Working together to provide the right support in local communities
This year, we’ve continued to see the very real impact the high cost of living is having on people’s lives. And more than ever, we’ve seen how vital it is for us to be present, responsive, and rooted in local communities.
As a charity, Peabody Community Foundation (PCF) is committed to long-term investment, and is passionate about helping people to thrive, not just get by. By staying close to residents and listening to what matters to them, we’re able to deliver support that feels relevant, personal and timely.
“The numbers in this report tell a powerful story, but what sits behind them is even more important: meaningful relationships, shared purpose, and deep-rooted commitment to the people and places we serve.”
Peter Baffoe, Chair of PCF and the Resident Experience Committee
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Helping support residents in their own communities
During the year, PCF invested £9m in local communities, supporting more than 30,000 people through community programmes, helped over 1,200 people into work, and delivered more than 65,000 hours of free activities in local communities. And by working in partnership to deliver this support, we've helped generate £10.4m of social value - that's tangible social and economic improvements to people's lives.
2024-25 highlights
Invested in local communities
Delivered in social value (real tangible benefits for local people) through our contractors and suppliers
People supported through projects and activities
People helped to find work
Raised through events with colleagues and partners
Awarded in grants to local communities
Helping local communities to be healthier
We worked with a wide range of partners to improve the health and wellbeing of residents and those living in local communities. These are some of the things we supported:
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A big community lunch in Purfleet-on-Thames, after which volunteers set up a new local community pantry and cafe to give local people better access to affordable, health food and everyday essentials.
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An inclusive sports event for families in Thamesmead to encourage children with special educational needs and disabilities to be more active.
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The London Food Insecurity Network, which aims to reduce food waste and make sure no social housing resident goes to bed hungry.
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Spotlight: Inclusive sports festival
More than 50 deaf and disabled children and their families attended an Inclusive Sports Festival organised in partnership with Access Sport at Sporting Club Thamesmead.
This event was a great opportunity to showcase other things that are going on in the area, as well as the positive impact these activities have on the health and wellbeing of individuals and their families.
Helping local communities to be wealthier
We worked with a wide range of partners to improve the financial situation of residents and people living in local communities. These are some of the things we supported:
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Young entrepreneurs to start or grow their own businesses with advice, workshops and funding.
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Local people to find work through our Career and Volunteer Fair in Thamesmead.
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Work experience sessions for young people looking for careers in construction.
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Spotlight: Work experience session
A group of young people aged 16 to 18 got to learn about careers in construction and speak with industry professionals at a work experience session with our partners Berkeley Homes and London South East Colleges.
We’re working closely with our partners to offer more experiences like this to help broaden people’s understanding of the jobs available and help us showcase the sectors where there are skills shortages.
Helping local communities to be happier
We worked with a wide range of partners to help local people feel happier. These are some of the things we supported:
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Tailored classes and meet-ups specifically for older Asian people living in Southall.
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Training and qualifications for students with learning disabilities to become baristas.
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Targeted training and education courses for local mums to improve their future job prospects.
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Spotlight: Mama Haven
Mama Haven, a group led by a Peabody resident in Hammersmith and Fulham, has helped local mothers to improve their prospects after identifying a gap in their skillset and working with partners to deliver bespoke training.
Partnerships like this are a great example of collaboration between us, our social value partners, and resident-led organisations like Mama Haven. By addressing the specific needs of Peabody communities, these initiatives empower individuals, strengthen the local economy, and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
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Looking ahead
We know that lasting change happens when people are connected, communities are resilient, and local voices lead the way. That’s why we’re continuing to invest in neighbourhoods, encouraging residents to get involved, and helping local people to come together with local partners to shape the places they live.