DIY: A sneak peak at the transformation of Children In Need’s special tonight has been provided by SOS The Big Build.
Volunteers worked together to convert a piece of scrubland into an outdoor activity and camping centre for St Michael’s Youth Project. This project provides support, food, and activities for hundreds of Hull children.
This site includes a large playground, wood-clad kitchen block and woodland track. It will allow the non-profit organization to provide overnight camping or adventure trips for children that otherwise wouldn’t be financially possible.
After Nick Knowles, regular host of BBC1’s Children In Need Special was forced to cancel filming because of a scheduling conflict regarding Shreddies advertisement, Rhod Gilbert will be fronting the special. Knowles will be hosting DIY SOS in the next year.
The preview clip shows St Michael’s worker Jo Lorenz breaking down in tears as she sees the result for the first time, while the children scramble to explore the adventure playground.
Emotional: Jo Lorenz, a St Michael’s worker, breaks down as she looks at the final result. The children rush to discover the adventure playground.
DIY SOS: It’s back with the Big Build Volunteers gathered to convert a piece of scrubland into a camp and outdoor activity facility for St Michael’s Youth Project. The project offers support and activities for children in Hull.
Bigger IS better! St Mike’s Outdoor Centre, which includes a large playground (pictured), woodland track, and timber-clad block kitchen, gives the organization the necessary space to provide overnight camping and other adventure trips for children not otherwise able to pay. The project was finished in eight days.
Rhod Gilbert, guest presenter, fronts Children’s In Need Special tonight at 9:00pm on BB1
St Michael’s (also known as St Mike’s) was founded over 27-years ago. The school is available to youth in North Hull orcharc park and North Hull for arts, crafts, dance, and other outdoor activities.
The hot meal service is also available to children in need of food assistance.
Rachel, a charity worker, explained that while many parents may have two to three jobs, it is still insufficient.
The ‘Kids’ come home from school without seeing their parents. We are the only ones they see after school. It’s horrible to imagine that your only option is to do two or three jobs and still have enough time with your family. It’s a Catch-22. It’s impossible to win.
Matt Rogers, a youth worker, established a weekly bike clinic to help more kids. He encourages children in the community to learn how to fix their bikes and to bring them to his office. Sometimes, it is the first interaction children have with the centre. This can often lead to a long-lasting relationship.
It is his dream to provide adventure trips and vacations to children away from inner-city centers.
Matt says that being outside is a huge benefit. Matt says that kids are able to express themselves. The kids are free from peer pressure and can explore, play with sticks and be themselves.
A view of the stop. The adventure playground includes a new bird viewing tower made out of reclaimed oak. This will allow thousands of kids to experience rural life and escape from the urban jungle.
Triumphant: Rhod Gilbert celebrates with St Mike’s workers Matt Rogers and Jo Lorenz, and the children, after the build
“From the perspective of youth workers, we have conversations that we don’t get anywhere else, but perhaps more important, we have conversations they’ve never had with one another before.
“We have groups of children who would not be able to hang out at home together because they feel pressured by peers.” Their mixing and matching is wonderful.
Rhod hears from Leland, a boy named Leland: “I love wildlife.” It’s so quiet, so calm, it’s great.’
A patch of scrubland that St Mike’s gifted in 2019 is used by the group. It’s located about 20 minutes from Hull. Matt spent three years removing vegetation, but due to the absence of electricity and sewage, longer stays were impossible.
DIY SOS:The Big Build made this possible. This team created a stunning kitchen within eight days. A toilet block is also available, along with a wooded cycle path and an adventure playground.
Life changing: St Mike’s workers Matt Rogers and Jo Lorenz, at the front, with some of the children who will benefit
Volunteers from DIY SOS: Big Build helped to transform St Mike’s’ community spirit. Over eight days, the team created a kitchen and toilet block as well as a bike track and adventure playground.
Solar energy powers the entire center, including a large storage space and separate seating area. This makes it completely self-reliant.
Jo Lorenz from St Mike’s breaks down as she sees the centre.
Matt says, “Water and a flushing toi was our dream… It is simply amazing.
Presenter Rhod cries as Matt, Jo and Jo describe the importance of the new site for the St Mike’s Children.
Jo said, “It will make these kids feel loved, not being moved on.” “This is their home.”
BBC1: DIY: Children In Need Special, SOS The Big Build