At Wonderseekers, we believe the best way to inspire future generations to live more sustainably is to help them experience real-life science in action. Our partnership with Centrica is helping us do just that; inspiring curiosity, encouraging sustainable thinking and empowering future generations to understand how science can help solve some of society's biggest challenges.
By combining industry expertise, innovative technology and engaging science experiences, Wonderseekers and Centrica are helping thousands of visitors discover practical ways science can shape a more sustainable future.
On 2 July, six senior managers from Centrica's Hive business visited Winchester Science Centre for a bespoke volunteering challenge, leaving their day jobs behind and embracing their inner child for the day. Their volunteer day came about as part of their ongoing partnership with Wonderseekers, which started in 2025.
Drawing on their expertise in helping households reduce their environmental impact, the team developed ideas for a fun and engaging sustainability trail. The challenge sparked plenty of enthusiasm, creative thinking, and lively discussion, resulting in a concept that impressed the Wonderseekers team which is now being developed ready to become an exciting visitor activity in late 2026 or early 2027.
The Dual Benefits of an Engaging Volunteer Day
Wonderseekers Head of Fundraising, Laura Holmes, explains how effective partnerships can be when they become creative relationships with moments of engagement to further the impact, beyond funding;
“We want to ensure that our corporate volunteering opportunities are both engaging and purposeful, supporting the strategic objectives of our partners while delivering meaningful outcomes for Wonderseekers".
As part of this commitment, the team from Hive Centrica was challenged to create an environmental trail around our Science Centre that would encourage children to think about how we can all live more sustainably. The team developed a fantastic concept that aligns closely with both our values, empowering children to take a leading role in inspiring others to make more sustainable choices and care for our planet.
We are excited to continue working with the Hive Centrica team to further develop this concept and bring it to life. A huge thank you to everyone involved for their creativity, enthusiasm, and willingness to embrace a new challenge.
This was the first time we had piloted this style of volunteering activity, and its success will help shape and enhance future opportunities for corporate partners.”
Their project was inspired by a brand-new Air Source Heat Pump exhibit at the Science Centre, as part of a wider £100,000 investment that also supported the introduction of Air Source Heat Pumps at the Science Centre – part of our mission to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Young visitors can now discover how air source heat pumps work through hands-on learning, while behind the scenes the technology is actively helping to reduce the science centre's environmental impact. For young visitors, seeing sustainable technology operating in a real-world setting helps turn an abstract concept into something tangible, relevant and achievable.
The Power of Purposeful Partnerships
A big thank you to the team at Centrica and Hive for their ongoing support, enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference, and a great volunteering day spent on site at Winchester Science Centre.
For the Hive team, the experience highlighted the value of sharing professional skills with charities and community organisations.
James from Hive said:
"It was a privilege to volunteer our time and professional expertise to support an organisation doing important work and to use those professional skills directly to help Wonderseekers improve the experience they offer at the centre. It was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience to work together to build something that will deliver real impact and isn't just a 'tick-box' corporate volunteering exercise. I'd encourage any company considering volunteering with skills to share to get involved. Even a small amount of your time and professional knowledge can make a lasting difference."
James from Hive said of the concept the team developed “I’m really invested now and want to make this happen!”
Get Involved – Support with Funding, Engagement and Inspiration
Your corporate volunteering opportunity awaits!
If you are part of an organisation looking to support a charity whose vision is to help people and planet thrive through the wonder of science, support shared strategic objectives, and take purposeful and engaging action, contact Laura Holmes at lauraholmes@wondereseekers.charity.
Come and See It for Yourself
Visitors to Winchester Science Centre can now explore the new Air Source Heat Pump exhibit as part of their standard admission ticket and discover how sustainable technology is helping to power the future.
A big thank you to the team at Centrica and Hive for their ongoing support, enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference, and a great volunteering day spent on site at Winchester Science Centre.
It was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience to work together to build something that will deliver real impact and isn't just a 'tick-box' corporate volunteering exercise.
James from Hive said of the concept the team developed “I’m really invested now and want to make this happen!”
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