Shnay Chohan

Tell us about Carney’s Community

Carney's Community, inspired by late boxing legend Mick Carney, helps some of the most disadvantaged young people in Wandsworth. By engaging in sports and arts and providing long-term unconditional support, we're able to create a culture that enables our young people to gain a sense of purpose and self-respect. Helping young people turn their lives around does not happen overnight, it can take many years. The long-term unconditional support we offer is often what is missing in their lives, this is the gap Carney's Community strives to fill.

What made you want to become a trustee for Carney’s community?

I became more involved in charity work during university at Cass Business School. I volunteered in Turkey teaching kids English and in New Zealand where I managed a charity called AIESEC full time for a year. For my final year project at university, rather than simply putting words on a page, I wanted to do something practical, with lasting impact. I was fortunate enough that my dissertation supervisor, Professor Paul Palmer, introduced me to George Turner, now the CEO of Carney's Community. George explained the vision for Carney's which resonated with me. He was looking for support to turn it into a reality. I worked closely with George to create a business plan, register the charity and gain initial funding. Following this George kindly asked if I wanted to be a Trustee, which I gladly accepted, I joined as a Trustee when I was 22 years old and have been a Trustee for 8 years now.

What do you feel trusteeship adds to your personal and professional development?

Being a Trustee of Carney's gives me a more diverse perspective on what is happening on the ground and in society today. I'm able to join the dots easier on how one thing affects the other. From a professional perspective it gives me an edge, especially as companies start to take more of an interest in society and the environment. I learn lots from the other amazing Trustees on the Board. I'm able to share my perspective and influence decisions better. From a personal perspective, it gives me a sense of purpose and makes me happy when I hear stories about how we are creating a positive impact in people's lives.

What value have you been able to add to Carney’s Community with your personal and professional experience?

I've helped raise the profile of Carney's by helping George present at some TEDx events which helped us gain further funding. I have also been involved in helping set up social enterprises, training the staff and setting up a payments system.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about becoming a trustee what would it be?

Do it! Find something you're personally passionate about, find charities that are helping the cause, get involved and try to add as much value as you can.