Cast members from the popular British soap opera EastEnders will be rolling up their sleeves to join Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team in Harlow, Essex, for a heartwarming community project. Together, they will work to transform a local initiative aimed at bringing people together and improving mental health support.
The community project in focus is Butterfly Effect Well-Being, which currently operates out of a modest portacabin. The initiative, led by founder Angela Hannibal, runs a variety of groups and sessions, including a men’s meet-up, a singing group, teen sessions titled ‘Chill and Chat,’ as well as cooking, crafts workshops, and holistic therapy classes. Butterfly Effect Well-Being plays a crucial role in helping individuals dealing with issues such as social isolation and self-harm.
Angela Hannibal was inspired to establish the project after her mother’s tragic battle with poor mental health ended in suicide. In memory of her mother, Angela made a life-changing decision to leave her career as a pharmacist and dedicate herself to helping others facing similar challenges.
The local council has generously provided Butterfly Effect Well-Being with an empty building. However, this building is currently in a state of disrepair, both internally and externally, making it unsuitable for its intended purpose.
Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team are now calling upon local volunteers to join forces with EastEnders stars and help refurbish the building, transforming it into a warm and inviting hub where community members can seek help, support, and companionship during their times of need.
Nick Knowles expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This is a special project that does so much to help the community in Harlow, and I can’t wait to get stuck in with our EastEnders friends and see this amazing build come together. As always, we wouldn’t be able to deliver such important projects without the generosity of our brilliant volunteers, so if you have a trade or can help us with materials, then get in touch!”
Catherine Catton, BBC Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment & Events, commended the collaboration between EastEnders and DIY SOS, emphasising its potential to transform a deserving project. She shared her anticipation for the construction to benefit Butterfly Effect Well-Being and enable Angela and her team to provide support to an even larger audience.
To bring this charitable endeavour to fruition, DIY SOS is seeking the support of trade volunteers, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, plasterers, and decorators. A Trades Day is scheduled in Harlow on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, for interested professionals to participate.
Those interested in volunteering their trade skills or donating materials for this charitable project are encouraged to email [email protected] before the Trades Day to arrange an appointment with the team. The building transformation is slated to take place from Wednesday, October 25, to Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
The EastEnders stars participating in this heartwarming episode will be announced closer to the broadcast date, set for later in 2023. This collaborative effort serves as a testament to the power of community and compassion in making a positive impact on mental health and well-being.
