A call for help went out from the makers of the BBC TV series, DIY SOS. They have turned a ransacked landmark building in Blackpool, into a Young Carers Centre.
Blackpool Carers Centre has provided services to young carers and their families in Blackpool since 2005. The Centre had the chance to use Blenheim House, a Victorian building used for years for children’s support services and a family centre. After NHS services moved out, thieves and vandals had moved in. The DIY SOS team were able to step in to rescue the building.
Morecambe based installer, Bay Communications Group Ltd, was asked by the producers of DIY SOS to voluntarily project manage, as well as install, electronic security.
Tim Barbary, Managing Director of Bay Communications Group, said: “We were of course delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this important project, as were Hanwha Techwin Europe who donated a complete IP network video surveillance system via its distribution partner Norbain. We also had the support of BFT, who supplied a gate automation solution and Videx who provided an intercom and fob access system. It was a great team effort which resulted in our being able to complete the installation of all the elements of the security solution on time.”
The project to renovate Blenheim House will feature in a special episode for the BBC’s charity ‘Children in Need’, which will be broadcast in November 2016 to highlight the work of young carers.
The episode will show how DIY SOS achieved its biggest charitable build to date by turning an empty shell of a building into a welcoming space for children.
