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Community QAV in the Community

Sharing Stories

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QAV IN THE COMMUNITY

sharing stories.

A Person-Centred Approach to tackling the impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
“This story is not just about statistics; it’s about the people whose lives have been profoundly changed.”

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a rarely-talked-about group of diseases that can cause intense pain, disabling side-effects, and social stigma and discrimination. They are treatable and preventable, yet continue to affect over one billion of the world’s poorest and most marginalised people. CBM is raising awareness by sharing the stories of those most affected. Using their narrative, in their own words, these individuals show what is possible when NTD programmes consider the whole person, and all their needs, together.

CBM’s NTD programmes deliver a person-centred approach, tackling the many problems and challenges that arise for an individual with an NTD – from physical and mental health needs, to lack of employment opportunities, poor mobility and stigma from their family and community.

And the results are tangible. Project participants are sharing their experiences – using videos and vlogs to tell it in their own words – talking about how their lives have changed for the better, having been involved in our programmes.

The aim is to make sure their voices are heard – within their communities, by their local decision-makers, by funders and on an international level. Innovative story-mapping technology is being developed to amplify their voices and to learn from their experiences.

CBM’s CiSKuLA Project in Northern Nigeria has been ambitious working with communities at risk of, ad affected by Lymphatic Filariasis (LF). Together with their local partner HANDS, the project offers a multifaceted approach to breaking the NTD–Disability–Poverty Cycle.

“At the heart of the project is the understanding that true transformation comes from addressing the multidimensional needs of those affected by NTDs and disabilities. This project has brought together healthcare, economic empowerment, mental health care, and inclusive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services in an unprecedented way.” Joseph Ameh, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, HANDS, Nigeria.

By offering surgical and limb-care, livelihood support, hygiene training and mental health support, CBM’s inclusive approach goes beyond a purely medical approach, to ensure that nobody is left behind.

“The project is not only healing bodies but also restoring hope and self-worth to individuals, families, and entire communities.” Joseph continues.

People with NTDs often face rejection, stigma and discrimination. CBM have found that increasing the visibility of people with disabilities is essential to undermining negative stereotyping, fear and shame. They proactively support people with NTDs to be active, productive members of the community, so that they are recognised as people with dreams and hopes for their future like anyone else. Sharing their stories is a key part of this.

The CiSKuLA project is demonstrating the benefits of working holistically and taking a person-centred approach, showing what is possible when programmes consider the person as a whole. And now they want to share those stories far and wide.

QAV Ltd have an ongoing partnership with CBM, the Global Disability Inclusion Charity, through support of their Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) programme, tackling the causes, symptoms and stigma of NTDs in some of the world’s poorest communities. Because together we can break the NTD – Disability – Poverty Cycle.

Amina’s Story: CiSKuLA: The Holistic Approach

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WORK EXPERIENCE 2023

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WORK EXPERIENCE 2023.

Over the course of the summer, QAV has proudly accommodated three young students with work experience across multiple departments within the company ranging from production technicians through to digital filming and editing.

QAV values offering work experience to students who are about to embark on further education. QAV strongly believes in investing in the future and supporting the local community all whilst giving young people a kick start to their careers. Giving them the opportunity to see which direction they want to travel in their lives.

Emily

Throughout her 2 weeks, Emily, from the Ely area, worked closely with our experienced AV team learning the everyday procedures of delivering a professional service in a timely, functional and safe manner. Emily got to experience first-hand what it takes to prep our shows from start to finish. From concept design artwork through to final confirmed kit lists. Then finally to deliver the promised show to our usual high standards.

At the end of her 2 weeks to see how shows work in a live environment, in conjunction with the team, Emily built her own ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ show. For one aspect of the show, utilising some of the industry-leading kit we have to offer and working closely with experienced technicians, Emily set up her own light show. This involved bright moving-head lights, suspended from truss hangs in our Warehouse, controlled by a lighting desk.

She also set up her own audio system. Controlling multiple microphones and speakers simultaneously from a digital sound desk. All whilst ensuring our cameramen and recorders were also getting a clear audio signal.

Projectors were set up on our Fast-Fold screens to display the game show for both participants and viewers before finally undertaking the live show with live hosts and participants.

Emily added – “Exploring equipment like lighting, audio, projecting, cameras and setting equipment up in general has opened my mind and given me a wide variety of choices that I could possibly explore in the future.”

Riley

Riley joined us for a week’s work experience, with an interest in design, film and editing. Working closely with our digital team Riley worked on various media projects across different platforms.

At the start of the week Riley worked with our Graphic Designers to create a logo which could be used later in the week on the other media projects. She learnt the basics of Adobe Illustrator to create a logo based around her name and love of cats. Sourcing different fonts, manipulating images and playing with different colour options.

This logo was then imported into Blender where Riley learnt the basics of the software to create a short looping 3D animation.

Mid-week Riley created a short movie trailer using a framework template. Sourcing additional images and footage to insert into template, selecting the best clips and adjusting the footage speed to match the background music. She also added movie titling and her previously made logo at the end.

Towards the end of the week she learnt about the filming processes we use at QAV. Learning how to setup our interview cameras, and lighting setup. She then filmed some interviews with various members of staff, asking some pre-prepared questions. She then edited the footage, colour grading it, normalising the audio. Before adding on-screen titling in the lower thirds.

Riley added – “Thank you for having me for work experience, I have had an amazing week. I have really enjoyed working here and developing new skills that I can use in the future. It has also helped to boost my confidence in these skills and this feels like a good first step to a career in media.”

James

After a successful and productive engagement as part of last year’s work experience, we were thrilled to welcome James back to our team for an extended duration over the course of this summer.

Continuing from his positive work experience with us last year, it was great to see his dedication and positive attitude return as he lent a hand with our Stock Take and PAT Testing activities.

James’ willingness to come back speaks volumes about the positive environment we’re building here. His previous experience proved invaluable as he seamlessly integrated into our current projects with the team. From helping to manage our inventory with our stock take, to ensuring the safety of our equipment through PAT Testing.

This year James also helped with creating some of our social media content, learning the process from discussing the ideas, taking and choosing the best photos and coming up with accompanying text to bring everything together.

Last year, like many students before him, his meticulous approach to tasks stood out and it was a pleasure to welcome him back for another summer’s work. We appreciate his commitment to accuracy and efficiency and it aligns perfectly with our team’s objectives.

James added – “Thank you for having me back at QAV. I have enjoyed working as part of the team and hope I can come back again next summer.”

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QAV in the Community

QAV Screen Donation

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QAV IN THE COMMUNITY

QAV Screen Donation.

QAV Global are proud to be able to support such a valuable local resource, Eddie’s (part of the Edmunds Trust) by donating some of our former hire stock screens looking for a new home.

Edmund Trust is 75 years old and one of Cambridge’s oldest and largest social care providers. The Edmunds Trust has been doing amazing work across the East of England providing lifelong opportunities and equal lifestyles for the people who need it. Striving to empower people with disabilities and promote a positive ethos.

Eddie’s is an operating division of The Edmund Trust. Providing a wide range of services for children, young people, and adults with learning or physical disabilities, whilst also supporting their families and carers.

They support volunteering for children and young people giving Mums and Dads an essential break. Providing daytime activities in March and in Milton for people to gain lifelong skills and manage their mental health and independence.

Delivering a piece of work for the NHS on supporting youngsters under 25 who have autism and learning disabilities who are at risk of admission to hospital due to their mental health.

They also have a hydrotherapy pool in Fulbourn, Cambridge that is used exclusively by the disabled community – Hydrotherapy for those who don’t know, is a way to relieve pain, relax and strengthen muscles and increase circulation around the body.

The aim with these screens is support those with visual impairments in their offices. To share information and opportunities at the hydrotherapy pool, and to share activities with people they support in their day-to-day projects in the Fenland and Milton Art Works.

This is not the 1st time QAV have donated items to Eddie’s. A few years back we donated some printed backdrops which are still used in the dining room today. Creating a sensory nightclub feel in a dining space for people with special needs.

Finally, a shared opinion with Mark at Eddie’s we would like to promote, is just how easy Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is. Often companies go for the replace or dump, rather than offer out and give it a new home. We urge all who can do so, to think about where their unused technology may be able to support others within these incredible charitable organisations, as you may not be aware of how helpful these donations can be to other communities within society.

If you would like to find out more about the great work they do at Eddies, or how you can get involved you can read more here: https://eddies.org.uk/

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QAV in the Community

QAV CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION 2023.

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QAV IN THE COMMUNITY

QAV Christmas Tree Collection 2023.

QAV staff donated time and vehicles over 3 days at the start of January collecting approximately 200 Christmas Trees.
Back again for a 3rd year to support a good cause.

After offering our services to this good cause for the last 2 years, we have been back out again for a 3rd year, joining #TeamArthur collecting Christmas trees across Cambridgeshire raising money and awareness for the Arthur Rank Hospice and their Christmas Tree collection campaign. QAV staff donated time and vehicles over 3 days at the start of January collecting over 200 Christmas Trees. We collected and recycled in these postcode areas CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, CB5, CB21, CB22, CB23, CB24 & CB25 (covering Waterbeach and Landbeach) and PE13 & PE15 between 12th – 15th January 2023.

This year 170 volunteers across Cambridgeshire collected 3500 trees, raising over £60,000 for the Arthur Rank Hospice.

Arthur Rank Hospice supports people living in Cambridgeshire with an advanced serious illness or a life-limiting condition and those in need of end-of-life care. They care for more than 4,100 patients each year at their Hospice in Cambridgeshire, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients’ own homes via the Arthur Rank Community Team. Their outstanding care is provided free of charge to patients and their families.                       

To find out more about Arthur Rank Hospice Christmas tree recycling go to https://www.arhc.org.uk/fundraising/fundraise-your-way/community-initiatives/christmas-tree-recycling/

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QAV in the Community

Supporting people with disabilities affected by the Kenya food crisis

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QAV IN THE COMMUNITY

Supporting people with disabilities affected by the Kenya food crisis.

As part of our partnership with CBM UK, we’re looking at the current food crisis in Kenya and its impact on people with disabilities.

Kenya is experiencing its worst drought in over 40 years. Families are facing severe food and water shortages – and people with disabilities are among those at greatest risk. CBM UK is partnering with Kenya Red Cross to provide emergency support to some of the most vulnerable families.

In this blog, people with disabilities share their experiences and talk about the impact of this humanitarian crisis on their lives.

Sofia

Sofia is a casual labourer who supports herself by working on other people’s farms. She also has a few crops of her own – mung beans and black-eyed peas. Life is challenging for Sofia, who is a mother of five children, as she has a physical disability. “It is such a challenge to do farm work because of my leg, even walking can be a challenge”, she explains.

But the drought has made things much worse. The crops in her community failed as the rains arrived late, and then lasted just one week. Her own plants are on the verge of failing and there is little farm work available on others’ land.

“We planted when the rain came, then it stopped raining. We don’t know what is happening. The last time we had a good harvest was the year before COVID.”

“The crops are drying up. The farmers don’t want to waste their resources as there will be nothing to harvest.”

“I can’t carry water myself. I rely on my children to go look for water”.

The drought has meant that the family have been missing one or two meals a day, and has so far survived by borrowing food from neighbours. But some days, there is nothing to be shared.

“If the drought continues, it will be very hard for our community. It will be indescribable.”

Julius

It should be the rainy season, but Julius, who is blind in one eye due to an accident as a child, is desperately looking for water for his family. A meter-deep hand dug well in the bottom of the riverbed reveals a shallow pool of water, which Julius carefully scoops into yellow jerrycans using a gourd ladle.

“For me, everything depends on if it rains or not,” says Julius, who farms sorghum and lentils to provide for his family.

“The rains were anticipated to begin on April 28. It rained on April 28 but since then – nothing substantial. There is a difference between here and other parts of the county,” explains Julius.

Tharaka-Nithi County contains the lush highland slopes of Mount Kenya but also semi-arid lowlands, where Julius lives with his wife Katherine and six children.

“There is nothing we can do about it. It depends on God… I heard that the local government gave out some food, but only to a few households. I haven’t received any assistance”

The family has one kilogram – about three meals worth – of black-eyed peas safely stashed away. Julius’ wants to keep his children enrolled in school, where they receive lunch, but without an income from farming, there has been no money for school fees. “It’s frustrating, as a parent. I have to go and talk to the head teacher and ask them if my children can stay on until I find the money.”

Julius’ priorities are to get food, pay school fees and if there is anything left over, lease a piece of farm land. “Even during a drought you have to try.”

Cecilia and Risper

Cecilia, 43, is the sole breadwinner for her family of six. Her second youngest child, Risper, is deaf-blind. The 10-year-old had meningitis as an infant and lost her vision and hearing as a result.

“Risper is entirely dependent on me”, explains Cecilia. Until she recently joined a local Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (OPD), Cecilia had never had any information about how to meet her daughter’s needs. “It is not easy to raise a child who cannot see or talk… I am not sure how to manage this situation”.

The local OPD is part of a CBM-supported project implemented by the Diocese of Meru. It has been an important source of support – both practical and emotional – and information for Cecilia: “I’ve benefitted a lot from the group”.

Years of malnutrition have left their mark on Risper, who is much smaller than others her age and can’t move around on her own. Through the OPD, she now receives fortified porridge to address her malnutrition and has been referred for physiotherapy and assistive devices, such as a standing frame. Cecilia has already noticed a difference: “She was weak and feeble, now she will be stronger and probably walk.”

But Cecilia fears that this progress is now threatened by the drought. A half-acre of beans whose seeds were procured through the OPD are now wilted and yellow, dying on the hillside next to Cecilia’s small house. “Even if it rains now there is not much we can salvage – the crops are gone. It’s only fodder for livestock.”

CBM is partnering with Kenya Red Cross to provide families like these with emergency support so they can continue to access food and water. Thanks to this support, Sofia, Julius and Cecilia can feed their families and ensure that their children remain enrolled in school.

Find out more about CBM’s work in the world’s poorest places.

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QAV in the Community

UKRAINIAN REFUGEE RELIEF RUN

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QAV IN THE COMMUNITY

UKRAINIAN REFUGEE RELIEF RUN.

QAV supply logistics services to assist in humanitarian project.
Supporting the Ukrainian Refugee Relief Run

As the crisis in the Ukraine deepens, QAV were approached to see if we would be willing to be involved in a humanitarian aid run to Poland.

QAV were delighted to be able to play a small part in the relief run by offering a vehicle as well as covering all travel expenses. The driver of our vehicle is one of our longstanding freelancers, Paul who will take part in this convoy run.

QAV contacted our sign-writers, Create Signs https://create-signs.com/ at short notice to see if they could provide some additional bespoke signage, which they agreed to and offered them free of charge to promote this mission.

The QAV vehicle will be part of a wider convoy has been organised by Sunflower Aid https://www.facebook.com/sunfloweraid/ in which a group of 30 volunteers located in 15 vehicles are setting off for Poland on Monday 14th March.

The group will be delivering aid gathered through donations of sought after items such as toiletries as well as providing additional support from generous donations raised via their JustGiving page.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/UkraineSunflowerAid?utm_term=NNRgqGegd

QAV also reached out to its own staff members and offered to match any staff donations made to the JustGiving fundraiser.

Ed Noble said “Gordon and I had discussed what as an organisation we could do to assist the plight of those caught up in this terrible conflict in which the largest refugee migration since WWII is unfolding,  so when Paul approached us to see if we would help in providing logistics for such an important humanitarian project, it was a no brainer!

Hopefully this is one of a number of runs to be undertaken, as the displaced Ukrainian people will need continued support for some period of time.”

Paul added “I got involved with UKSA after Digby (founder Ukraine Sunflower Aid) put a shout out on Facebook asking for help. It was clear that we would need reliable partners and transport to make this vision happen, having worked for QAV in the past I knew that they were exactly the people I wanted on the team. Their professional approach meant I could rely on them, but their sense of family and commitment to being kind people is something I’ve always treasured and that made me sure they would want to help.

I approached Ed and Gordon with our plan and asked for a van to take, they got back to within an hour and insisted that they support us, not only with a van but also covering all of the costs of our transport!

I think everyone is looking for ways to help the people of Ukraine in their hour of need, QAV have once again been there for me in mine.”

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QAV in the Community

QAV Christmas Tree Collection 2022

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QAV IN THE COMMUNITY

QAV Christmas Tree Collection 2022.

QAV staff donated time and vehicles over 3 days at the start of January collecting approximately 200 Christmas Trees.
Back again to support a good cause.

After offering our services to this good cause last year, we have been back out again joining #TeamArthur collecting Christmas trees across Cambridgeshire raising money and awareness for the Arthur Rank Hospice and their Christmas Tree collection campaign. QAV staff donated time and vehicles over 3 days at the start of January collecting approximately 200 Christmas Trees. We collected and recycled in these postcode areas CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, CB5, CB21, CB22, CB23, CB24 and all postcodes in Waterbeach between 6th – 9th January 2022.

This year 170 volunteers across Cambridgeshire collected 3000 trees, raising over £58,000 for the Arthur Rank Hospice.

Arthur Rank Hospice supports people living in Cambridgeshire with an advanced serious illness or a life-limiting condition and those in need of end-of-life care. They care for more than 4,100 patients each year at their Hospice in Cambridgeshire, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients’ own homes via the Arthur Rank Community Team. Their outstanding care is provided free of charge to patients and their families.

To find out more about Arthur Rank Hospice Christmas tree recycling go to https://www.arhc.org.uk/fundraising/fundraise-your-way/community-initiatives/christmas-tree-recycling-2/

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QAV in the Community

RIGHT TO SIGHT

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QAV IN THE COMMUNITY

RIGHT TO SIGHT.

To Celebrate QAV’s 20 years in business we have partnered with CBM’s visionary campaign to help build a world where nobody is needlessly blind.
To Celebrate QAV’s 20 years in business we have partnered with CBM’s visionary campaign to help build a world where nobody is needlessly blind.

QAV celebrated its 20th anniversary in February 2021.

Even though we are in unprecedented times we wanted to recognise the success of the company and look to the future. As we adapt to the different normal, our evolution continues, creating an even stronger culture and exceptional service levels. The next chapter in QAV history offers a new and exciting future in which we can offer diverse delivery from our three global locations. The constant positive development of client relations has also been instrumental in our 20 year success story and remains a bedrock principle. In this 20th year we wanted to celebrate our organisation’s vision by sponsoring the commendable CBM initiative “Light up Lives” which is a campaign to help build a world where nobody is needlessly blind.

Go to https://www.cbmuk.org.uk/lightuplives/qav/ to find out more!

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QAV in the Community

OH CHRISTMAS TREE

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QAV IN THE COMMUNITY

OH CHRISTMAS TREE.

At QAV we love to make a difference
QAV were glad to help out with such a good cause.

At QAV we love to make a difference and be a part of #TeamArthur getting involved and support their community initiatives. For 3 days in January QAV staff donated their time collecting over 150 Christmas Trees across Cambridgeshire raising money and awareness for  the Arthur Rank Hospice and their Christmas Tree collection campaign. We collected and recycled in these postcode areas CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, CB5, CB21, CB22, CB23 & CB24 between 7th – 10th January 2021.

Arthur Rank Hospice supports people living in Cambridgeshire with an advanced serious illness or a life-limiting condition and those in need of end-of-life care. They care for more than 4,000 patients each year at their Hospice in Cambridgeshire, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients’ own homes via the Arthur Rank Community Team. Their outstanding care is provided free of charge to patients and their families.

To find out more about Arthur Rank Hospice Christmas tree recycling go to https://www.arhc.org.uk/fundraising/fundraise-your-way/community-initiatives/christmas-tree-recycling-2/

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