​A Proper Do: Celebrating Humanity with Celebrate Life  
by Nidhi Chouhan

On a nippy December evening in South London, the Streatham Space Project was absolutely buzzing. Celebrate Life, in cahoots with Peace Partners, had pulled off a proper do to round of the year. This wasn’t just your average knees-up, mind—it was a night brimming with heart, soul, and a whole lot of good vibes. 

The main event? The premiere of "Bringing Back Humanity," a short film that packed an emotional punch. It took us right back to a cracking anti-knife crime peace rally in July 2024, led by none other than Pastor Lorraine Jones-Burrell and global peace champion Prem Rawat. The film wasn’t just about what happened; it was a rallying cry for what could happen when communities muck in together. Blimey, if you weren’t moved by that, were you even watching? 

As the film wrapped up and the applause gave everyone a warm glow, the live music kicked off. And let me tell you, it was banging. Jamside Up took to the stage with a lineup that could knock your socks off, along with  Timeless Tim Hain and Ese. The tunes were top-notch, the kind that gets your toes tapping before you’ve even realised it. It was impossible not to be swept up in the sheer joy of it all. 

But here’s the kicker: this wasn’t just about having a laugh (though there was plenty of that). It was about purpose, about showing that even in the face of challenges, there’s a way to spark change and keep the faith in humanity. The room was packed with legends—filmmakers, peacebuilders, volunteers—each one there for something bigger than themselves. 

As the night wore on and the chatter turned to next year’s plans, you could feel the energy in the air. This wasn’t just a party; it was a proper rallying point for anyone who believes that a bit of kindness and a lot of action can change the world. 

So, if you missed it, unlucky! But don’t worry—you can still be part of the movement. Head over to www.celebrate-life.co.uk and see how you can get stuck in. After all, as they say, it’s better to be a doer than a ditherer.  Cheers to that!  

Postscript! The film is now available to view on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LglqyvaVyLw

An update from Ronnie Cray, who is the PEP Promotion Lead for Peace Partners, and a member of the TPRF PEP Facilitator Development Team. He can be contacted by email: [email protected]

1. Peace Partners have been approached by a voluntary Organisation which supports offenders in the Truro and Plymouth Magistrates Courts to bring in the Peace Education Programme.

They are currently undergoing a reorganisation. They are very interested in us presenting a PEP introductory presentation and a full 10-week PEP to the combined teams from Truro and Plymouth, once the reorganisation has taken place.
 
2. We have recently made contact with someone who worked in Wales, who had attended the PEP, and subsequently in 2023, brought it to those in the community recovering from substance and alcohol abuse. As he now works for Cornwall County Council, he has had discussions with them about introducing this approach to the Cornish recovery community.
 
On 25th March 2025, one of our volunteers presented a PEP introduction to representatives of Cornwall Council, and as a result they are happy for a full PEP to be delivered in May, for which we will organise support and licensing from TPRF.
 
3. Also in Cornwall, one of our volunteers visited the offices of a holiday company in Cornwall, whose CEO's mother is a long-term supporter of TPRF, our biggest partner. This company has a Well-being programme, of which they would like the PEP to be a part. The CEO has been in touch recently and would like a full PEP to start in September.
 
4. For people who are long term supporters of TPRF have been four virtual PEP sessions on Zoom that have taken place over the last year. These sessions are for those people who will be helping with our PEP Outreach efforts to bring the programme to organisations and institutions who are interested around the UK. A fifth session started on Tuesday 18th February, and is currently in progress. 
  
5. A virtual PEP on Zoom for people who are new to this programme, started on Wednesday 26th March and will conclude on Wednesday 28th May.
 
6. Similar virtual PEP sessions on Zoom are being planned for later this year.

7. One of our volunteers made an introductory PEP presentation in the Cornwall Neighbourhood for Change facility. This has led to one person wanting to attend the PEP sessions which started recently.

Our heartfelt thanks go to all the volunteers who are supporting these efforts, and to donors who are providing funds to help with the expenses incurred. 
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