Pembury Children’s Community marks 10 years of supporting families

Residents and local organisations came together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pembury Children’s Community, which has supported over 1,000 children, young people and their families on the Pembury estate in Hackney.

Published: 27/11/2025

Pembury Children’s Community was launched ten years ago by Peabody Community Foundation, in partnership with residents, local agencies and Hackney Council.  

Inspired by the Harlem Children’s Zone in New York, the partnership has helped children become ready for school, and offered young people programmes in arts, sports and work skills. It’s also provided a welcoming hub for families, supporting parents across the Pembury estate, including at the Pembury Community Centre which also opened its doors 10 years ago. 

Part of the Children’s Community Network, supported by Save the Children, it takes a cradle to career approach to provide children, young people and their families with a range of activities, projects and services. These include baby and toddler groups, children's and youth activities, homework clubs, summer programmes, trips, sports and more. 

The anniversary celebration at the community centre was filled with energy and fun. More than 250 residents joined in activities including hula hooping with Hula4Fun, belly dancing, creative workshops, T-shirt design, face painting and henna art from local resident Darshna. Guests enjoyed free food prepared by local cooking star Ash Juggessur and his team, as well as treats from an ice cream van, popcorn machine and candyfloss stall.  

One resident commented that the high turnout “really shows how much having a centre like this works and how important it is."   

The event also welcomed a host of local organisations who’ve supported or been involved with the Pembury community over the years. This included Linden Children and Family Hub, Uprising Community Club and Kundakala.  

Peabody colleagues ran a badge-making stall, with craft equipment provided by Artist Eloisa Henderson-Figueroa, who led a summer mural project on Pembury with 160 residents earlier this year. Meanwhile, the Seeds for Growth team were on hand to chat about their transformation of the local garden this year and upcoming projects. 

Special guests included the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Hackney, Stephen Howlett CBE DL, and several Hackney councillors. Representatives from Wallsend Children’s Community Network, Renaisi-TSIP and Save the Children also joined. 

Rachel Solomon, Head of Community Investment for Peabody, which continues to lead Pembury Children’s Community, said: “For over a decade, we’ve been working closely with local residents, community organisations and the council to bring our shared vision to life.

"Together, we’ve created a place where children, young people and families can thrive, and where people feel proud to live. It was wonderful to see everyone celebrating everything the community has achieved.” 

Councillor Joe Walker, Hackney’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Strengthening Neighbourhoods, commended the “fantastic partnership” over the past 10 years and said working together has contributed to the positive changes at Pembury over that time.  

He said: "The starting point has always been about the residents. It has been about the importance of place and belonging and about the families and children here and their experiences of being part of this community." 

The celebration highlighted how Pembury Children’s Community has strengthened community pride, improved opportunities for young people and built stronger connections between neighbours. Peabody credits the programme for helping to influence its move towards more tailored, local services across other areas and Hackney Council has shared that it has helped shape its relational approach across the borough.