BBC One: ‘DIY SOS’ Call for help, SafetyBuyer Answers

This year, SafetyBuyer had the pleasure of helping Getaway Girls, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to empower young women in Leeds. Their valuable and persistent efforts in supporting young women eventually led to a need to expand their headquarters, a project that attracted support from the BBC One series ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’.

With our experience in ensuring smooth and safe construction builds, we were delighted to be called on by the programme to support Getaway Girls with the project. SafetyBuyer was proud to donate industry-leading first aid stations that were used as part of the life-changing transformation of the Getaway Girls’ new charity headquarters.

Helping young women find their feet for over 30 years

Leeds is home to Getaway Girls, an important charity whose aim is to empower girls and young women aged 11-25 to learn new skills, build confidence and resilience, and grow their aspirations. Getaway Girls was founded in 1987, becoming a registered charity in 1990 with the original goal to introduce young women to outdoor activities and adventure education.

As a result of the changing needs of young women, and new collaboration opportunities which led to funding increase, Getaway Girls was able to grow. Today, they employ 18 staff, which allows them to expand their efforts into multiple projects and continue to provide important support to young women in Leeds.

Their reputational growth required physical growth in tandem - for which new headquarters were needed. To help them reach their vision, BBC One’s ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’ reached out and offered to make their vision a reality.

The build

This construction project was no small feat; but when the DIY SOS team called, SafetyBuyer answered. The build required the collaboration of multiple local organisations willing to lend hands for this vital work. To begin, a local homebuilder gifted Getaway Girls a piece of land in Seacroft, eastern Leeds. Along with the support of local trades, suppliers and volunteers, DIY SOS erected a purpose-built timber frame headquarters for the charity.

In order to provide support across multiple fronts, Getaway Girls required headquarters that offered adequate space. The plans included a multi-purpose activity space, crèche, music and media studio, counselling rooms, office spaces, and a full kitchen, as well as a garden area and parking. The space would allow Getaway Girls to grow and expand their outreach into the community.

SafetyBuyer’s first-aid support

For a project of this size and on this timescale, safety was always going to be paramount. As such, SafetBuyer was proud to offer industry-leading first aid stations. The range of first aid points and stations in our collection offers a comprehensive response to managing a wide range of workplace accidents and emergencies from first aid, burns, eye care and biohazard disposal. With varying first-aid point designs and functionalities, the range caters for first-aid needs of all sizes and circumstances. We have no doubt that the stations will provide the aid required - should it ever be needed.

The team at SafetyBuyer is proud to have been given the opportunity to help such a vital project which delivers important work. Thanks to the first aid stations, the construction site benefited from improved safety and facilitated the construction of Getaway Girls’ new headquarters.

We will continue to seek further opportunities to help important projects across the country, and ensure that workplace safety is kept at the highest possible standard.

If you are carrying out an ambitious build or construction project and require safety equipment, speak to a member of the SafetyBuyer team who can advise you on what you need to ensure optimum on-site safety. Call us on 0800 043 0161 or fill out our contact form here.