Children in Need’s DIY SOS Big Build project: Why we’re proud to have played our part
Dixon Group is delighted to have donated our time and skills to help provide a new purpose-built adventure camping site for a Hull youth project.
As part of the acclaimed Children in Need special of DIY SOS: The Big Build, our experts were on site in early September 2021.
With the show broadcast on BBC One on Tuesday, November 16; members from our management and mechanical and electrical installation teams have remained tight-lipped about details of the project since being involved.
Volunteers from many local businesses worked together to transform a patch of scrubland into a state-of-the art camping and outdoor activity centre for St Michael's Youth Project, which provides activities, support and food for hundreds of children across the city.
Our teams worked particularly closely with Hull-based modular buildings manufacturer M-AR Off-Site, our regular partners, to provide a new toilet and shower block – completing all the required plumbing and electrical works.
The site includes a playground, woodland cycle track and kitchen block, providing the non-profit organisation with the space it requires to offer overnight camping and adventure trips to children who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it.
The superb site also features a landscaped campfire, an exterior covered classroom, a mountain bike course, a bird watching tower, a low walk rope, an adventure playground, the toilet and shower block and a storage unit for tents and bikes.
Kirk Dixon, Commercial Director at Dixon Group, was thrilled to be part of such a worthwhile and high-profile project.
He said: “As a business which has been operating in Hull across five decades, we have always looked to support the local community and in particular projects and good causes which help young people develop their skills and confidence.
“DIY SOS is a hugely-popular TV programme, which obviously depends hugely on the goodwill and commitment of local volunteers to come together and deliver something special.
“That was certainly the case as many businesses like ourselves ensured they made people and materials available, despite the pressures of day-to-day work, to create a fantastic facility.
“It was really special to see how businesses and people from the many different trades required pulled out all the stops, turning around this project in a matter of days despite us of course still having to work within Covid-19 restrictions.
“Everybody involved did everything in their power to make it work and I am sure that will be reflected in the television show, and hopefully in the many years of enjoyment those who use the facility benefit from.”
‘All credit goes to Alex Overment and John Holloway who managed this for us, along with Dave Stocks, Graham Kitchen, Chris Jackson, Ryan Boyle, Richard Crawford & Tom Thorburn who worked endlessly to get the building finished in time’.
St Michael’s has worked with children and young people in Hull and surrounding areas for more than 30 years, supporting those who have "little to no access" to gardens or greenspaces.
It provides activities to help improve children and young people’s emotional and physical health and wellbeing whilst supporting them to build their confidence and self-esteem.
