Overview

In 2003, All Saints Church in Peckham, part of the London Borough of Southwark, initiated the Peckham Urban Mission Placement Scheme (PUMPS) to build relationships with children up to age 16 in this multi-cultural area of London. Forming a staff of university graduates who volunteer for a term of 2 years, PUMPS continues to make a mark in their community through a variety of programs, including discipleship groups, youth clubs, socials, camps and interactive presentations in local schools. The goal is to contribute something healthy and life changing to the community, promoting an attitude of respect for each other and various cultures, teaching and showing the love of God and the hope and grace the Christian faith extends.

Need

Peckham is an area of London in the Borough of Southwark, just miles from the well known the area of Charing Cross. Recognized for its diverse community, Peckham is home to many from various regions, including Bangladesh, the Caribbean, China, India, Ireland, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, and Vietnam.

A few devastating crimes have drawn international attention. In November 2000, the death of ten year old Damilola Taylor from Nigeria was the first to be highly publicized, resulting in a controversy over whether or not he was the victim of a racially-motivated attack. The shooting of eight or nine (reports vary) people queuing outside Chicago's nightclub in the summer of 2000 and three murders in February 2007 (one of 15 year old Michael Dosunmu in his bedroom) have contributed to giving Peckham a reputation of crime and an area in which, while the diversity contributes to its richness of culture and history, has also contributed to ethnic tensions.

The Project

Wellspring is currently contributing funds to provide housing and resources for the PUMPS volunteer team, enabling their continued and growing efforts to impact the youth of the community. The current grant amount provides rental costs for the volunteer team. Any additional funds will be applied to the program.