I am a family or healthcare professional
Please read the below information before applying for a Helping Hands project for your family or a family you support.
The Helping Hands programme provides safe, stimulating and accessible garden transformations nationwide. The needs of the child or young person must have a significant impact on the family and their opportunity to enjoy an ordinary life at home. We work with corporate volunteers who provide the manpower – these volunteers are enthusiastic but are not skilled tradespeople, such as landscapers. We also have a budget for materials and only a maximum of two days to complete the project.
Applications now closed
Due to receiving a high number of applications. the Helping Hands programme application process is now closed. Keep an eye on our website and social media for news on when we will re-open.
If you are a parent, main carer, Health or Social Care Professional applying on behalf of a family for their child or young person, here are the things that you will need before you complete the application form:
- Complete our Eligibility Check form to find out whether the child or young person you are supporting is eligible for a Helping Hands project. If they are eligible, you will receive a unique reference number – please note you will not be able to complete an application form without this number.
- Details for a parent or main carer for the child or young person who lives at the same address.
- Consent from the parent or main carer to apply on their behalf, and share their personal details including those of the child or young person with WellChild.
- Details of the property owner if that isn’t the family.
- Ideally, two photographs of the garden which you are applying for help with, although you will be able to submit the application without if necessary. One should be taken from standing just outside the back door looking down the garden, and another taken standing at the bottom of the garden looking back towards the house.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, please email [email protected].
Can I re-apply?
Yes. However, we cannot guarantee that by reapplying your new application will be successful. We would also require you to complete the whole application process again in full to ensure fairness against other applications.
Is there other ways WellChild can help?
Yes. Click here for the information hub that contains some useful advice >>
Do you do front gardens?
We only consider back gardens, unless the front garden is your only outside space.
Can you remove trees?
Although we can remove small trees from outside spaces, they can require specialist equipment which we do not have access to. This means that we would have to investigate on an case by case basis from your application.
Can you install sunken trampolines?
No. We have experienced several problems outside our control when installing sunken trampolines on past projects. This has led to our families not being able to use them.
Can you lay our driveway?
No. Although we understand that access close to the home can be vital for some families. We concentrate on creating safe, accessible and sensory spaces for our families.
Can you undertake large construction projects?
No. As we work with an unskilled volunteer workforce, we are unable to undertake projects requiring specialist trade knowledge. These include:
- Driveways.
- Brickwork.
- Conservatories.
- Retaining walls.
- Large patios.
Can I apply with outstanding construction work (DFG) due to take place?
No. Applications should be made after other building work has been completed.
Can I apply if I’m moving house?
No. You can only apply once you are living at the property.
Meet the Helping Hands Team
Kieran Cullen
Helping Hands Programme Manager
After completion of a career in military engineering, Kieran joined WellChild in 2016. He first took a role as one of our Project Managers planning and delivering our garden and bedroom projects nationwide, before taking over running the programme in 2022. Outside of work he likes to spend time outdoors and can regularly be found helping out on WellChild’s Challenge Event activities.
Lucy Evans
Helping Hands Coordinator
Lucy joined WellChild in February 2018. The coordinator is the point of contact for all families and overseeing the administration of the Helping Hands Programme. Outside of work, Lucy enjoys spending time with family, socialising and going to see live music.
Roger Merritt
Helping Hands Project Manager
Roger is a Helping Hands Project Manager who plans and delivers our garden projects. He joined the team in May 2023 after spending 8 years running his own landscaping business. Before that he had a long successful career working in the finance and banking industry. In his spare time he likes to go to the cinema and theatre, taking walks with the dog, and listening to music and audiobooks.
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