QUBA Volunteer Day Spotlight

Every QUBA employee can take a day to volunteer at a charity of their choice, with full pay.

We spotlight a recent Volunteer Day with Hattie Evans – our senior customer experience consultant.

Hi Hattie! Where did you volunteer?

‘I volunteered at the open day for The Luccombe Hub – an alternative education centre for children that can’t attend school (for behaviour issues, trauma and/or learning difficulties).’ 

The Luccombe Hub is an independent specialist school located in Dorset. It is dedicated to providing alternative education for children aged 8-18 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. 

The charity focuses on those unable to thrive in mainstream education due to trauma, anxiety, or lack of social skills. It offers personalised, project-based learning aligned with the national curriculum, emphasising a therapeutic approach with one-on-one support. The Hub also provides various practical activities, qualifications, and life skills development, including a bespoke two-year post-16 program, outdoor learning and a Forest School.

What did you do on your volunteer day?

Jack the miniature donkey

‘I welcomed visitors and sold raffle tickets at the Friends of Luccombe Hub charity fundraiser. Additionally, I directed attendees to where they needed to go and assisted with various queries regarding the centre and the farm.’

The main Luccombe Hub site is set on a farm, featuring lots of different animals with which the learners can interact. In August 2023, The Luccombe Hub proudly launched the Alternative Provision at Longmead Community Farm. This new facility underscores the commitment to offering diverse educational opportunities tailored specifically to the unique needs of their learners.

The Longmead Community Farm setting is designed to provide an enriching environment where students can engage in hands-on, experiential learning that goes beyond traditional classroom education. This innovative approach will offer unique experiences that foster personal growth, academic achievement, and holistic development.

The Luccombe Hub also collaborates with The Dorset Forestry Commission, providing students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in all aspects of forestry management. 

They are members of Social Farm and Gardens and the Outdoor Learning Institute and partner with Dorset Trade Skills and Abavia (who provide students with qualifications in operating farm machinery, including tractor driving). This specialised training is complemented by the Hub’s collaboration with the Dorset Coppicing Group, where students can refine their expertise in traditional woodland management techniques.

How did you feel about your experience? 

Tom Boy the alpaca

‘It was a fulfilling experience to support such a valuable organisation dedicated to providing alternative education and support for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The event was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community and contribute to a meaningful cause. 

I felt like I made a difference helping to organise the volunteer team. This was Luccombe Hub’s first ever open day and an opportunity to show off the school and the learners’ work to their parents and prospective parents. I hear a lot of what they get up to at the school but never get to see it, so it was a real eye opener to see how talented the learners are, when their needs are met, in a far more suitable environment.’

How do you feel about QUBA’s policy of a volunteer day per year?

Speckles the Kune Kune pig

‘I think it’s great, and give us an opportunity to give back.’ 

QUBA Solutions is committed to Corporate Social Responsibility. All our employees, whether full or part time, are entitled to one volunteer day per year, fully paid, to give back to the wider community. 

Through our partnerships with Julia’s House and Surfers Against Sewage, popular choices include helping out at the JH warehouse, and day-long beach cleans. However, we encourage our staff to branch out and choose causes that are important to them on a personal level. 

Enabling this level of volunteering, on top of our team fundraising efforts and outreach activities, is a crucial part of the QUBA ethos of giving back. Learn more on our CSR page.