It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of Jean-Luc Penet, who died after a short illness in Paris on 20th June 2023. In 1991, Jean-Luc, his wife Marie-Hélène, and their five children came from France to spend ten years with ATD Fourth World UK. Jean-Luc's impact on the development of ATD Fourth World UK and on the anti-poverty movement here during that decade was critically important.

With his determination and energetic commitment to social justice, he inspired a generation of activists and campaigners to challenge the terms of the debate on poverty and the conception of anti-poverty action. He and Marie-Hélène can also be credited with introducing an enthusiastic generation of young British people to ATD Fourth World's International Volunteer Corps, which he first joined in 1977.

After spending almost three decades with the Volunteer Corps, Jean-Luc chose to forge a new path by offering therapeutic support to people suffering trauma. He leaves behind a significant legacy. Our thoughts are with Marie-Hélène and their family at this difficult time.

To read an interview of Jean-Luc, carried out in 2001, please click here.