Spotlight on our trustees: Geoff Cherrill

Geoff Cherrill is our Education Trustee, and joined The Juno Project Board of Trustees in 2022. 

What do you do for a living? 
 
I am the Headteacher of a Special Needs School on the south coast. We support children with complex needs, particularly with speech, language and communication and emotional difficulties. I have been here for 9 years but have been a teacher for the last 25 years, in many different settings. After graduating from university and doing a variety of jobs, I realised that I wanted to do something that would benefit other people. I didn’t like the idea of having a job that didn’t make a difference.  
 
What made you want to join The Juno Project 
 
I had heard of their work through my job. I had worked at an all-girls school in East London, and heard they were looking for an experienced education Trustee. I felt that my experience was something I could offer, and it has been a privilege to be part of the work being done. Like the other Trustees, I only wish I could dedicate myself to it full time!  
 
What do you think are the biggest challenges our beneficiaries are facing? 
 
The challenges faced by young women are often overlooked in schools. The widespread use of social media has added to the challenges young women face and the need for organisations to provide support with self-esteem, confidence and ambition is much needed. The charity has a clear focus on supporting young women to achieve their potential and securing emotional stability. 
 
What are your passions and concerns about the world? 

My job allows me to see how vulnerable young people can often be treated in the wider world. I am driven to ensure that these young people are better placed to face this world and have the necessary resilience and self-respect to face these challenges.   
 
What do you do in your spare time? 

In what little spare time I have, I enjoy watching baseball and building Lego!