THE Churn Project, which supports young families and people at risk from isolation and loneliness in Cirencester and surrounding villages, has appointed Juliet Cocks to the role of Chief Executive Officer. She officially took up her appointment on 1^st September 2020.

Juliet joins the charity from social housing group GreenSquare at a time of unprecedented challenge. The current pandemic has seen the way in which The Churn Project delivers its services change markedly to meet new demands and Juliet’s invaluable community experience will help to shape the charity’s future.

Known and respected across the county and beyond for the invaluable work it does with young families and with people who are older, long term unemployed, vulnerable or socially isolated, The Churn Project has been led for the past 17 years by Fran Embleton-Smith, with the support of its trustees, a small team of hugely professional and dedicated part-time staff members, and a host of volunteers.

Chair of the Trustees Rosemary Lynn, who has been involved with The Churn Project since its inception, said:

“Of course we are sad to see Fran leave after so many years with The Churn and we all wish her every success and happiness as she moves into a new phase of her life. She has led The Churn with great commitment and skill and has overseen the Project as it has gone from strength to strength to become a well-respected and successful organisation that does so much to support its clients. She has left behind a strong and dedicated team of staff and they, together with the trustees, are delighted to welcome Juliet to The Churn and to the CEO role. These are certainly difficult times but we are confident that Juliet has the experience and talent to take the Project forward so that it continues to help people who are experiencing challenges and tough times in their lives.”

Juliet acknowledges the challenges ahead but is excited about the future, she said:

“I am delighted to be joining The Churn as CEO. I am looking forward to working with the team to continue to build upon the fantastic work of the Project, whilst spending time getting to know the people we work with, our volunteers and our partners.”