Our 2024 Impact

Wednesday 11th December 2024By Fliss Loxley

As we enter the last week of our 2024 programme, we decided to spend some time looking back at the year and all that we’ve achieved.

It has been a year of seismic change for The Pearl Exchange and we end it feeling humbled, proud and inspired by all that has happened, all those we have met and how much our community continues to support our efforts. We couldn’t do it without you.

2024 Highlights

The Big Move

We raised over £50,000 from generous community members, funders and donors to renovate the Old Coach House which was finished in July. Our new long-term home gifts us double the room, studio space fit for purpose and a central location. We’ve even just had fully-funded solar fitted to help reduce our overheads.

 

The Numbers

  • 450 people aged 18 – 35 have come to The Pearl Exchange.
  • Over 80 people have had one to one counselling.
  • We’ve delivered 169 workshops across our programme pillars of art, music, work and wellness.
  • We’ve recruited 10 new brilliant volunteers.

Feedback from our Pearl Exchangers

“I feel more positive because I feel part of something and it has improved my self-esteem and social confidence.”

“TPE has enabled me to be socialise with people my own age comfortably for the first time in my life.  I can be myself without the feeling of being judged by those around me. This in turn has sky rocketed my confidence into doing things and feeling happy in my own skin for the first time ever.”

“It has given me a sense of community and belonging.”

“Since starting counselling I have experienced huge positive shifts. I feel now, for the first time like I have control over my life and can see things clearly. A massive thank you to [my therapist] and Pearl Exchange!“

The Future

Advisory Board

Our new Advisory Board, are a hugely talented group of 18 – 35 year olds, who are committed to helping us achieve our aims. In 2025, they will be curating our programme and training up to become volunteer hosts and peer mentors.

 

The Programme

In January and February our activities have been carefully curated to help support people through the winter months, to foster good practices, support peoples mental health and build resilience. You can expect the regular sessions to continue alongside new work-focussed activities and some events, exhibitions and sharings throughout 2025. We’re building our outreach programme to spread the word about The Pearl Exchange far and wide, to reach new people and respond to the ever changing needs.

 

Last thoughts from me

We cannot wait to see what 2025 brings! Thank you to our incredibly hard-working team, volunteers and Trustees as well as our generous funders, donors, fundraisers and all round supporters!

 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

See you in 2025!