Preston Windrush Generation: Volunteers serving soul food to vulnerable search for permanent base
A group of volunteers made up of the Windrush generation and their descendants who have been delivering meals to elderly and vulnerable people in Preston say they're desperate to find a permanent home for their work.
Since March, they've put closed community centre kitchens to good use, cooking up big batches of soul food and dropping them to around 160 people all around Preston.
It's paid for by donations, and delivered by volunteers.
The coordinator, Glenda Andrew, says they want to help anyone in need, both in and out of the Afro-Caribbean community.
She added "It doesn't matter a bit what colour skin you have, I'm telling you now, if you need a meal, pick up the phone and contact us."
It's a massive community effort. While Glenda and her volunteers are busy preparing meals at the centre, Glenda's mum Paullette cooks up dozens of portions of her famous fish recipe from her own kitchen.
Although shielding at home, the 79 year old has never stopped giving to others.
Anthony Small, who's been receiving meals from the beginning, says the weekly delivery is a weight off his shoulders.
"I'm unemployed, I'm a victim of circumstances, that's why I'm in this position. With this virus, you don't know what to do. It's very appreciated - and better than what you'd get in the takeaway for a start!"
The group have had to relocate twice throughout the pandemic, although they have now been lent the use of the Xaverian Mission Spirituality Centre.
Going forwards, Preston Windrush Generation and Desendants want to expand the work they do, and are desperately hoping to find a suitable permanent centre.
Glenda hopes that, as well as more meal provision, it will be a one-stop shop for those affected by the Windrush scandal, so they can have access to advocacy and other advice groups.
"A lot of people have been doing a lot of this work for years. We need somewhere where people can go and get advice, and meet people form their own community providing that service."
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