Optix steps up for Stallcombe
Digital marketing experts Optix Solutions are about to begin working with residential community Stallcombe House – and it won’t cost the charity a penny.
It came about after a visit to Stallcombe House by Optix MD Rob Stevens. Rob has a sister with physical and mental disabilities who is in lifelong care in Cambridge.
He explains “The UK care industry faces a myriad of challenges including chronic underfunding, staffing shortages and increasing demand due to an ageing population. The sheltered housing my sister lives in is not the happiest of places, and it has been an endless battle trying to improve her situation.
“By contrast, when I visited Stallcombe House I was blown away by the location, facilities and the attitude; they are certainly doing things a different way. It was a total eye-opener.”
The 55-acre site provides residential accommodation for 33 adults with learning disabilities and autism. With beautiful gardens, a large fruit and vegetable plot and a substantial farm, residents are encouraged to enjoy maximum independence through education, employment and recreation. Under covenants made for the site, the land here is organic, and with no chemicals used for 50 years there is a wonderful biodiversity of insect life, flora and fauna.
Rob says Stallcombe House offers a wonderfully positive way of life. “There are many opportunities for residents to be outside with nature, spend time with the farm animals and take part in creative activities and crafts. To be honest, for me it was like a breath of fresh air.”
He was so inspired he volunteered to become a Trustee. “Organisations like this, which are few and far between, are incredibly important. For me it’s a very personal journey. I hope to bring a fresh approach, working with the other Trustees to make sure the charity has a secure future.”
Part of this includes revitalizing the charity’s public persona. When the Stallcombe House Board discussed the need for refreshed branding, a new website, plus training in digital skills, Rob mentioned this to the Senior Leadership Team at Optix. Without hesitation, Optix founders Alastair Banks and James Dawkins suggested the company could undertake the work on a pro bono basis.
Alastair says “To me it instantly seemed a no brainer. Rob is clearly invested in Stallcombe House and has a deep connection. Optix looks after its team members and we felt it important to support him with this.
“We take corporate social responsibility very seriously, and this is the perfect opportunity to step up and support a wonderful charity right on our doorstep.”
