In September, DIY SOS will once again be partnering with Radio 2, to deliver this year’s BBC Children in Need Big Build. In what will be the 10th build for BBC Children in Need, DIY SOS will build a bespoke children’s counselling and therapy centre for Treetops Hospice in Risley, Derbyshire.
This special build, which will benefit traumatically bereaved children and families across Derbyshire will enable Treetops Hospice to deliver support and counselling in a purpose built building, completely tailored to the needs of the children who will access it.
Radio 2 is helping deliver this fantastic outreach project to build a lasting legacy in the East Midlands as part of Radio 2 in the Park – the station’s flagship live music event. The concerts are taking place at Victoria Park in Leicester on 16th and 17th September, featuring performances from a star-studded line-up of artists, including Tears for Fears and Kylie Minogue.
DIY SOS Children in Need 2023 will see Nick Knowles, and his trusty team of Chris, Billy & designer Gabrielle Blackman joined by BBC Radio 2 presenters, who will don their steel toe capped boots, high viz and hard hats to help make a difference. They’ll be joined by an army of volunteers to create the charity’s new building – from the ground up – in just 10 days.
The DIY SOS team will create a purpose built counselling and therapy centre for Treetops Hospice that will welcome children and put them at ease from the moment they step through the doors. The team will build bespoke rooms for counselling and complimentary therapy and a multi-functional area that will help to provide crucial support to children and their families struggling following traumatic bereavement.
Treetops has been supporting adults with life-limiting conditions for over 40 years. BBC Children in Need have supported Treetops Hospice since 2010 and their funding has provided counselling to hundreds of bereaved children and families during that time. The funding currently supports children going through a traumatic bereavement, helping them to work through their grief, improving their mental health and wellbeing. Treetops is now recognised as a centre of excellence for children’s counselling.
Nick Knowles, Presenter of BBC One’s DIY SOS said: “We have another huge build ahead of us in Derbyshire, which will provide a crucial space for children and their families who are going through some of the toughest times. If you have a trade, a skill, can spare some time to graft or can help us with materials then get in touch. It’ll be a blast.”
Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need added: “We are so looking forward to seeing this amazing DIY SOS build come together for Treetops Hospice and the support from our friends at Radio 2, who together will create a lasting legacy in the East Midlands.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 said: “Following last year’s fantastic DIY SOS to help the Getaway Girls Centre in Leeds, I’m thrilled that this year, we are a part of this Children in Need special to support Treetops Hospice. I have an army of eager presenters who are looking forward to getting involved.”
Jules Kirk, Therapeutic Services Manager at Treetops Hospice said: “We are absolutely over the moon to have the DIY SOS and Radio 2 team come to Derbyshire to create a brand-new counselling and therapy centre within our grounds in Risley.
“Just like adults, children who have lost someone important can find themselves struggling with a powerful range of emotions which can affect their daily lives and relationships at home and school.
“Every year, we provide over 900 counselling sessions for local children, some as young as 7 years old, who are struggling after the death of a loved one.
“Many of our young clients have experienced unexpected or traumatic bereavements including accidents, suicide and murder. Many children are also still feeling the effects of the pandemic, having a detrimental effect on their mental health and ability to cope after the death of a loved one.
“This will make an immeasurable difference to hundreds of children and their families in our local community. If there are any local tradespeople or businesses who can lend their time or donate materials to help build the new centre for us, please contact the DIY SOS team.”
Across Derbyshire, BBC Children in Need currently funds 29 projects to the value of £1.5million supporting children and young people.
DIY SOS charitable builds are hugely ambitious and rely on the generosity of trade volunteers and company donations and so is appealing for tradespeople including; electricians, plumbers, carpenters, plasterers and decorators to offer support with the transformation in September.
DIY SOS are holding a Trades Day at Treetops Hospice in Risley, Derbyshire on Tuesday 15th August.
Those interested in volunteering as a professional trade or donating product to this charitable build must email: diysosrisley@bbc.co.uk before Trades Day to arrange an appointment to meet with the team.
The build will commence from Monday 11th September – Thursday 21st September 2023.
The episode will be broadcast during the BBC Children in Need Appeal week in November.
For more information please contact:
sarah.johnson04@bbc.co.uk / 07710 845 942
