Jenny Gordon brings warmth, care and a sense of belonging to the Priory Road Community Group in Southampton. As its voluntary Chair, she leads a dedicated committee that keeps members engaged, informed and well fed, with activities and a wholesome lunch each week.
The lunch club predominantly serves African and Caribbean people aged over 65. It provides a culturally relevant space where Black elders can meet, socialise and support one another, helping protect members from loneliness and isolation.
Before being voted Chair, Jenny volunteered as the group’s Treasurer. Since taking on its leadership, she has helped it flourish. The group has been running for nearly 20 years, and founding members say it is better than ever.
Her sunny personality and loving nature are a large part of that success. Jenny makes the group a happier place to be, and members look forward to seeing her each week. The welcome she offers helps people feel comfortable, included and cared for.
Alongside the weekly lunches, Jenny has introduced more activities and invited external speakers to discuss subjects that matter to members. These include health and wellbeing, Black mental health and online safety. She has also developed partnerships that give members access to further opportunities.
Her commitment extends to ensuring that the elders are acknowledged and celebrated within the wider city. She co-founded and helps coordinate Southampton’s official Windrush Day celebrations, bringing recognition to a generation whose experiences and contributions deserve to be honoured.
This work connects the everyday care offered through the lunch club with a wider celebration of heritage and community life. Members have a place to enjoy one another’s company and opportunities to be recognised for the part they have played in Southampton’s story.
Jenny finds time to lead the group alongside her family responsibilities as a wife, mother of four, grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of one. She also lives with mobility difficulties and sometimes experiences visible pain, yet remains deeply committed to ensuring members are well looked after.
Her contribution is appreciated by families as well as those who attend. Members’ adult children often thank her for creating a space where their loved ones feel valued, respected and have so much fun.
That appreciation speaks to what Jenny makes possible each week: a good meal, useful information, shared laughter and time among people who understand and care about one another.
Jenny deserves recognition for the kindness and commitment she brings to this voluntary role. Through her leadership, Southampton’s Black elders have a place where they can enjoy themselves, support each other and know that they matter.