Pansy Jeffrey
Founder

The Pepper Pot Centre was founded by Pansy Jeffrey and formally established in 1981 under the auspices of the Community Service of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Citizens Advice Bureau.

Originally from Guyana, Pansy began her career as a nurse and health visitor before moving into race relations work in Notting Hill in 1959. She later became a full-time West Indian Social Worker with the Family Welfare Association Department of the Kensington and Chelsea Citizens Advice Bureau, where she worked closely with members of the Caribbean community navigating life in post-war London.

Through her work, Pansy witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by many of the early Caribbean settlers who had arrived in the UK during the 1950s and 1960s to help rebuild the country. As they grew older, many experienced isolation, loneliness, and a lack of culturally appropriate support.

Determined to make a difference, Pansy envisioned a welcoming, culturally sensitive space where elders could come together for companionship, support, and a sense of belonging.

That vision began modestly. Alongside her colleague Bridget Davies, Pansy organised a simple lunchtime gathering, serving soup to a small group of Caribbean pensioners who had nowhere else to meet. What started as a small act of care quickly grew into something much greater: a vibrant community hub rooted in connection, culture, and dignity.

From these humble beginnings, the Pepper Pot Centre was born and shaped by community demand and driven by a deep commitment to supporting elders.

“By the end of the 1970s, it was clear to me that there was an increasing number of people of Caribbean origin, categorised as Senior Citizens, who were suffering great isolation, loneliness and depression. I had to do something.”  Pansy Jeffrey

Today, her legacy lives on through the Centre’s continued work—providing a home-from-home where elders are valued, supported, and celebrated.

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-Pansy Jeffrey

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