ONE of Oswestry's best-known charities is to host an exhibition telling its story as it marks its 30th anniversary.
Qube was set up in 1992, with the original name Helpmates, launching a Dial-a-Ride service and Volunteer Bureau, and slowly expanded with creative ideas to help care homes, provide wellbeing support, and create volunteering opportunities.
Early 1990s Oswestry Dial-a-Ride.
Its current premises was opened in 2002 by Cold Feet star James Nesbitt, and images of that event are part of the commemoration.
An exhibition is now being held until July 18, commemorating the charity's efforts over the years.
The charity is an inclusive place where regardless of age and ability, everyone was welcome.
Early Helpmates and Dial a Ride bus.
A member of the social groups remembers how “my son took a computer course here which enabled him to go to university to study cyber security. Now I come here to the lovely group meetings and to see the art displays.”
The services like Dial-a-Ride has supported over 10,000 people, transporting them over 2 million miles since it began, the social groups have provided wellbeing support to over 1000 people and the Volunteer Bureau has posted more than 6000 roles for local organisations.
Qube Arts Open 2015.
Helpmates’ founder Trudi Graham said: "Oswestry, as a rural area, demonstrated the need for flexible transport to get people to hospital appointments, or day centres or even to go shopping."
In 2020, following the coronavirus pandemic, Qube has had a great demand for support for the ones that could not leave their homes.
Qube Beginners art workshops.
One member said: “It’s helped me to focus better on talking to people. Before I didn’t have any friends but now I come to Qube and everyone talks to me.
"Though the pandemic they kept us in contact through phone chats, letters and activity packs."
In the past 30 years, Qube volunteers have given over 500,000 hours of their time to support the cause.
Qube Youth Music Project.
Chief Officer Laurel Robert, took over from Trudi Graham in 2008, she said: “People remain at the heart of everything we do here at Qube. We would not be able to do much of our work without the incredible support of our volunteers who have given over 500,000 hours of their time in the last 30 years. We can’t thank them enough for all that they do for our community."
Schoolchildren at Albers Exhibition.
The exhibition will be on until July 18, but more events will be taking place later in the year.
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