DIY SOS volunteers reunite at Treetops Hospice two years after life-changing build

Treetops Hospice, a leading provider of hospice care and bereavement support in Derbyshire, welcomed tradespeople and their families back to its site in Risley – two years after they helped create its dedicated children’s counselling and therapy centre, The Saplings.

The visiting trades were part of the BBC DIY SOS: The Big Build for Children in Need project, completed in just ten days in September 2023. Hundreds of volunteers – including joiners, plumbers, carpenters and designers – donated their time, skills and materials to bring the purpose-built centre to life.

The reunion offered the trades volunteers a chance to see how The Saplings has flourished since its opening, and to learn about the life-changing impact it has had on more than 468 local bereaved children and their families over the past two years, providing 3,148 hours of counselling.“At Treetops, we support children as young as seven who are struggling after the death of a loved one,” said Jules Kirk, Therapeutic Services Manager at Treetops Hospice.

“Many of our young clients have experienced sudden or traumatic bereavements, including accidents, suicide and murder.

“Thanks to the generosity of all the tradespeople who gave their time and resources two years ago, The Saplings building continues to provide a safe, welcoming space for the children we support every day with our counselling and complementary therapy services.”

Rachel Zair from Zair Home Maintenance, who spent five days volunteering at Treetops as part of the Big Build, said: “Taking part in this project has been amazing. It was not only an opportunity to give back, but it was genuinely life-changing for us too. We met so many fantastic tradespeople during the build, many of whom we’re still in touch with today.

“It’s wonderful to see The Saplings now, as such a special space for the local children who rely on its support.”

Local business owner and councillor Matthew Relf, who designed and created the iconic tree in The Saplings’ entrance, said: “I’m really chuffed to see the results of our hard work, and to see The Saplings has been so well looked after by Treetops over the last two years.”