What difference does it make to local charities to have support from service providers such as ElectriQL?
We had a chat with Hannah Waugh, Fundraising and Impact Coordinator at Swings & Smiles in Thatcham to find out more about the impact of us being on hand and able to support them, as a charity, with their electrical maintenance and electrical emergencies…
1. What do Swings & Smiles do within the community?
We are a charity for children who are disabled and their families. We have a centre based in Thatcham that provides a space for families to come and access together and have play that they may not be able to access otherwise. Alongside that, we also offer respite sessions and sessions for siblings to come and have some free time with other siblings who understand what they are going through.
We also go out and do outreach within the community. We go and visit local schools and provide home visits for children who aren't able to access the centre.
2. How long has ElectriQL been supporting Swings & Smiles?
ElectriQL has been a long-term support for Swings & Smiles. Prior to my employment, a few years ago, I know they had been coming in to fix issues, and then I recently stepped into a maintenance role, about a year ago, and they have been supporting us throughout that time.
3. What does Electriql do for Swings & Smiles?
ElectriQL has provided Swings & Smiles with a couple of different services which have proved to be very useful. They have helped out a number of times when there have been some emergencies with the electrics, for example, recently some lights in half the building went off unexpectedly and we didn’t know what was going on, it meant cancelling sessions at the centre until the problem could be resolved, so ElectriQL came out to assess the situation and investigate what was going on, and they were able to fix the problem very quickly.
We’ve had quite a few ongoing electrical problems that ElectriQL have been very happy to come along and have a look at for us. They are always happy to support us with our lighting issues. It’s really useful that they are willing to help us and that they are so local.
4. What difference does Electriql’s free service mean for Swings & Smiles?
It has meant that we haven’t had to spend money on services that we have to fundraise for. We have to fundraise for all the support and service we offer, so when problems arise we have to fundraise to fix them or else take the budget away from another area. But ElectriQL’s free support has meant we haven’t had to do that. It has meant that we‘ve been able to get the problem fixed quickly and it means much less downtime for the centre, much fewer cancelled sessions and minimal disruptions to our beneficiaries. This is so valuable when we think back to how complicated some of the issues have been. It could have been a different story if we were unable to have their charitable support.
On top of that they are really friendly faces and they have made the team all feel really comfortable when they have come in and supported us.
5. What's it like dealing with the team at ElectriQL
They are fantastic. They are the loveliest people. I’m a complete novice when it comes to electrical work yet they make me feel like I do know what I’m talking about. They explain things in a way that is really effective and makes you feel very comfortable with the decisions they are making or advising us to make. They are lovely to chat with and always quick to reply and just always happy to help.
6. Do you have a final closing thought?
I just think they've been absolutely fantastic. They've really helped us and they continue to offer their support. It makes such a big difference for us to know that we have a solid, trustworthy company there to help us whenever needed. It’s been so beneficial.
If you would like to learn more about any of ElectriQL’s services and how they can support your business please get in touch. Email [email protected] or give us a call on 0800 917 5721.
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