We combat isolation & depression in older people in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea & other boroughs via seminars, open meetings, and lunch and tea events. We also provide information & health & wellbeing activities & empowerment of older peoples' views by surveys & open meetings.
Our Trustees
Cllr Marie Therese Rossi
Chair
Cllr Marie-Therese Rossi is a highly experienced public servant and long-standing elected member of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, representing Redcliffe Ward since 2010. A former Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, she has held a number of influential positions within the Council and currently serves as Chair of the Housing and Communities Select Committee, with responsibilities spanning some of the most important issues affecting residents and local communities.
With extensive experience in local government, scrutiny, housing, communities and public engagement, Marie-Therese brings considerable leadership, knowledge of the borough and commitment to public service to her role as Chair of the Kensington and Chelsea Over 50s Forum. A longstanding supporter of the Forum and its members, she is passionate about ensuring that older residents are heard, valued and actively involved in the decisions that affect their lives, while helping the Forum strengthen its influence and contribution across the borough.
Sukhvinder Gill
Treasurer
Sukhvinder Gill is a distinguished international investment and financial executive with over 30 years’ experience across global capital markets, venture capital and high-growth technology. He has held senior roles at leading institutions including SoftBank Vision Fund, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan Chase, Deutsche Bank and DBS Bank Singapore, and served as Chief Investment Officer and an early founding member of RedCloud Technology, which raised over $100 million in private capital and completed its IPO in 2025. He is currently Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Tribeca Strategic Acquisition Corp., where he is involved in investment strategy, capital markets and corporate governance.
Sukh brings exceptional expertise in financial leadership, investment strategy, governance, risk management and capital allocation to his role as Treasurer of the Kensington and Chelsea Over 50s Forum. His international experience and strategic insight are invaluable in strengthening the Forum’s financial sustainability and supporting its long-term growth and community impact.
Oonagh Wohanka
Trustee
Oonagh Wohanka has been a dedicated Trustee of the Kensington and Chelsea Over 50s Forum since 2017, bringing a strong commitment to community life, charitable service and the interests of older residents. Thoughtful, dependable and actively involved in the Forum's work, she has made a valued contribution to the Board and to many of the activities and initiatives supporting our members.
Energetic and adventurous, Oonagh is a committed endurance athlete and has supported charitable causes through running and other challenges. Among her most remarkable achievements was an ambitious cycling journey across France, tracing places associated with the life of Coco Chanel. Her determination, generosity and strong sense of community are reflected in the contribution she continues to make to the Forum.
Oonagh is married to Richard Wohanka CBE, a distinguished international investment and asset-management leader who has held chief executive positions at some of Europe's leading financial institutions, including Fortis Investments and Union Bancaire Privée Asset Management. He has also held prominent board, investment and charitable roles and was appointed CBE for services to the nuclear industry.
Farzana Khan
Trustee
Farzana Khan has lived and worked in several countries around the world including China, the Philippines, Sweden, Hong Kong, USA and Pakistan, before making her RBKC her home in 2006 to date. Her industries include finance, hotel development management, trade, tourism, campaigns and government initiatives. She has been a dedicated member of her local schools, gardens and of the Kensington and Chelsea community for many years, with a strong commitment to supporting local charities and fundraising initiatives. She has played an active role in bringing people together through community events and has contributed her time and energy to a wide range of charitable causes. Farzana was also involved in organising major civic celebrations, including The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and The Queen’s 90th Birthday, in addition to organising and executing the first ever Eid Experience for the local secondary school working in partnership with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Known for her community spirit, organisational skills, and passion for making a positive difference, she continues to support initiatives that strengthen local connections and improve the lives of residents"
Elizabeth Rutherford
Trustee
Elizabeth Rutherford is a former Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and a highly experienced community and civic leader. First elected to Kensington and Chelsea Council in 2010, she went on to serve as Mayor of the Royal Borough from 2016 to 2017, representing the borough at civic, charitable and community occasions and using her mayoralty to champion the contribution of local voluntary organisations.
A longstanding supporter of the Kensington and Chelsea Over 50s Forum, Elizabeth became a Trustee in 2019 and has also served as Chair, bringing considerable knowledge of the borough, public service and community engagement to the organisation. Her commitment to strengthening local communities and recognising the contribution of volunteers has remained central to her work. Elizabeth continues to bring experience, sound judgement and a deep understanding of Kensington and Chelsea to the Board, helping ensure that older residents remain heard, valued and influential.
Amelia Gómez
Trustee
Amelia Gómez has been an active and dedicated member of the Kensington and Chelsea Over 50s Forum for more than a decade, progressing from a committed volunteer to become a valued member of the Board of Trustees. Over the years, she has contributed to many of the Forum's activities and major community events, generously giving her time to support members and help bring people together. Her involvement has included supporting the Forum's large borough-wide celebrations and community initiatives, including the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Kensington Town Hall.
Amelia brings to the Board something particularly valuable: many years of first-hand experience of the Forum, its members and the communities it serves. Known for her warmth, reliability and generous spirit, she understands the importance of creating opportunities where older people feel welcomed, included and valued. Her longstanding commitment, practical contribution and genuine concern for others continue to make her an important part of the Forum's work and its future.
STAFF
ZARA GHODS
CEO
Zara Ghods is an experienced leader and advocate for older people, with a longstanding commitment to ensuring that their voices influence the services, policies and communities that affect their lives. As Chief Executive of the Kensington and Chelsea Over 50s Forum, she has played a central role in developing the organisation into a highly recognised and influential voice for older residents, building strong relationships across local government, the NHS, public health, voluntary organisations and community partners.
Her work extends across London through the Greater London Forum for Older People, supporting and strengthening older people's forums across the capital and encouraging greater representation and involvement of older residents. She has also chaired the Older People's Providers Network and contributed extensively to work around health, prevention, safeguarding and community engagement.
With considerable experience in strategic leadership, advocacy, partnership development and community engagement, Zara is passionate about creating practical opportunities for older people to remain healthy, independent, connected and influential. Her leadership continues to strengthen the Forum's profile while ensuring that the experiences and priorities of older residents remain at the heart of its work.
CHRISTINE JONES
Tai Chi Coach
Christine Jones is a highly experienced Tai Chi instructor specialising in Chen-style Taijiquan, Qi Gong and the use of Tai Chi to support health, balance and wellbeing in later life. A 20th-generation disciple of renowned Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang, Christine holds a 4th Duan Wei from the Wushu Association of China and has completed NHS-recognised training in Tai Chi for Rehabilitation and Falls Prevention.
With more than two decades of teaching experience, Christine founded Tai Ji Circle in London, which became a registered charity, and has taught in settings ranging from Age UK and community health programmes to Triyoga and international cruise ships. Her extensive work with older people has included adapting Tai Chi for those with reduced mobility and teaching people living with Parkinson's.
Christine leads the Forum's popular weekly Tai Chi programme in Notting Hill, combining considerable technical expertise with an inclusive and supportive approach. Her classes help members improve balance, mobility, strength and confidence, while providing an enjoyable opportunity to remain active and connected.
MINA NAKHAI
Marketing Director
Mina Nakhai is an accomplished marketing and communications professional with over 30 years' experience spanning marketing, publishing, communications and strategic development. A graduate of the State University of New York, with professional links to the Chartered Institute of Marketing, she brings extensive commercial and creative expertise to her role as Marketing Director of the Kensington and Chelsea Over 50s Forum.
Mina has played a key role in developing the Forum's profile, publications, communications, fundraising relationships and engagement with businesses and external organisations. She is Publisher of The Platinum Society and has helped develop high-profile community initiatives and relationships extending across the voluntary, cultural and business sectors. Her work has included involvement in major Royal Borough occasions, including The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, as well as developing external relationships and opportunities that strengthen the Forum's reach and reputation.
Combining extensive professional experience with a strong commitment to older people, Mina brings strategic thinking, creativity and commercial insight to the Forum. Her focus is on building the organisation's visibility, developing sustainable partnerships and ensuring that the Forum continues to grow its influence and recognition both within Kensington and Chelsea and beyond.
LIZ HOOPER
Mindfulness Coach
Liz Hooper is an experienced Mindfulness and Wellbeing Coach who has led the Kensington and Chelsea Over 50s Forum's mindfulness programme since 2018. With specialist postgraduate training in relaxation, meditation and mindfulness, Liz brings professional knowledge together with a warm and accessible approach particularly suited to supporting people in later life.
Over the years, she has delivered the Forum's courses in some of Kensington and Chelsea's most prestigious settings, including Kensington Palace and the Design Museum, as well as local libraries and online. Her structured programmes introduce practical mindfulness and meditation techniques that members can incorporate into everyday life, helping them develop greater awareness, manage stress and improve their overall sense of wellbeing.
Liz's longstanding relationship with the Forum and her understanding of the needs of older people have made her an important part of our health and wellbeing programme. Through her supportive and engaging teaching style, she helps members develop practical skills for relaxation, resilience and positive wellbeing that can continue long after the course has finished.