0:00:04 > 0:00:07We Brits are brilliant at volunteering.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10One in four of us regularly give up our time to help others,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13putting something back into the community.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20I want to tap into that spirit to make good things happen.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22CHEERING
0:00:22 > 0:00:26I'm on a mission to discover the positive effect of volunteering,
0:00:26 > 0:00:30from the volunteers themselves to the individuals and the communities
0:00:30 > 0:00:31that they help.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Every day, people donate their time, expertise,
0:00:36 > 0:00:40imagination and elbow grease for others.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43They were in need of carpenters and volunteers,
0:00:43 > 0:00:46so I just grabbed my tools and came down for the afternoon.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50I never thought at the end of my life I'd be helping others.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54I think volunteering's the lifeblood of what it is to be human.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- Yes!- It's modest, ordinary people
0:00:57 > 0:01:00who are making such an amazing difference to people's lives.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04The world to me is a beautiful place now.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07It's 360 degrees from where I've come from.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11I'm better than what I was.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14I couldn't do this a year ago.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18My team is exploring the inspiring schemes throughout the UK.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21And tackling projects of our own.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24THEY SING
0:01:24 > 0:01:26This is about communities at their best,
0:01:26 > 0:01:29people giving to help others.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33This is about the incredible things we can achieve together.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35This is Operation People Power.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46This could be any city, town or village in the country.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50It is rich in skills and kindness that lies untapped.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54And there are people who can benefit from the power and knowledge
0:01:54 > 0:01:56that you have. Yes, you!
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Skills that could really make a difference to your neighbours.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02It would certainly make a difference to this place, Baggator,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04a community hub in Bristol.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09All communities need a centre and when you're in a poor area,
0:02:09 > 0:02:11as we are here, one of the poorest in the country,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14that centre becomes more valuable and more needed.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20But Baggator has so much potential to do more for the people of Easton,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24which is why we have decided to give them a helping hand
0:02:24 > 0:02:28and show what can be done when we all work together.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30It's remarkable but it's also quite scary
0:02:30 > 0:02:31because we actually can't turn back now.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33We've just got to keep moving.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36To make a real difference to the people around here,
0:02:36 > 0:02:40I want to do more than just transform this place.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44The transformation we have in mind goes way beyond bricks and mortar.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51When I was growing up,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54I had the freedom to cycle around the streets of my hometown, Barrow.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57But the world has changed since then.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Nowadays, we're more conscious of the dangers in letting our kids play
0:03:02 > 0:03:07outside and available spaces to play are being squeezed to make way
0:03:07 > 0:03:09for more housing and offices.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14But I've heard of a place just round the corner from Baggator
0:03:14 > 0:03:19that's giving youngsters the chance to get active and enjoy a real sense
0:03:19 > 0:03:20of freedom.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Felix Road Adventure Playground has been in Easton
0:03:28 > 0:03:29for more than 40 years.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32It's a real oasis of play for the local kids,
0:03:32 > 0:03:36an opportunity to run wild and enjoy the outdoors.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41The kitchen here also provides
0:03:41 > 0:03:44a hearty, home-cooked meal for the children.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47For some, their only one of the day.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50So, when it's busy, how many children do you get here?
0:03:50 > 0:03:55We have on average between 130 and 180 children.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Funding is always on a knife edge.
0:03:59 > 0:04:00Just three years ago,
0:04:00 > 0:04:05Felix Road faced closure until an army of local parents
0:04:05 > 0:04:08and grandparents managed to prevent the unthinkable.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12It's now run entirely by volunteers, like local mum Mandy.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17So, Mandy, how did you get involved in Felix Road?
0:04:17 > 0:04:19It was a friend of mine actually came and said that Felix Road
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- is closing because she used to work here.- Right.- And I was like,
0:04:22 > 0:04:23"Well, that's ridiculous,
0:04:23 > 0:04:27"it's been here for over 43 years, how can they close Felix Road?"
0:04:27 > 0:04:30So, we decided to picket and give petitions in,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33which we got within two weeks, over 6,000 signatures.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35It was a show of, a bit of people power does work.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- It does.- Yeah.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43What does Felix Road mean to you, personally?
0:04:43 > 0:04:49Felix Road for me means that there is a safe space for children
0:04:49 > 0:04:52of all walks of life to be able to play with all sorts of children.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- Yeah.- But it's also helping the children that have grown up
0:04:56 > 0:04:57- too quickly to have a childhood. - Yeah.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59And teach them how to play again.
0:04:59 > 0:05:00That's right. That's right.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03We get children that have come down for the whole day because they're
0:05:03 > 0:05:08not allowed back home and they don't have any food to eat
0:05:08 > 0:05:10and we will supply them with a meal.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12It really is the heart of the community.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13It is, very much so.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15We don't just get just children here.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18We get their families, we get their extended families...
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- Yes.- ..that bring them down. And it's actually a really,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23really nice place to be able to come down and maybe,
0:05:23 > 0:05:25if you want to have a little quiet time out, you can do that.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- Yes.- But if you also want to actually just talk to somebody,
0:05:28 > 0:05:30there's also somebody there to talk to as well.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36What are the needs of Felix Road in order for it to continue?
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Felix Road, over the years, has actually,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43it's got into a bit of disrepair in certain areas.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48- Right.- The under-fives area is actually gone to quite a dire state
0:05:48 > 0:05:53- at the moment.- Right.- We have lots of families that come on here
0:05:53 > 0:05:55with little ones and it would be
0:05:55 > 0:05:57nice for them to be able to have something which could
0:05:57 > 0:06:00cater for them, which is a bit more up-to-date rather than...
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- Yes.- ..you know, a few boards.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04I mean, bring the under-fives in, you bring their mums in, too.
0:06:04 > 0:06:05- Yes, yes.- And again,
0:06:05 > 0:06:07that's expanding people out the house into the community.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10That's right, that's right.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17It's so upsetting when you hear that places like Felix Road are so close
0:06:17 > 0:06:20to the edge that there's a danger that they can close.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23But what a difference volunteers can make and turn things around.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24It's amazing.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Well, Mandy's brilliant and it'd be so nice just to make it
0:06:28 > 0:06:32that little bit better, you know, for her and for everybody.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Around the corner at Baggator Community Centre,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39it's all hands to the pump
0:06:39 > 0:06:43to transform this vital neighbourhood hub.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48However, Mandy has persuaded me that the adventure playground is equally
0:06:48 > 0:06:52in need of some people power and so I've called Mark to take a look.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58This is where it's all happening.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Oh, looks like fun, fun.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Before Nicki starts to find even more people to chip in
0:07:06 > 0:07:08with their hands, their heads and hearts,
0:07:08 > 0:07:12Mark needs to see what's involved and come up with a plan.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Welcome to Felix Road Adventure Playground.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- Wow!- We are the community's back garden.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21As you can see, our lovely under-fives structure here,
0:07:21 > 0:07:23it looks really old and dilapidated.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26It needs a good sort of overhaul, really.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27That's what it really needs.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30The children, they actually have built that swing themselves
0:07:30 > 0:07:35because there wasn't any. So, that is a child-made swing.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38They love gardening, they love being involved with it,
0:07:38 > 0:07:39but it's taking up quite a lot of their...
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- Right.- ..playing space. - This is about freedom.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43It is very much about freedom.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47I mean, the children are free here because what the parents do,
0:07:47 > 0:07:51when they bring them to Felix Road, they know that it's enclosed,
0:07:51 > 0:07:53so because they know it's enclosed,
0:07:53 > 0:07:54they'll sit by the entrance and
0:07:54 > 0:07:56they'll actually know that their children
0:07:56 > 0:07:58could literally have a free run of the place.
0:07:58 > 0:08:04Do people take the time every day to tell you that you're amazing?
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- SHE LAUGHS - But you are.- Thank you.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Because what you're doing's incredible.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Your energy's fantastic and I can
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- see the passion you've got for this here.- Yes.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18So, I'm going to go and chat to a few friends.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- Yes.- And see what we can get together.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- OK.- Because you've blown me out of the water.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Well, Mandy's energy is incredible.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34I can't believe her. She is an amazing woman
0:08:34 > 0:08:38and I can see her passion for this place. It's been here for 42 years.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40There's people around here who are very poor, you know.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42There's people living in flats who
0:08:42 > 0:08:44don't have gardens. They don't even have window boxes.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47We've got to get this space working so that the kids can come here and
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- have their freedom.- Well, mate, you need to think fast, Mark.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51The clock is ticking.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53There's definitely no time to hang about.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56Yay!
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Nicki Chapman's been busy on the hunt for helpers.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07She's brought a small army to transform Baggator's garden,
0:09:07 > 0:09:10giving the space a lasting future.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Come on, get it moving.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15She's found volunteers to run local groups for the elderly,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18highlighting what a difference a bit of fun can make.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24And she's connected people at the nearby Malcolm X Centre,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27showing how the right person can make a huge impact.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33But we've got more work to do at Baggator and now Felix Road.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37Thankfully, Nicki's found a new lead,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39an energetic bunch of local
0:09:39 > 0:09:42volunteers who just love the outdoors.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44She's meeting Pru from GoodGym.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50GoodGym is the idea that we want runners to go out to do good.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52So, we get them out of the gym,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55get them outside and they run and they use their energy
0:09:55 > 0:09:57to help local community groups and then we run away again
0:09:57 > 0:10:00and we've done some volunteering, we've got some exercise.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02It all brings everything into one big package.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04See, I think anyone that goes to the
0:10:04 > 0:10:06gym regularly should get a gold medal
0:10:06 > 0:10:08anyway, but the fact that you
0:10:08 > 0:10:10cleverly marry it up with good work as well,
0:10:10 > 0:10:12that just seems to be a win-win.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14You get the friendship of the
0:10:14 > 0:10:16runners but then you also get to meet people
0:10:16 > 0:10:20from across the communities who... They're so diverse.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23They need our help. And when we go in and we get a massive task done,
0:10:23 > 0:10:25we run away again, it's so satisfying.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- Is it?- And that, I think that's what really draws people back every week,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31is that getting stuff done really effectively.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33How many volunteers do you have in total,
0:10:33 > 0:10:35regularly going out and doing this?
0:10:35 > 0:10:37On average we have about 30 runners
0:10:37 > 0:10:40a week and generally I think we've got about 300 logged in Bristol.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42I'm not sure how many we've got
0:10:42 > 0:10:43across the country but it's thousands.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Pru, I'm hoping you've got time and are always looking for some
0:10:46 > 0:10:47- new projects.- Always.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Look at me, I've got my pleading hat on, I'm rubbing my hands,
0:10:50 > 0:10:52because we've got an adventure
0:10:52 > 0:10:55playground that really needs some help.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58And you sound like the perfect team to recruit, if I can,
0:10:58 > 0:10:59on a volunteer basis.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02This is definitely a job for GoodGym. How can we help?
0:11:03 > 0:11:06Back at Felix Road and some of our
0:11:06 > 0:11:08keen locals have already made a start.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11A good job, because there's some big issues to tackle.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15Currently, there's nothing to stop the under-fives straying
0:11:15 > 0:11:18onto the bigger climbing frames meant for older kids.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21That means the parents can never really relax.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25And the climbing frame that is suitable for the little ones
0:11:25 > 0:11:26is in a terrible state.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Safety netting is rotten or missing altogether.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33It's just not safe and may have to be closed altogether.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37But there are stacks of other jobs that need doing too.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Cleaning, weeding, clearing brambles,
0:11:40 > 0:11:45it all needs to be done and it will make a massive difference.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47All right, Martin.
0:11:47 > 0:11:48How did we get you roped in?
0:11:48 > 0:11:52How did we... My boy, he asked me to help out, basically.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Yeah.- He said, "I volunteered you."
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- Did he?- And I said,
0:11:56 > 0:11:58"Doing what?" He said, "Plastering."
0:11:58 > 0:12:01And that's where it ended up and I'm...
0:12:01 > 0:12:03I can't remember actually how you plaster a garden.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- No, I can't.- I think he's a bit confused with that,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- but at least he got you on board. - Yeah, that's it.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- That's the main thing.- Yeah.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12So I took a day off work for this.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- OK.- I don't mind, it's something different, innit?
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- Yeah, good on you.- And it helps people out.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20No, we don't need plastering here.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22What we need is a new layout for the
0:12:22 > 0:12:26space and that's where local gardener Nathan comes in.
0:12:26 > 0:12:27I think it would be better if we
0:12:27 > 0:12:31came in through that gate and then this was just an expanse of turf.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33There has to be a path as well,
0:12:33 > 0:12:35so I have to take that into consideration.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Right, OK. But... What are you going to make the path out of?
0:12:38 > 0:12:39Bark chips.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- Oh, nice.- Yeah.- So, it's all going to be a nice soft area for them?
0:12:42 > 0:12:43- Yeah.- Excellent.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47Well, we just need to get the materials in here now, don't we?
0:12:47 > 0:12:49To really freshen this place up,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51we need to give everything a lick of paint.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53But first, it all needs a good clean.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03We're moving the veg patch to give the kids more room to play,
0:13:03 > 0:13:07but I've got a little plan to replace those veggies
0:13:07 > 0:13:09with something more fragrant.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13The timing's working perfectly at the moment,
0:13:13 > 0:13:17and as Paul takes out the last of the worn out old fence,
0:13:17 > 0:13:18the new one arrives.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21But Mark's spotted a problem.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23HE GROANS
0:13:25 > 0:13:27This is not good. This is not good at all.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32The guys have worked really hard to try and get this fence in today.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37All that timber is country cut timber, so it's a rough sawn timber,
0:13:37 > 0:13:41so it's going to be too sharp and splintery for children or adults
0:13:41 > 0:13:43or anybody, really. I can't get through to anybody.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46All their phones are buzzing.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48The fencing needs to be right.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51It's going to give the parents peace of mind where the young'uns play,
0:13:51 > 0:13:56because Felix Road and the work they do here is just as important
0:13:56 > 0:13:58for the adults as it is for the kids.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06Asha had an arranged marriage at the age of 16 but after ten years,
0:14:06 > 0:14:10the relationship broke down and she realised
0:14:10 > 0:14:12just how unhappy she now felt.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15I was insecure. I was quiet.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18I couldn't do what I wanted to do, you know?
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Were there times when it seemed there was no alternative?
0:14:21 > 0:14:22That's what it seemed like.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26I didn't know who to go to. I couldn't... Because I had no...
0:14:26 > 0:14:28I've not got any family that's nearby.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34Asha felt that the only option left was to leave the family home
0:14:34 > 0:14:38with her two children and begin their lives again.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41And I just had to kind of free myself and free my children.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45I just escaped. I just got out, and I came to Bristol.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50But for Asha, her new life was daunting in itself,
0:14:50 > 0:14:52starting afresh in a city she didn't know.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56What sort of state were you in when you arrived in Bristol?
0:14:58 > 0:14:59I wasn't myself.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03I was kind of all over the place.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05I didn't know where I was going to start.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07I didn't know anyone here.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09I... It was just a sort of a new
0:15:09 > 0:15:11chapter for me, if anything, in my life.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17But a chance visit to Felix Road brought new hope for her
0:15:17 > 0:15:19and her children.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22As soon as I came to the front of the gate, it was just...
0:15:22 > 0:15:25It sort of hit me, you know, when the gates opened and I just thought,
0:15:25 > 0:15:29"Wow, wow, this is vibrant, it's colourful," and that's what I...
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- That's what we needed.- What was their reaction
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- when they saw the massive adventure playground?- They got really excited,
0:15:35 > 0:15:36they got really happy
0:15:36 > 0:15:39and they were like, "Yay, we've got somewhere to play."
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Ibrahim went straight into the tennis courts,
0:15:43 > 0:15:46playing football and he made friends, like, straightaway.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48My daughter was playing with another girl.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51The kids absolutely loved it but myself,
0:15:51 > 0:15:57I sat myself in the corner where the under-fives play and I just wanted
0:15:57 > 0:16:01that sort of time to myself to kind of think where I'm going to head,
0:16:01 > 0:16:04where I'm going to be, what I need to do next.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08As the time went on for me and I kind of came out my little bubble...
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- Yeah.- ..I was approached from one of their staff and they said,
0:16:12 > 0:16:14"Right, can you come and help us in the kitchen?"
0:16:14 > 0:16:16And that's where it all kind of started.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Washing up the dishes, making, like, tea and coffee,
0:16:19 > 0:16:20so I started to do that for parents
0:16:20 > 0:16:22who were coming in with their children.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26I started to open up a little bit with the staff
0:16:26 > 0:16:30and I started to tell my story a little bit and they could see
0:16:30 > 0:16:33why I would come in and not say anything.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- Yeah.- And I did get a lot of support from the staff.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39They're not only just a play centre. They also look out for the parents.
0:16:39 > 0:16:40- Yes.- And that's what's nice.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45So, how has it changed your life?
0:16:45 > 0:16:47It's made me a better person.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51It's made my children better in themselves.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53They've made friends, I've made friends.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- Yeah.- You know, I get my days, don't get me wrong.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- Yeah.- It's a wound that needs to heal at the end of the day.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59- Yeah.- And that's how I see it.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02And it will take time, but I'm better than what I was.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04I couldn't do this a year ago.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07So, as a family it really helps life...
0:17:07 > 0:17:10It's changed us. It's made us closer...
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- Yeah.- ..if anything.- Yeah.- Sorry.
0:17:12 > 0:17:13No.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20It's been a place that's changed me, my life, my children.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22Yeah.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25And I wouldn't know where to be without Felix Road.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27And you can't put a value on that, can you?
0:17:27 > 0:17:28- No.- No.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32It's places like Felix Road that
0:17:32 > 0:17:35show how giving people the opportunity
0:17:35 > 0:17:38for those first small steps makes a huge difference.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Through the goodness and generosity of others,
0:17:41 > 0:17:43lives can be completely turned around.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48I'm beginning to realise that some of the things we take for granted,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51like having somewhere safe for our kids to go and play,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53can mean so much more to other people.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57It can mean freedom, it can mean somewhere to go to meet people.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59It can have huge impact on their lives.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08Helping places like Baggator and Felix Road should have a big effect
0:18:08 > 0:18:09on the people of Easton.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12From toddlers to the older generation,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14everyone will be able to get involved.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20These centres are about inclusion - all ages, nationalities,
0:18:20 > 0:18:23backgrounds and abilities enjoying
0:18:23 > 0:18:25their community and that's all thanks
0:18:25 > 0:18:27to the good people who volunteer
0:18:27 > 0:18:30their time to keep these places open.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37Juliet's gardening qualifications as well as her academic background mean
0:18:37 > 0:18:38she knows all about the healing
0:18:38 > 0:18:41power of outdoor space and the difference that it can make.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47We all take freedom for granted but why is it so important to our sense
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- of wellbeing?- Well, freedom is really about self-determination,
0:18:52 > 0:18:57about being able to make your own choices and I think if the freedom
0:18:57 > 0:19:01to make choices is taken away from you for any reason,
0:19:01 > 0:19:05that can really start to erode your self-esteem.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07You feel less able to make those
0:19:07 > 0:19:09choices and then little bit by little bit,
0:19:09 > 0:19:14you feel less of a whole person.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Why is something like a playground so important?
0:19:16 > 0:19:18The thing about an open space like a
0:19:18 > 0:19:20playground is that it gives you choices.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22You can decide whether
0:19:22 > 0:19:25you're going to sit on your own and read a book
0:19:25 > 0:19:31or just listen to the birds singing or you can sidle up to somebody
0:19:31 > 0:19:33and say hello, have a chat.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38And then that gives you much more of a sense of control over what
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- you're doing with your day.- And you get a rounded life.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42- Yes.- Yeah.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Around the corner, we're making great strides
0:19:51 > 0:19:54in our mission to transform Baggator.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58And it's time for the new containers to come in.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03These are replacing the condemned structures we removed.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06They can be used as storage or workshop spaces.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11The pressure's on at the moment to get these containers in,
0:20:11 > 0:20:12but it's all worth it because
0:20:12 > 0:20:14there's fewer and fewer community centres
0:20:14 > 0:20:16and this community really needs this place.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18So we're going to try really hard to
0:20:18 > 0:20:22make sure we get to the finish on this and give them what they need.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31What we might have to do is take
0:20:31 > 0:20:33that rear container and move it slightly forward.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Because what it's doing is
0:20:35 > 0:20:38getting too close to the top of the building there.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Don't really know what to say now.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43We've got to get it in. Maybe a little bit of butter.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Never give up!
0:20:48 > 0:20:49You're in!
0:20:54 > 0:20:56Well done! That was tight!
0:20:58 > 0:21:01So we've got 19 tonne of hard-core arriving,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05and the girls are getting this all cleared out and ready.
0:21:05 > 0:21:06We're going to dump the
0:21:06 > 0:21:08hard-core here and the digger driver will get it
0:21:08 > 0:21:11all spread in there and we'll get it all sorted.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16So, Mark can leave the gang to continue the rubble moving...
0:21:19 > 0:21:21..while he hops five minutes round the corner
0:21:21 > 0:21:24to see how our other project's going on.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Back at Felix Road
0:21:29 > 0:21:31and lots of colour, but not lots of movement.
0:21:35 > 0:21:36Hmm.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38Are you our lonesome volunteer today?
0:21:38 > 0:21:39I am today, yeah. Just me so far.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42So... Might get a flood of people coming in later, you never know.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43I hope so! I hope so.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- There's an awful lot to do. What's your name?- Victoria.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Victoria. Why have you come to join us?
0:21:49 > 0:21:52A friend of mine let me know that this was happening today,
0:21:52 > 0:21:54and I'm a self-employed dance teacher so I'm always, like,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57back and forth throughout the day, so she knew I'd be...
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- Pirouetting and... - Here to, you know,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03spin around and put some magic on the climbing frame.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Actually, I'm really hoping we get to play on the adventure playground.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- I'm sure...- That's mainly why I'm here, really.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- Have a little play!- Yeah.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15While it's admirable that Victoria is so enthusiastic,
0:22:15 > 0:22:17one volunteer was not the plan.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21I'm beginning to realise what it must be like constantly for projects
0:22:21 > 0:22:23that rely on volunteers.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27We're going to need at least 50 people at Felix Road.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30And we've got Baggator to think about too.
0:22:30 > 0:22:36That's two projects on the go, and hardly enough volunteers for one.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39You know, I'm beginning to wonder if we've just taken on too much.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41The volunteers need to pull this off.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45That's what it's about. It's about local volunteers getting in here,
0:22:45 > 0:22:46sorting these projects out.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50And it is quite daunting, because they're really big jobs.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56It's time to find out what's going wrong.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02The thing is, I thought there would be this steady stream of volunteers
0:23:02 > 0:23:04but, you know, it's ended up being quite patchy.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08And, at times, that patchiness, it's put the projects in jeopardy.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12Yeah, I don't mind admitting there's certain times I have struggled.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15You meet people in the street, they're busy, their heads are down,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18they're on their way. And I can't even get past hello.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19And then other times you meet people
0:23:19 > 0:23:22and they literally say yes before you've finished the sentence.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24But because we've been struggling,
0:23:24 > 0:23:25the whole of the production team
0:23:25 > 0:23:27have been involved, trying to get as many,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30many people as possible, and it's been quite enlightening,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32quite eye opening, to how difficult
0:23:32 > 0:23:36it can be to get people to commit their time.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40It looks like this day is really getting to the team.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Mark's sought refuge in a different cafe,
0:23:42 > 0:23:46but he can't escape the pressure of these two projects.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48At Baggator, the lifting and
0:23:48 > 0:23:51shifting of containers is the current worry.
0:23:51 > 0:23:52Yeah, I thought things were going
0:23:52 > 0:23:55pretty well there, but we've got the second container,
0:23:55 > 0:23:57which is on its way in from a place
0:23:57 > 0:23:59called Avonmouth, just outside Bristol.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02We've got a massive pile, 20 tonne, of hard-core
0:24:02 > 0:24:04in the middle of the car park,
0:24:04 > 0:24:08and the truck... There's no way the truck can get round it.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09Just not ready for them.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11It's really, really frustrating.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15But ready or not, here they come, Mark.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I'm seriously worrying about this.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22The digger driver's gone,
0:24:22 > 0:24:26and also there's a pile of stone where the container's
0:24:26 > 0:24:27supposed to be going.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31I might have to get on the shovel.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37Right, container! Oh, my goodness!
0:24:37 > 0:24:39- How you doing?- Not too bad.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41It's been chaos.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45I know, I came down here the other day and saw the building down.
0:24:45 > 0:24:46Yeah, but it ain't now, is it?
0:24:46 > 0:24:51Is there anybody here? Because we've got to get your container on there.
0:24:51 > 0:24:52OK.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55You do a bit of shunting. I'll do a bit of shovelling.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- All right, buddy.- All right? The only thing that's missing,
0:24:58 > 0:25:01we haven't got an awful lot of people.
0:25:01 > 0:25:02Yeah?
0:25:02 > 0:25:05But the big guy's positive. That's good.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08He's staying positive about getting it in,
0:25:08 > 0:25:10which is what we need.
0:25:29 > 0:25:30Top man.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34What a player. I haven't got the keys for the digger,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36otherwise I would have gotten it over.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41You just get all the best jobs, Mark!
0:25:46 > 0:25:50This is an absolutely brilliant country that we live in.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53I see it all over the country, wherever I go, wherever I'm working,
0:25:53 > 0:25:54people will just help.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56When you need it, they're there.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59That's people power.
0:26:23 > 0:26:24It's the start of a new day,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28and Mark's heading back to Felix Road Playground nearby.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Last time we were here, there was nothing really happening.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33I'm hoping some people have turned up
0:26:33 > 0:26:35and painted one of the walls for us.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38Which is something in the right direction, at least.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40When people don't turn up,
0:26:40 > 0:26:45my stomach just turns over and over and I end up feeling really ill.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51So... It's still looking a bit quiet down here.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55So we'll just see what's been done.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57Well, Victoria's still here.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59As is Nathan. They've been plugging away,
0:26:59 > 0:27:01but there's still so much to do.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04You've been just here with a couple of people today and stuff,
0:27:04 > 0:27:06and keeping that momentum's quite difficult, isn't it?
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- Yeah.- But... Well, you're still smiling.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Yeah, just about.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15But there's only so far a positive attitude can take you.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18We need numbers on the ground to get this done.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22If you want volunteers, us Brits are actually a very generous bunch,
0:27:22 > 0:27:26with more than a quarter of us helping others every single month.
0:27:26 > 0:27:27And, thanks to Nicki,
0:27:27 > 0:27:29it looks like some of those kind
0:27:29 > 0:27:32souls are on their way to lend us a hand.
0:27:32 > 0:27:33Just in the nick of time.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37Pru and her Lycra clad GoodGymmers.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40So this is what you do, just gallop around the town
0:27:40 > 0:27:42- and go to different projects?- Yeah.- Helping out?
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- Yeah.- Yeah, we keep fit and we do some volunteering at the same time.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- Everyone's a winner.- I love it.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51All right, guys. Thank you very much. You look amazing.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Especially you in your checked shirt, obviously.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Brilliant, isn't it? Everybody's very energetic.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07They really are, yeah. And also very big kids, as...
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- As you've seen.- Yeah, yeah, yeah. Exactly.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11And the laughing, and the giggling so, yeah...
0:28:11 > 0:28:12- That's good.- I will grab some of
0:28:12 > 0:28:14them and we will get the painting going.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16- Thank you.- Cool.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22So, there we go. They've started on the painting now over there.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Well, it certainly feels like these guys are making a real difference
0:28:29 > 0:28:33and it's definitely lifted Mark's spirits.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Down the road, I think something else that's lifted the spirits
0:28:41 > 0:28:44is the bold new green painted frontage of Baggator,
0:28:44 > 0:28:49a massive improvement on the uninviting dull grey it used to be.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53And that was something that Bruce, the custodian of this community hub,
0:28:53 > 0:28:55always felt was holding this place back.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58The main entrance, it looks like an industrial estate.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02Any improvement done that can be seen from outside will encourage
0:29:02 > 0:29:03people to come in, and once they're in,
0:29:03 > 0:29:07they will see all the other resources available to them.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08The green is a great start,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10but we think we can do more to
0:29:10 > 0:29:12capture the imagination of passers-by
0:29:12 > 0:29:14and encourage them in.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Bristol's famous for its street artists,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19and what better way to turn a building round than make it look
0:29:19 > 0:29:22absolutely fabulous? Give it a bit of excitement and get it out there,
0:29:22 > 0:29:24you know, so people know and recognise it.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Mark's meeting up with a group of
0:29:26 > 0:29:29local graffiti artists who have got some grand plans.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33We're really moved that you've come on board to do this for us,
0:29:33 > 0:29:36to volunteer. You've volunteered to do this.
0:29:36 > 0:29:37Thank you so much.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39What can you do with this building?
0:29:39 > 0:29:41We sketched this out really quickly last night.
0:29:41 > 0:29:46I do a lot of trees and nature, so I'm going to do a decorative design.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Andy's going to do some cool letters, positive message.
0:29:49 > 0:29:50Ian, hi.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Can I just ask you one thing,
0:29:52 > 0:29:54this is how you make your living?
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- Yeah.- Why have you decided to give your time up
0:29:57 > 0:29:59to help this particular project?
0:29:59 > 0:30:01I mean, I live just round the corner so I'm used to walking past
0:30:01 > 0:30:04here and, you know, the building's just got into a bit of a state,
0:30:04 > 0:30:07so it'll be really nice to turn it into something fresh and something
0:30:07 > 0:30:10people actually want to see rather than being something that's almost
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- an eyesore.- Guys, this is amazing.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Thank you so much. We haven't got a lot of time to do this,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17let's make it absolutely amazing.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19It's over to you. Thank you.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24Well, there's no time like the present, fellas!
0:30:30 > 0:30:31While we've been busy in Bristol,
0:30:31 > 0:30:36Martyn Ashton has been meeting many more of you fantastic people
0:30:36 > 0:30:37enriching the lives of others
0:30:37 > 0:30:39through your generosity and kindness.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44We need to learn from this and take inspiration back to our own projects
0:30:44 > 0:30:46in Bristol.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52What I'm beginning to realise, Martyn,
0:30:52 > 0:30:55is that freedom's so important and it's something that we take
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- for granted.- Well, a great example is the Calvert Trust.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02I went to Exmoor. They just don't think that anyone with a disability
0:31:02 > 0:31:03shouldn't have this opportunity to
0:31:03 > 0:31:05try things and really experience freedom.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09The Calvert Trust was set up
0:31:09 > 0:31:11in the '70s to help people with disabilities
0:31:11 > 0:31:13get active in the countryside.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16These days, its three UK centres
0:31:16 > 0:31:20welcome more than 15,000 visitors each year.
0:31:22 > 0:31:27Daisy has been riding at the centre for the last six years.
0:31:27 > 0:31:28Good girl, keep him straight!
0:31:28 > 0:31:31To your left...
0:31:31 > 0:31:36Her mum Lynne has really noticed the impact it's had on Daisy's life.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38So Daisy definitely enjoys riding.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40What is it she gets out of it?
0:31:40 > 0:31:44It's built up her self-esteem, her confidence.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46She's more outgoing.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48She's just more worldly because of it.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51She just loves the fact that she's free here, I think.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54She's growing as a person because they're giving her...
0:31:54 > 0:31:56They're giving her jobs to do,
0:31:56 > 0:31:59they're giving her a little bit of responsibility.
0:31:59 > 0:32:00So tell me about the volunteers.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03How important are they to the Calvert Trust?
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Volunteers here are really important,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09because of the numbers of people you need.
0:32:09 > 0:32:10If you have three wheelchair users
0:32:10 > 0:32:12in one group you need more volunteers.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15So the volunteers work with the staff very closely.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18We get training to use the hoists and all the equipment.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20A lot of us do it because we want to give something back,
0:32:20 > 0:32:22because we love the way the centre is and how it works,
0:32:22 > 0:32:23the things it does for people.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28And what's this?
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Amber, that's it. Do you think you
0:32:30 > 0:32:33know the personalities of the horses?
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Can you tell when he's in a good mood?
0:32:36 > 0:32:38Yeah, because he stamps his feet.
0:32:38 > 0:32:39He stamps his feet
0:32:39 > 0:32:41when he's in a good mood?
0:32:41 > 0:32:42You can tell when he's excited?
0:32:42 > 0:32:44- Yes.- Yeah?
0:32:44 > 0:32:46What does it feel like when you come here?
0:32:46 > 0:32:50Really upset when I go.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52You get upset when you go back?
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- Yeah.- Do you?- Yeah.
0:32:55 > 0:32:56Cos... Does here feel like...?
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Home.
0:32:58 > 0:32:59Feels like home here?
0:32:59 > 0:33:01- Does it really?- Yeah.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05Wow. So I think we're going to do a little bit of horse riding,
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- me and you together.- Yeah.- That would be good, wouldn't it?
0:33:07 > 0:33:09- Yeah.- Shall we go and do it?
0:33:09 > 0:33:10- Yeah.- Come on, then. Let's go.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- Are you going to push me?- Whee!
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Whee, it goes fast!
0:33:16 > 0:33:18This is a big hill, do you want my help now?
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- No!- No? Well, I'll grab this bit and it will pull us round.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Push, push, push! Push, Daisy! Push!
0:33:26 > 0:33:29So, we've got this ramp that's been designed so it can come down,
0:33:29 > 0:33:32so people like yourself, in wheelchairs,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35can get as close to the horse as possible and get yourself on.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38- OK?- I never thought I'd sit on a horse,
0:33:38 > 0:33:41before I had my accident or afterwards.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- Ready?- Yeah.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45I'm pretty flexible.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47- I'm kind of on.- Using your voice, just say, "Bryn, walk on!"
0:33:47 > 0:33:49Bryn, walk on!
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- Oh, he did!- He does.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54I didn't... I wasn't entirely sure he would.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57This feels awesome!
0:33:58 > 0:34:00I'm catching you up, Daisy!
0:34:03 > 0:34:07It's a nice feeling walking past my wheelchair.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09That's a strange sentence.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12I just walked past my wheelchair over there.
0:34:12 > 0:34:13- Oh, yeah!- Yeah.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16I feel like a proper horse rider now, Daisy.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20I do. King Martyn and Princess Daisy.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23So you got a bit of personal freedom?
0:34:23 > 0:34:24Yeah, it does make you think, doesn't it?
0:34:24 > 0:34:27You know, I just did something I've never done in my life before because
0:34:27 > 0:34:29someone volunteered to help.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31So, personally, it must've been mind-blowing, really?
0:34:31 > 0:34:37It really was. But it just goes to show that we've all got a perception
0:34:37 > 0:34:39of what we can and can't do,
0:34:39 > 0:34:40but if someone can give you the
0:34:40 > 0:34:42opportunity and just push your boundaries
0:34:42 > 0:34:45a little bit, it shows you what you can discover.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48And that sense of freedom is really powerful.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50And it's really, really important.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Whether volunteering to share your skills or, indeed,
0:34:53 > 0:34:55to learn new ones,
0:34:55 > 0:34:58donating time regularly is a great way to meet new people.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03Ah, the fencing boys are here. Great.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Careful what you say, Mark!
0:35:06 > 0:35:08Fencing girls!
0:35:08 > 0:35:09Yes.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14The number of volunteers is ever growing, and that's what we need.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18Even a few local police officers have come to join in.
0:35:18 > 0:35:19Hello, ladies!
0:35:21 > 0:35:23Straight on.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25Let's get this timber out of here.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Ah, the strong arm of the law comes
0:35:27 > 0:35:29in handy when you're shifting timber,
0:35:29 > 0:35:33doesn't it, Mark? Things are definitely moving today.
0:35:36 > 0:35:37Hiya, Sharon.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39I'm a complete control freak.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41Let me show you what to do.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Hold that as if you're holding a pen, right?
0:35:43 > 0:35:46Get the paint on the end of the brush so it's not all over it,
0:35:46 > 0:35:48and then just get it stippled in, there.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52Use the whole brush. Work the brush, get it right in, there.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Then give it a couple of big, sweet strokes.
0:35:54 > 0:35:55And then you'll get loads...
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Loads of coverage. Yeah?
0:35:57 > 0:35:59And that's what it's all about.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02Locals coming together and getting involved,
0:36:02 > 0:36:06taking ownership of the space, their space.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Ladies, what I want you to do is the climbing frame there.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11We've got three different colours.
0:36:11 > 0:36:12Pick a colour and go.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17Open them up, get a clean stick and keep them really thin.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24That one's going to take a couple of coats, isn't it?
0:36:24 > 0:36:25Don't get it on the floor, remember.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28Maybe we could speckle it?
0:36:28 > 0:36:30No, you can't speckle it.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32You can't speckle it!
0:36:33 > 0:36:35Speckle it.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38It wasn't me. Why would you think that was me?
0:36:38 > 0:36:40Why would I...? Why...?
0:36:40 > 0:36:42Hmm.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44Hmm, you'd make a good detective, Mark.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Bom, bom, bom. Run your posts in, set everything out.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49Do your rails.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53By the end of play today we should have a fence.
0:36:53 > 0:36:54Nice!
0:36:59 > 0:37:02As the sun starts to set, there's still a lot to do at Felix Road.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06And down the road at Baggator,
0:37:06 > 0:37:09our community hub is looking decidedly quiet.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13I only hope the new day will bring yet more volunteers.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21It's our final day at Felix Road Adventure Playground.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25And, true to form, our wonderful volunteers have come together
0:37:25 > 0:37:28for one big final push to get the job done.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33Felix Road is now a hive of activity.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Nicki's found volunteers from far and wide.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39They're clearing, painting, constructing,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42all desperate to get this place finished and ready
0:37:42 > 0:37:45for the little ones of Easton to enjoy later.
0:37:46 > 0:37:47I'm really hoping this works.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49- I am, too.- Wow!
0:37:49 > 0:37:51- Yes!- It's brilliant!
0:37:51 > 0:37:52Look at the different colours!
0:37:52 > 0:37:54It's beautiful!
0:37:55 > 0:37:56Guys, it looks amazing!
0:37:56 > 0:37:57Fantastic!
0:37:59 > 0:38:00Superb!
0:38:02 > 0:38:07This place has become a magnet for like-minded, selfless people.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10They've dropped all their plans for today to come and help.
0:38:10 > 0:38:11Yeah, lovely.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21We've certainly got numbers on the ground today, but there's a problem.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Our painters are running out of fence to paint.
0:38:24 > 0:38:29But Darren and Paul have finished their day job and they're back just
0:38:29 > 0:38:30in the nick of time to help.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32- The fences are here!- Wa-hey!
0:38:32 > 0:38:34About time too.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41That's certainly music to Wayne's ears and I'm glad.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45He and his wife Lily have driven for over an hour from South Wales
0:38:45 > 0:38:47to help us today. How's it going?
0:38:47 > 0:38:50- All right, thank you.- Fine, yeah.
0:38:50 > 0:38:51- Yeah.- It's looking amazing.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- I know, thank you.- No, thank you.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55How did you hear about the project?
0:38:55 > 0:38:59It was on social media. We seen it on the computer last night.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01It's such a good cause, you know?
0:39:01 > 0:39:02It is, it is.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04So we've volunteered and come over.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08This place means such a lot to such a lot of people.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10- Yes, I can imagine.- I can't thank you enough.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12- That's no problem at all. - Best of luck. Thank you.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- Thanks very much.- OK, bye!
0:39:15 > 0:39:17And thanks to all their hard work,
0:39:17 > 0:39:19together with the rest of our volunteers,
0:39:19 > 0:39:22there's just finishing touches to do now before we open
0:39:22 > 0:39:24this place up to the nippers.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Yeah!
0:39:33 > 0:39:36- It's a bit rickety, isn't it? - Maybe...
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Maybe we could put one of them tyres on it?
0:39:43 > 0:39:45You know what? I feel like dancing.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50It's no wonder you didn't win that dancing programme, is it?
0:39:50 > 0:39:51Week seven, mate. Week seven.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Was it?
0:39:54 > 0:39:57It's going to really transform it for the kids when they come back
0:39:57 > 0:39:59and see it later on.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04My son, who's five, comes here all the time.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08And I'd like to bring him here later and show him
0:40:08 > 0:40:10all the hard work that's been put in
0:40:10 > 0:40:12by all the local volunteers.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Do you know, it really is momentous what's going on around here.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32And Felix Road, I mean,
0:40:32 > 0:40:35it just shows what can be done when people put their minds to it,
0:40:35 > 0:40:38you know? I've got to know some really wonderful people since we've
0:40:38 > 0:40:41been working here, and I think it's impossible to overestimate
0:40:41 > 0:40:44the impact this place has on people's lives.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Up to 200 children will be playing here every day in the summer,
0:40:47 > 0:40:49the parents as well.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52And, you know, it's just so good to make it better,
0:40:52 > 0:40:55to make it safer and to make it fit for purpose.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57We need places like this and, you know,
0:40:57 > 0:41:01if volunteers are the people who can keep this together, bring it on!
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Our team of more than 50 volunteers
0:41:09 > 0:41:11have done a great job over the last few days.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Come in and have a little wander around, madam.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17I will, I will. Thank you.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21Thank you. Here we go. We've repaired the worn out climbing frame
0:41:21 > 0:41:22and replaced its safety netting.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25In fact, the whole place has been made safer now,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28with hazards cleared and new play features added.
0:41:28 > 0:41:29This is nice.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- Very, very nice.- You see, we've got those beds.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34They're not just beautiful, are they, Mark?
0:41:34 > 0:41:36No, they're not. What we've got planned for the beds...
0:41:36 > 0:41:40- OK.- As they grow, we can have herbs and stuff in there.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43What we thought we'd use them for is for the kids to smell everything,
0:41:43 > 0:41:45so they can crush the plants, they can smell them...
0:41:45 > 0:41:47Rosemary, lavender.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50And just feel them, and it's just a lovely...
0:41:50 > 0:41:53But once that gate's shut, they're safe in here.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55Well, the thing about a playground is
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- the proof of it is in whether the kids like it.- Well, let's see.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01Come on in, let's go, everybody!
0:42:01 > 0:42:02Go on, then!
0:42:04 > 0:42:05Come on!
0:42:10 > 0:42:12Well, the kids seem to love it.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19Ibrahim and Zayir are already testing out the climbing frame.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- Do you like that?- So what do you think of all this?
0:42:22 > 0:42:23Brilliant. It looks really nice.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26It looks nice and bright. It looks safe.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Zoe's on it already and she's enjoying herself. It's really nice.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31It really is good for your heart,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- seeing the kids just having such a good time.- Yeah.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41- Are you happy?- I am ecstatically happy.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44That'll do us, Dave. That'll do us.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46Oh, thank you very much.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- Thank you. Thanks for having us here.- Any time.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57Next time, inspired by what we've achieved so far,
0:42:57 > 0:42:59the work at Baggator picks up.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03And I spot another little job for Mark and the team
0:43:03 > 0:43:04just around the corner.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06I think I've been framed.