DIY SOS to build venue for homeless youth group

A youth club which has been without a venue since the Covid pandemic will get a new home by appearing on the BBC programme DIY SOS.

The group had used a meeting room in a community centre in Beverley, East Yorkshire but had to leave when it was repurposed as a pantry.

Jo Ramsay manager of the Cherry Tree Youth Club said: "The winter months have been absolute hell for my staff, we can't even imagine what it will be like having four walls and warmth."

A spokesperson for DIY SOS said: "We are really looking forward to bringing DIY SOS to the Cherry Tree Youth Club in Beverley. Community is at the heart of what we do."

Ms Ramsay said: "It's just been horrendous, and now we just can't imagine what it will be like even just to have the basics."

Cherry Tree Community Centre established the youth club in 2016 for children aged between nine and 18 and is used by about 90 young people each week.

In October planning permission was granted to create a small base in a local park but estimates of £90,000 meant work was not started.

Ms Ramsay explained local parents had told her they would be pleased to know where their children will be when the club is finished.

The DIY SOS build will take a week from 14 May in Mudhills Park, Burden Road in Beverley.

The team has appealed for support from local tradespeople, volunteers and suppliers to donate skills and material to help give a local community "a space they desperately need".

A spokesperson added: "We hope that the people and trades of Yorkshire will come out in force to support us. Please get in touch if you would like to help."

Ms Ramsay said: "I think it's a bigger build than what we had planned, so any support anyone can offer would be absolutely fantastic."

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