On the 14th November 2023 we were joined by friends and partners to reflect on the past year at Pembroke House. From Walworth Living Room regulars to Pembroke Academy of Music students and their families, it was fantastic to gather so many members of the community together for our AGM.

This year the theme for our AGM was ‘Joining the Dots’, as we tried to knit together the story of our work and role in the neighbourhood in Walworth so far, and where it is heading in the future. 

Trying to ‘join the dots’ was also about connecting the many people who make up the Pembroke House community. As everybody arrived, they were asked to plot when and how they first connected with Pembroke House on a timeline around the room. From getting involved fifty years ago to a first visit that night, an amazing picture emerged of a community of very different people and experiences united by their involvement in Pembroke House.

We heard updates from the Programmes team on the Walworth Living Room, Pembroke Academy of Music and the Social Model of Health. Several students from Pembroke Academy of Music performed, showcasing their hard work. Our Partnerships team also shared their recent work on exciting initiatives within the neighbourhood such as We Walworth.

Perhaps the highlight of the night was the chance to share a meal together, which was prepared by our wonderful Walworth Living Room chef Samar, who kept seventy people happy with her signature bourek and Algerian salad!

It was also important to carry out the ‘formal’ parts of our AGM: the accounts and the trustees’ report. This was a chance for us to be open about the financial picture of the organisation and the very real challenges ahead. Pembroke House, like so many organisations in the charity sector, continues to face a cost of living crisis and a difficult fundraising climate.

The trustees report noted the charity’s relationship with St Christopher’s Church and Pembroke College and how in the coming year trustees look forward to facing questions about these historic links, with staff and the community, as the organisation reviews its Vision and Mission.

We want to say a massive thank you to anyone who gave up their time to be with us. It was energising to come together to celebrate the work of so many in our community and be shown the potential of people.

For those who couldn’t be there, or for those who would like to find out more, our Annual Report is now available to read here! This provides a deep dive into our work over the past year and also includes the Directors’ and Trustees’ report and accounts.