Peer support in action: Charity Partners connect in our garden cabin

On Wednesday 8th May, the Pearce Foundation hosted a Peer Support Group session for its charity partners — a space designed to foster connection, reflection, and mutual support among those leading small charities.

The session brought together leaders from across our partner network, offering a safe and structured environment to explore challenges and opportunities within their work. From the outset, the openness and honesty in the room set the tone for meaningful discussion.

"Sharing around the table and feeling that energetic support, the same struggles in different guises, was incredibly helpful," said one partner.

Topics ranged from diversifying funding and building partnerships, to staying motivated while working solo. Leaders exchanged questions, insights, and practical solutions — leaving not just with clearer next steps, but with a renewed sense of clarity, confidence, and connection.

"You always seem to create such an empowering thinking space," reflected another partner.

These peer support sessions are a key part of the Pearce Foundation’s approach — recognising that funding alone isn’t enough. By bringing people together in thoughtful, supportive spaces, we help build a network where charity leaders can grow, share and lean on each other as they navigate the day-to-day realities of leading small organisations.

We’re especially grateful to our partners Flourish Mentors, Apron Community Garden, and Therapy Kitchen, who joined this month’s session and brought invaluable perspectives to the table.

As we continue developing our grant-making model, these conversations shape the way we support our partners — ensuring that our offer remains human, responsive, and rooted in real-world needs.