In a heart-warming episode for Christmas, DIY SOS partner with the stars of EastEnders to bring volunteers together to support a mental health community project in Harlow.

Back in November 2023, The BBC’s DIY SOS team visited Harlow College to film a segment for an upcoming episode of the popular programme, to be screened in mid-December.

The team are converting a bungalow in the centre of Harlow into a wellbeing centre that will have a major benefit for everyone in the community.

The project has come about thanks to Butterfly Effect WELLbeing, which was founded in 2019 and aims to create a haven for people struggling with various mental health challenges. Their efforts to help the community were hindered by the constraints of working from multiple locations including the Arise Harlow Innovation Hub, Paringdon Sports Club and various local churches. 

Thankfully, Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team has come to the rescue. The project will oversee the renovation of a small bungalow and its surrounding garden in the Latton Bush Centre, which will become the new headquarters for Butterfly Effect WELLbeing. The larger space will allow for a variety of workshops such as yoga and sound therapy, as well as safe spaces giving greater privacy for those who need it. 

Part of the programme was filmed in the Harlow College Training Kitchens, with Scott Maslen, who plays Jack Branning in EastEnders, cooking up a delicious vegan shepherd’s pie while discussing how important it is to have access to good cooking facilities, as a brand new kitchen will form an important part of the bungalow’s facilities. As well as the importance of a good diet, cooking is also proven to be very good for our mental health. 

Shadowing the film crew were three of the College’s Journalism and Media students, who, with their ‘access all areas’ status, were able to witness at first hand the seamless collaboration between the cast and film crew. It was also a great opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into the research process that goes on behind the scenes at DIY SOS.

The new centre will also feature a garden area – many of us during lockdown recognised the therapeutic value of nature, which is exactly why the new garden will promise the opportunity for further relaxation. Moreover, plans include the installation of swings for local children who have no access to a safe outdoor space. 

Mental health awareness has grown in recent years, with more people realising they do not have to suffer alone. This new hub for hope in the centre of Harlow will create a greater supportive environment and will hopefully foster greater community wellbeing. 

If you would like to contact Butterfly Effect WELLbeing, please call 07760 288198 or email:

This article was written by Level 3 Journalism & Media student Kristina Kase