There is a new DIY SOS Children in Need Special airing on BBC One soon and here Nick Knowles explains all about this very special event.
Treetops Hospice is a hospice for adults with life-limiting illnesses. However, thanks to funding from BBC Children in Need, they have been able to develop as a leading bereavement counseling service for children in Derbyshire. This service specifically supports children who are facing a traumatic bereavement, such as the sudden or traumatic loss of a loved one.
Previously, Treetops provided this support in one of their existing buildings, but it was not suitable for children. Therefore, the DIY SOS team has created a new space that is welcoming and comfortable for children, ensuring that Treetops can continue to support children for many more years to come.
What sets this build apart is the generosity of the tradespeople and companies who donate their time and resources to make it happen. Without their volunteering, these builds would not be possible. This particular build holds a special significance for many involved, as they have personal experience with bereavement. The emotional connection to the project is evident in the program, with everyone pouring their heart and soul into making it as special as possible for the children who will benefit from it.
Despite being on screens for many years, DIY SOS continues to resonate with viewers. The show appeals to the kindness and generosity of the UK population, as demonstrated by the hundreds of volunteers who give up their time to work on the builds. In challenging times, suppliers also continue to show their generosity. Additionally, viewers are drawn to the show because it offers a glimpse of a world that is better than what is often portrayed in the news. DIY SOS has built a loyal audience over the years, but it is always heartwarming to hear from new viewers who have just discovered the show. Families watching together see the DIY SOS team as their friends and welcome them into their living rooms, especially on dark and cold winter evenings. The transformations showcased on the show, particularly those that help families in need or charities, hold a special place in viewers’ hearts.
As for funny moments, viewers can expect the usual blend of extreme nonsense and emotional bonding on the show. With Billy, Chris, and Gaby on the build, the 10 days of filming are filled with coffee breaks, working side by side, and hearing stories about the volunteers’ families. The DIY SOS team creates a wonderfully inclusive environment and considers each build site a new workplace where they make hundreds of new friends. This sense of camaraderie and connection adds to the overall appeal of the show.
The DIY SOS team’s work on the Treetops Hospice build is significant because it allows the hospice to continue providing vital bereavement counseling services for children in Derbyshire. The generosity of volunteers and suppliers is crucial in making these builds possible.