DIYSOS style makeover massive success at the 3aaa Derbyshire County Cricket Ground for Mental Health Awareness

Derby’s answer to DIY SOS has finished, as 150 volunteers and business professionals from around the city upped tools to turn a disused space into a community room to be proud of.

The makeover project, which will see works totalling ￡250,000, will transformed the former changing rooms in the 3aaa Pavilion at Derbyshire County Cricket Club into a room, which will be used to host community programmes delivered by the Cricket Derbyshire Foundation.

The first programme to be held in the new community room will provide support and advice for those affected by suicide and mental health issues. The space will also be used by schools for open learning, to deliver the Opening Up Cricket programme and to deliver other community programmes.

Over the last few weeks, the main organisers of the event, including Ian Hodgkinson, managing director of Hodgkinson Builders, have been rallying troops in order to raise as much awareness as possible in order to make the renovation a reality.

Ian said: "This is a great example of what the community can do when we all work together.  By pulling together, we can make something that seems an impossible task, possible for an amazing cause.

"The project has seen an outstanding turn out and the amount of support we've received is staggering.  We would also like to thank the local media who have supported us every step of the way."

The community project has received charitable donations coming from all manner of Derbyshire businesses and local volunteers, all of which have made this possible.

Just some examples of the charitable donations received to help make this happen include PCs, printers, tables, and chairs from 3aaa, a donation of two TV’s by A1 Comms, skips from Ward Recycling and a whole raft of materials needed to complete the work, donated by Jewson.

The project has also received donations of building materials from Raygar Agricultural & Engineering Supplies Ltd, Ash Lunn from ALC Groundworks, hands on help from students at The National Construction Academy (NCA), donations from Banner Plant, Speedy Hire and a selection of work boots from Rockfall.

Large floor to ceiling patio windows were donated by Kensington Windows, and Carpetright donated a carpet aptly named Champions! 

The fantastic volunteers worked up a thirst and were hungry after all of their hard work. They were rewarded with generous donations of sandwiches from Sadler Bridge Coffee Lounge, bread donated by Roberts Bakery in Ilkeston, cakes from Stacey’s Bakery in Ilkeston, water and crisps from Derby Insurance Brokers, Bell & Co, as well as donations from Owen Taylor, CFR Sales & Distribution, and The Co-op.

Drinks, cups and napkins were also donated from Paul Pegg in Mackworth.

Derby based law firm, Flint Bishop Solicitors donated ￡1000 to the cause. Qamer Ghafoor. Managing Partner of Commercial Services and Head of Litigation said:

"At Flint Bishop, we are always looking at ways to support the local community, so when we saw the DIY SOS request by Hodgkinson Build and Derbyshire County Cricket Ground, it was natural for us to pledge our financial support to help the new centre. Alzheimer’s and suicide is sadly at the hearts of many, so I wish everyone taking part in the decorating, the very best of luck.”  

The event hosted various on-site activities in order to provide entertainment for those supporting the project or visiting on the day, including boxing demonstrations from local charity, Splashfit, massages, a cricket match, business networking, and a dance off.

Property builder and founder of property software app, Inventory Genius, Rachel Hudson has been one of the lead organisers of the event and has donated her time throughout the past fortnight, assisting Ian in the planning of the event as well as attracting several sponsors to the event, she said: "I wanted to get involved in this fantastic event as it was clear to see that with so many people's hard work, we were going to achieve something amazing. 

"I've had family members that have suffered from dementia so I personally wanted to do everything I could to help raise awareness of the issues surrounding mental health."

Ian added: "One of the donations has come from a man called Martin Parker, of local firm, Martin & Parker.  I’ve seen and had a drink with him many times over years in my local pub. He heard that we were after some sofas to dress the room, as we want to create a functional space that can be used right away.

"He contacted me and offered to make two brand new sofas designed specifically to fit the requirements of the community room and colour scheme. This kind of design usually takes weeks to produce, and he’s offered to do it in two days flat. People really are going all out to support this cause and the support has been incredible.”

The project was completed by 3pm Friday ON TIME !!!.

Ian added: "I am truly overwhelmed by the support we have received on day one of the project, and it shows that community spirit it still very much alive and kicking! Everyone involved should be extremely proud, whether it was through donations, volunteering or providing equipment, it has all made this possible and it will all go towards helping members of the community.”