Happy Retirement

Jonathan Cheshire is one of those people who David Cameron had in mind when he launched his ‘Big Society’ initiative, soon after taking office.

He is the epitome of the self-made man who would have flourished in any industry that he chose. Although he does admit that he came to charity and social care work as part of the counter-culture, not as a considered choice. “In London there were so many empty council houses, and instead of letting them go to waste, a few of us arranged for groups of squatters to move in. Somehow we organised ourselves into a housing association; although I still don’t quite know how that came about, and things just took off from there” said Jonathan.

Indeed they did. In 1989, Jonathan became chief executive of the Ocean Youth Club, then Europe’s largest charitable sail training organisation. Then in 1996, along with David Harris he founded Portsmouth Foyer, an organisation which supports young people with urgent housing needs in Portsmouth.

In 1998 he moved to pastures new, and while searching for premises for a new project, he found what he was looking for in an office complex in Southampton: Wheatsheaf House, and The Wheatsheaf Trust was born.

Now with offices all over southern Hampshire, The Wheatsheaf Trust helps job seekers to maximise their potential and gives help and support in what can be a very frustrating and anxious process. They also run courses for people on ESA, which has superseded Incapacity Benefit, to give them the extra aid that people in their situation need to become job ready. This can include classes in building confidence, interview techniques and communication, as well as practical help with the now essential need for IT skills that employers demand.

‘We prefer a more person cantered approach when it comes to dealing with our clients. Massive government contracts are all well and good for some companies, but I don’t see money as the be all and end all, and our approach reflects that.’

“So what are your plans, now that you’re retiring after such an active life?” I asked. “I’m only retiring from paid work,” he jokes; though actually, he’s completely serious.

Jonathan will remain as non-executive chairman of Southampton Solent University and is getting involved with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, which makes grants to local good causes. In addition to that, he will continue in his role as a trustee of the Association of Sail Training Associations, as sailing remains a real passion.

The Rt Hon David Willetts MP came along to Wheatsheaf’’s office at Strouden Court because he recognises the help that Jonathan and his organisation have given to the people of Havant over the years.

“Jonathan has done a fantastic job over many years, helping dozens, if not hundreds in my own constituency back into work. Why today, I met a lady who was getting a basic introduction to computing, and saw for myself exactly the type of services that Wheatsheaf offers. And I want to wish Jonathan a long and happy retirement with his family.”

‘So, do you have any regrets, looking back, maybe things you might have done differently?’ I asked.

“Not really,” Jonathan replied with a smile. “I’m leaving the Wheatsheaf Trust in the very capable hands of Dan Freshwater, (the newly appointed Chief Executive) and it’s time for him to take the organisation and shape it to meet the needs of the next generation.”

Which seems to me to be an excellent attitude to life in general, and is perhaps why Jonathan has succeeded so brilliantly in what he does.

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