrated South Asian Heritage Month at the Women’s Service in early August with a talk from local historian Sabera Jaffer. This year’s theme Roots to Routes, came to life as Sabera took the women on a compelling journey through her family’s history, from India to Tanzania and finally settling in the UK, with Peckham holding a special place in that story. This talk was a great reminder about how communities develop and grow.
Community Events & Useful Links
Community Events
Black History Month in Southwark
- Black History Month 2025 – Annual Service of Thanksgiving
Saturday 4 October 2025, 10.30 am, Southwark Cathedral, SE1 9DA
Join the Diocese of Southwark in a Celebration of Identity & Belonging, at Southwark Cathedral this Black History Month. There will be a service of thanksgiving with a Eucharist celebration, followed by a workshop focused on our theme, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15b).
All are welcome | Free registration. LINK
- Black History Month and What it Means to Southwark Exhibition
4 – 28 October Tues-Fri, 10am-5pm, Free
‘CoolTan Arts will celebrate creativity and wellbeing with five main events and workshops running throughout the month of October held both onsite at the community arts centre on Southwark’s Walworth Road, as well as at the Horniman Museum, and the streets of Brixton and the Black Cultural Archives. Visit our gallery for fascinating insights into Southwark’s rich historical culture. LINK
- Peckham Platform’s Circular Square (Free)
Saturday 27 September, 12-5pm, Peckham Square. Music, Art and Food - SE London Book Fest
18 October – end of November
About the festival: The SE London BookFest is a book festival in south-east London which supports Southwark Foodbank. Authors appearing at this year’s festival include Diane Abbott, Jimi Famurewa, Robert Elms, Vince Cable, Evie Wyld and Diana Evans. Most events have limited free tickets available (but you will need to book ASAP!) and you can make a donation to support the festival here: tiny.cc/selfunding | For all enquiries, please email selbookfest@gmail.com - Nice & Graphic – Words of Wisdom exhibition (Free)
9-19 October, 11-5pm, 1a Philip Walk, London SE15 3NH | Instagram @niceandgraphic
- Southbank
Free events | LINK
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX - Illuminate Bermondsey
12 November from 4pm, Southwark Park Bandstand
Make your own lanterns at free workshops in local schools, libraries and community centres during October and November and then join us in The Blue Market, Bermondsey, from 4pm on Friday 21 November for a spectacular lantern procession to Southwark Park Bandstand. Workshops times and locations to be announced here from September.
- Peckhamplex Cinema
Voted Best Value Cinema by Time Out magazine and Love London Awards Best Entertainment Venue in SE15. Independent six screen cinema established in 1994, screening mainstream, art house, foreign language and independent films. Special events include concert films, pre-recorded plays and theatre productions, charity screenings and Q & A events with directors, actors and special guests. What’s on at Peckhamplex: LINK
Make Pecan your charity of choice
and help us challenge poverty in Southwark.
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.
