In September, DIY SOS will be partnering with Radio 2 for the very first time, to deliver this year’s BBC Children in Need Big Build in Leeds.
In one of their biggest challenges yet, DIY SOS will build a brand-new home for Leeds-based, BBC Children in Need-funded project, Getaway Girls.
The unique and special build was announced by Nick Knowles on Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show. Radio 2 is helping deliver the outreach project to build a lasting legacy in Leeds as part of Radio 2 Live – which is taking place at Temple Newsam Park in Leeds on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September, featuring performances from a star-studded line-up of artists.
DIY SOS Children in Need 2022 will see Nick Knowles, and his trusty team joined by BBC Radio 2 presenters, who will don their steel toe caps, 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 nine days.
The new building will be sited in Seacroft and will provide a much-needed safe space for vulnerable girls and young women living in Leeds. They’ll be able to access support and advice. The new building will include offices, a creche, activity spaces, a music and media studio, counselling rooms and a garden.
Getaway Girls is a 35-year-old charity which supports a diverse range of women and girls from across the city, with a focus on raising aspirations, providing support and creating opportunities to help them reach their potential and build a better future.
Nick Knowles, presenter of BBC One’s DIY SOS, says: “We have another huge build ahead of us in Leeds, which will make a real difference to the lives of girls and young women who are supported by Getaway Girls. 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.”
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, says: “For the first time, Radio 2 Live is heading out of London – coming to Leeds for a weekend of incredible live music for thousands of music fans. As part of our commitment to delivering outreach work to support the local community we are honoured that our brilliant presenters will be getting stuck in and helping deliver this important build for Getaway Girls, working alongside DIY SOS and BBC Children In Need.”
Across Leeds, BBC Children in Need currently funds 28 projects to the value of £2 million supporting children and young people.
A Trades Day will be held in Leeds on Tuesday 16 August 2022 ahead of the build. Those interested in volunteering as a professional trade or donating product to the charitable build should email: diysosleeds@bbc.co.uk before Trades Day to arrange an appointment to meet with the team. The build will commence from Tuesday 13 – Thursday 22 September 2022, while the show will be broadcast on 1 November 2022 as part of BBC Children in Need.
