Music to the ears of Rotherham charity boss

Genya Johnson, executive director of Get Sorted Academy of Music in Rotherham, has been shortlisted in the not-for-profit category of the national Women in Business Awards.

She will now go through to the Yorkshire, North East and Scotland regional finals to be held in Newcastle on October 14 and if successful will attend the grand final in Leeds in December.

Get Sorted Academy of Music, on Westgate, has been providing music lessons, activities and workshops since 1995 and operates an “open-door” policy to anyone interested in music. 

It currently works with more than 300 people aged\!q from five to 80.

Genya said that she was delighted at being selected for the honour.

She said: “It’s a wonderful feeling to be recognised for this prestigious award and to have been shortlisted.

“It strengthens my belief that after 20 years of running a small local charity I am still doing something recognisable for the people in Rotherham.

“I hope this nomination helps to raise awareness of the valuable work and support we have given to local musicians, hard to reach and vulnerable young people and the group activities we deliver in the communities.

“I feel really proud to have been shortlisted and to know that people appreciate all the hard work that goes in to running a small charity that changes people’s lives through music.

“The journey over the last 20 years has been challenging but just knowing that we are helping and supporting people, meeting their needs as well as supporting children and young people who get so much enjoyment out of playing an instrument makes everything worthwhile.”