Big Give Christmas Challenges goes live on 2 December at 12 noon
Pecan are happy to share that we are part pf the Big Give Christmas Challenge. That means your donation to Pecan will be doubled for seven days only – 2-9 December. Twice the meals. Twice the kindness. Twice the hope for families feeling the squeeze this Christmas.
The Challenge
We need to raise £30,000 in online donations over just 7 days. Thanks to The Childhood Trust, Jaguar Building Services and TMT Finance, every pound will be matched, taking us to our £60,000 target. So, please put 2 December in your calendars and get ready to donate below at 12noon.
Thank you for being ready to make Christmas kinder for local families.
Welcome from our CEO
“I absolutely cannot believe I have only been in role a month – from church networking events, visiting services and planning for the future, the team are keeping me busy. I am completely in awe of the warmth, dedication and wisdom of everyone I have met – the incredible staff team, our absolute essential volunteers, our church network, our many partners organisations and beyond. A personal thank you from me for all you do. Always, but especially in these early days, it is essential I listen to you: the Pecan community. So please do reach out to talk – I welcome all the ideas you have as move we move swiftly towards 2026 our Year of Hope.”
Pecan Highlights
Black History Month
“It was really nice to watch a movie together instead of on my own at home.”
In October, Pecan proudly celebrated Black History Month under this year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.” Throughout the month, we hosted a series of engaging events across our Together space and Women’s Service hub, including a film screening with delicious homecooked treats, a creative arts session, and an insightful talk on Pan-Africanism. More than 40 new participants joined us from across the community.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees sharing how much they enjoyed learning together, exploring identity, and connecting over food and conversation:
- “Extremely interesting and informative.” (They Did I Can Too session)
- “I’ve never tasted cakes quite like that – amazing!” (Women’s Service film screening)
We’re grateful to everyone who took part and look forward to celebrating Black History Month again next year!
Church Event
Pecan was delighted to host our Churches network gathering in mid-November. With over 20 attendees, the Church network came together to hear from inspirational speakers, attend a round table workshop and the chance to meet new faces and reconnect with familiar faces. Representatives from the Council, local community leaders and church organisations were present. We were able to reflect on this year’s theme of Kindness and look ahead to the year of Hope for 2026.
Fundraising
Autumn 2025
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
Pecan Food Services
Southwark Foodbank, Peckham Pantry, and Southwark Food Action Alliance
Southwark Foodbank
Southwark Foodbank – Throughout the Year
Donations from our regular supporters The Ghana Nurses Association UK and our volunteer Duncan collecting Nunhead Community Cinema’s Films 4 Food screening donations
This year so far, we have given out 4333 food parcels which have helped feed 6147 adults and 2257 children. These numbers highlight just how far support from our community goes. A huge thank you to everyone who’s supported us this year.
We recently had two journalists from Money Week magazine come and spend the day with us. They got hands-on experience of the workings of Southwark Foodbank, and we look forward to reading their piece on our foodbank and the work Trussell is doing.
We’ve said goodbye to Silja, previously Client Support Lead and then Community Engagement for Together and Daniel, Foodbank Administrator and Volunteer Coordinator.
They both did fantastic work and supported many people in our community. We wish them every success with their new endeavors.
On 10 and 17 December, members of the Southwark Foodbank team will be at London Bridge between 7am and 9.30am collecting much-needed donations. We’ll be joined by some corporate volunteers and the amazing London Oriana Choir. The wonderful choir has supported us during our Christmas collections for several years. It’s always such a joy to see commuters stop and take in the beautiful sound. If you are passing through London Bridge on the dates above, pop over and say hello to the team. Follow the sound of the melodious singing and find us on the upper concourse.
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.
Making Good Food More Accessible
This month, our Pantry Manager Temi shares some heart-warming feedback from a member:
“Peckham Pantry has helped our family enjoy healthy, good-quality food — including items we wouldn’t normally be able to afford. Each £5 shop makes 1–2 generous family meals, plus fruit, snacks, and even the occasional luxury treat.
Having meat included makes cooking a joy instead of a worry, and shopping at the Pantry has really helped us manage rising bills and stretch our income further.
The team are always welcoming and full of great product recommendations. It’s a high-quality shop at an affordable price.”
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)
Southwark Food Action Alliance – SFAA
Update December 2025
At the end of December 2025, Trin Gong will be finishing up as SFAA coordinator at Pecan. The Public Health team wanted SFAA to share the following:
The Southwark Food Action Alliance (SFAA) is a key partner in creating a more affordable, healthy and sustainable food system for local communities. Southwark Council is fully committed to the partnership as an active member and our shared ambitions. Council officers will continue to support the SFAA coordination to maintain momentum and collaboration across members. Further details will be shared by the SFAA Steering Group in the new year. In the meantime, any questions can be directed to Rachel.Isted@southwark.gov.uk.
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
- Festive Event – 16 December, Southwark Hub
Join us for crafts, food, a singalong, nail painting, and hand massages. Email us for details (Women Only Event). - Criminal Justice Team Update
In October, our team visited Lewisham to connect with local services. We’re excited to continue our work with Lewisham Probation. - Creative Arts Programme
Our weekly Creative Arts sessions with Clean Break are in full swing and loved by our hub members. - Crafts at Coffee Morning
The women have been making snowflakes at our weekly coffee morning.
Get Involved
For further information about our Women’s Services including volunteering, please email Alyssa: womenshubs@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).
Tangible outcomes that change futures
Tangible outcomes that change futures
Pecan’s Employment Support team has been transforming lives this year, empowering 453 new clients with skills, confidence, and pathways into work.
Since January, we’ve proudly supported 169 people into jobs and helped 170 clients achieve Level 2 and 3 accredited qualifications.
Achievements in 2025
Our 50+ community alone welcomed 245 new clients, achieved 71 job starts, and celebrated 74 qualifications, while 168 parents and unpaid carers moved closer to financial stability with 86 job outcomes and 96 qualifications.
Why your support matters
Even as the UKSPF contract, which supported 38 clients and 12 job outcomes, comes to an end, our commitment to local people remains stronger than ever. By signing up to our newsletter or becoming a supporter your help ensure that vital work like this continues opening doors for those who need it most.
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
Pecan’s warm and welcoming open door, we provide a range of activities that help us to work with the community to create safe spaces were individuals and groups can come together, talk, make friends, find out about other services provided by Pecan and beyond and start to tackle inequality together.
The Cafe is back to its original hours of 1-3 PM and has secured funding as one of Southwark Council’s network of Free Warm Spaces. Everyone is welcome to come by for complimentary light refreshments and some friendly company.
Our ‘Cafe 55’ funded through Southwark Charities, provides individuals aged 55 and older from our community with a place to gather, socialise, and collaborate and co-design services they wish to see and engage with at Pecan. Please contact Alex on 07572 929 060 if you’d like to know more, but no need to book, just come along!
Moving forward, we hope to welcome a new Engagement Officer to our space, who will offer basic support and help connect individuals with both our internal services and external organisations.
Together Tuesdays facilitated by Lucie from Drawing People Together
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
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)
Vacancies
Are you confident, self-motivated and have a strong interest in community engagement?
If yes, Pecan are looking for a Community Engagement Officer with experience of working with, and supporting vulnerable or disadvantaged people. This role will also play an instrumental part in creating a welcoming and supportive space for the community. This is an exciting opportunity to reinforce Pecan’s dedication to preventing crisis, tackling loneliness, and improving wellbeing.
Wellbeing & EEDI at Pecan
Staff and trustees recently took part in two long-planned workshops with BetheRiot, an important step in Pecan’s vision to better serve our community and equip our team with the tools we need.
The sessions showed a strong, shared commitment to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion across Pecan. Participants expressed clear passion and urgency for building a culture that is open, representative, and true to our mission of serving everyone with dignity, compassion and fairness.
Senior Leadership is now reviewing feedback from staff and BetheRiot and will involve both staff and trustees in shaping the next steps.
Community Events & Useful Links
Pecan Events
- Together at Pecan Christmas Party | Monday 15 December, 11am-3pm | For more information contact Vashti, Together Co-ordinator: together@pecan.org.uk
Women’s Service Christmas Event | Tuesday 16 December, 11am-3pm | For more information contact Alyssa: womenshub@pecan.org.uk (WOMEN ONLY)
- Andy’s Man Club | Mondays 7-9pm at Pecan 121a Peckham High street SE15 5SE | (MEN ONLY)
Christmas in Southwark
- Alice in Wonderland | 5 – 23 December at Theatre Peckham 221 Havil St SE5 7SB
- PeckhamPlex | Community Cinema | Peckhamplex 95a Rye Lane SE15 4ST
- Christmas events at All Saints Church Peckham | All Saints Church, Blenheim Grove, Peckham SE15 4QS
- Christmas at Christ Church Peckham | 676 Old Kent Rd, Peckham, London, SE15 1JF
- Southwark Cathedral Community Carols | 18 December from 12.45pm to 1.45pm
- SET Social Blue Christmas | 7 December, 3-5pm | 55a Nigel Rd, SE15 4NP
- Festive Flea Market | Vinegar Yard, from 6 December – 3 weekends of Christmas markets at Vinegar Yard. Festive gifts and plenty of vintage style to be found from our curated selection of vintage and makers traders | 72-82 St Thomas street, Vinegar yard SE1 3QX
Community Events
- Coplestone Centre | Mindfulness (6-week course) starts 5 December | 3.30-5.30pm | Contact: Centre: 020 7732 3435 | Church: vicar@coplestoncentre.org.uk | Copleston Road, Peckham, London, SE15 4AN
- Book Groups at Southwark Libraries |Free
- Southbank Centre | Free Events
Donate to the Big Give between 2-9 December.
December is always our busiest month. Last year, our Foodbank alone provided 373 emergency food parcels in the three weeks before Christmas. This helped feed 569 adults and 287 children in our community
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.
