Supporting Caribbean and African Elders Since 1981

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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 the first full-time West Indian Social Worker with the Family Welfare Association Department of the Kensington and Chelsea Citizens Advice Bureau.

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Our Story

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During the 1970s, while working at the Citizens Advice Bureau, Pansy listened to the experiences of many Caribbean elders who had arrived in Britain during the 1950s and 1960s. Members of the Windrush generation who had helped rebuild the country now faced isolation, loneliness, and a lack of culturally familiar support in later life.

Determined to respond, Pansy began advocating for a safe and welcoming space where elders could come together, share their stories, and feel a renewed sense of belonging. What began as a simple act of care soon became something much greater.

Pansy with the help of Bridget Davis organised a small lunchtime gathering, serving soup to a handful of Caribbean pensioners who had few opportunities to socialise. Around that table, they shared food, laughter, memories, and companionship. From this humble but powerful beginning, the Pepper Pot Day Centre was born.

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From Community Idea to Lasting Legacy

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As word spread, more elders began to attend. The sense of connection, cultural understanding, and warmth created something truly special something that had been missing for many. The wider community quickly recognised its importance. With growing support and advocacy, the vision evolved into a formal service.

In 1981, the Pepper Pot Centre was officially established, offering structured activities, meals, advice, and vital social support to elders who had long been overlooked. Pansy Jeffrey’s vision, compassion, and determination transformed a small gathering into a nationally respected charity—one that continues to uplift and empower older people more than four decades later.

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Built by Community

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In its early years, the Centre grew through the support of forward-thinking organisations and individuals, including:

Notting Hill Methodist Church, Notting Hill Housing Trust, David Pitt, Herman Ouseley, Paul Boateng, Bridget Davis, Jean Martin, Chris La Maitre, Ken Livingstone, Trevor Phillips, Norman Beaton, Michael Portillo, Cllr. Nicholas Freeman, Lady Hanham, Raj Jogi, and many others.

Their collective support helped shape the Centre into the respected and trusted community institution it is today.

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Lasting Impact

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Since its founding, the Pepper Pot Centre has become widely recognised as a model of excellence in delivering culturally responsive services to African and Caribbean communities. It stands as a powerful testament to the strength of community, the importance of cultural identity, and the lasting impact of compassionate leadership.

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Award-Winning Community Impact

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We are proud to have been named Volunteer Organisation of the Year by the University of West London, standing out among a strong field of nominated charities. This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters—and above all, the spirit and resilience of our members.