DIY SOS calls for support with construction to transform young carer’s centre
‘DIY SOS Trades Day’ Event on Wednesday 8th June2016 hopes to galvanise support from businesses and Volunteer trades for DIY SOS, BBC Children in Need Special.
BBC television’s most popular building series, presented by Nick Knowles, DIY SOS: The Big Build, is attempting to take on one of its most ambitious and heartfelt projects to date and needs the help of businesses and volunteer tradespeople from the greater Blackpool area of Lancashire.
The BBC One TV programme, DIY SOS The Big Build, Children in Need Special is preparing to transform a young carers centre from a run-down, neglected Victorian house, to a fun, safe and supportive environment where young carers are able to enjoy their childhood. The project is being designed by Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen, who was himself a young carer and will raise money for Children in Need projects across the country. To achieve this ambition the programme is seeking donations of materials as well as help from tradespeople including; electricians, plumbers, carpenters, plasterers, decorators and landscape gardeners who may be able to offer support.
DIY SOS, build manager, Mark Millar is hosting an all-day event on Wednesday 8th June 2016 at Blenheim House, Blackpool and inviting tradespeople and businesses to assess the task at hand and find out how they can contribute by volunteering as a trade or by donating materials. Those interested in attending the Trades Day event (ahead of the main build) please email: [email protected] for further information.
The upcoming build dates are: Tuesday 28 June until Thursday 7 July 2016 and will help make a difference to Blackpool Carers, a charity which provides emotional and practical support to young carers, some as young as five.
Nick Knowles, presenter of BBC One’s DIY SOSWe’re so excited to be coming to Blackpool to renovate Blenheim House for some of the most important un-sung heroes of the community – young carers. We know this build will be no mean feat, but these young people are worth it. From skips to bricks, paint to plasterboard and anything in between, we urge businesses to come along to the event and pledge to help in any way they can. Ultimately we hope to change the lives of these young people and deliver the safe and calm environment they deserve – but we can’t do it alone. We need the help of local trades and suppliers.
Michelle Smith, CEO at Blackpool Carers Centre added: “Although we are incredibly fortunate to have been provided with such a great base from which to reach out to more carers and respond to need, it is currently in no fit state to host services for those children and young people who have caring roles.
We would love to be able to provide support and respite in a safe, clean, stimulating environment. This would enable the young carers to not only enjoy their well-deserved childhood, but also have a much better chance of a brighter future.
We are delighted to have the support from DIY SOS and would appeal for others to help them, help us achieve our dream.”
