Gabrielle Blackman on DIY SOS Children in Need Special

There is a new DIY SOS Children in Need Special airing on BBC One soon and here interior designer Gabrielle Blackman tells us all about it.

The DIY SOS Big Build is a special program that is being done in collaboration with BBC Radio 2 and BBC Children in Need. The team is currently at Treetops Hospice in Derbyshire, which is an adult hospice that provides support and counseling services to children and young people facing traumatic bereavement. The hospice had rooms for counseling, but they were not child-friendly. So, the DIY SOS team has created a welcoming space where children can feel at ease during their counseling sessions. This new building will allow Treetops to continue delivering their vital work.

One of the remarkable things about this project is the number of volunteers who came forward to support it. The topic of bereavement is something that has affected everyone in some way, so it’s not surprising that so many people wanted to help. Each volunteer has their own reason for being there and their own story to tell. Working on a DIY SOS building site is a unique experience, as it feels like being part of one big family.

The biggest challenge faced during this build was the fact that they were constructing a new structure from scratch in a field. The weather was not on their side, as it rained heavily and the site became muddy, causing vans to get stuck. Despite these obstacles, the team persevered to create the perfect space for the people they were building for.

Viewers can look forward to a fun program with the presence of popular radio personalities like Scott Mills and Zoe Ball, along with other Radio 2 faces. There will also be a big surprise reveal. The DIY SOS team is known for their humor, and that will definitely come through in the program. Additionally, there will be touching stories from children and families who have benefited from the work of Treetops Hospice. So, viewers should have their tissues ready for some emotional moments.

When asked about favorite interior trends, Gabrielle’s response was the love for house plants. House plants can make any room look beautiful and also have health benefits. On the other hand, the trend of inspirational quotes on walls is something she is happy to say goodbye to, as it can be annoying to be constantly told to “Live, Love, Laugh.”

Image Credit: BBC / DIY SOS team at Treetops including Nick Knowles, Pudsey and Gabrielle Blackman.