Chorley’s ROQ helps shape the future at Cuerden Valley Park
A team from Chorley-based software testing consultancy ROQ put their practical skills to the test as part of an ongoing volunteer programme in partnership with Cuerden Valley Park.
A group of five employees from ROQ spent a day building straw bale walls at the country park, where a £400,000 project is underway to create a unique visitor centre and café with eco-credentials.The visitor centre is being constructed using recycled materials such as tyres and timber, has straw bale walls insulated with sheep’s wool, solar panels and a ground-source heat pump to provide underfloor heating.
ROQ became part of the volunteer programme at the beginning of the build and is delighted to continue to support this great community facility, which is due to open soon.ROQ actively supports its employees in supporting the community through a number of initiatives including donating funds for every member of staff who volunteers for a cause, or if they’re raising money for a charity through a sponsored event, by matching the money raised.
ROQ test consultant, Uzo Okpala, said: “Volunteering towards a cause that will give a large number of people a greater quality of life is really rewarding. It’s absolutely fantastic that ROQ encourages activities such as these, which not only help employees to grow professionally and personally, but also support the community where we live and work.”ROQ’s employee relations manager, Sarah-Jane Riggott, said: “The ROQ team is dedicated to helping out our community and causes close to our hearts. By engaging in volunteering activities like the Cuerden Valley Park initiative, we’re able to gain new skills, have fun and give something back to a great local cause.”
Sarah-Jane added: “We’re really excited to see the visitor centre taking shape and are proud to have been part of such an innovative project. We can’t wait until it opens to the public.”ROQ is currently raising funds for Toilet Twinning, a charity that helps to build toilet blocks in countries around the world, helping communities who don’t have access to facilities and clean water. The company has this year also volunteered at Alder Hey’s Ronald McDonald House and raised money for St Catherine’s Hospice and Cancer Research.
Earlier this year, ROQ were the proud recipients of the ‘CSR Award’ at the prestigious Red Rose Awards. The award recognises businesses that are dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint, raising money for charity, ensuring a healthy working environment through staff welfare and education, and developing their local community.
