Kent housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes recently dedicated two weeks of volunteering to its ‘Charity of the Year’ The Hive Thanet, which included constructing two outdoor log cabin classrooms.
Founded in 2024, The Hive Thanet is the UK’s first national bespoke training, recreational, social and learning centre for children, young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as supporting family members and carers.
During the two weeks’ worth of volunteering at The Hive Thanet, the housebuilder sought to undertake a project which would create new opportunities for individuals with SEND and the wider community around them.
Members from Barratt David Wilson Kent and Kingsheath Construction were set the challenge of constructing two outdoor log cabins. These will be used as all-weather classrooms equipped with step-free access to the main building, as well as electricity throughout.
The classrooms will host a new day service called ‘The Hive Traineeship’, offering a wide range of bespoke activities to develop social, life and employability skills, all aimed at building independence.
This day service will enable the ‘trainees’ to explore their interests and socialise with others through several activities such as gardening, life and employability tasks, creative workshops, sports and cooking.
Diarmuid Molloy, director of philanthropy at The Hive Thanet, said: “Put simply, the team members from Barratt David Wilson Kent and Kingsheath Construction have transformed our space here at The Hive Thanet. Outdoor learning is so important for young people’s minds, and it’s key that we provide this as part of our newly launched ‘The Hive Traineeship’ programme.
“With the housebuilder’s backing, the classrooms and funds raised this year will help us provide safe, nurturing spaces for those who need them most, enabling us to reach more people, deliver essential services, and create lasting change in our community.
“Everyone in the Thanet area and beyond deserves a safe place to grow, and with this support, we are one step closer to making that a reality.”
Natalie Perry, director of sales and marketing director at David Wilson Kent, added: “Our volunteering project at The Hive Thanet was a leading example of what can be achieved through teamwork, passion and investing in the local community.
“Donating our time and resources to help projects such as these throughout Kent is one of our biggest commitments to creating strong and meaningful relationships, with legacies that will last for years to come.
“It has been a pleasure to support The Hive Thanet’s work as we surpass the midway point of 2025. Throughout the year, we have raised funds by skydiving, golf away days and gala dinners, but physically constructing two cabins feels incredibly special to us.
“We look forward to seeing the cabins in use over the autumn and winter months whilst continuing to see the charity’s commitment to improving lives across the Kent area.”
To find out more about the project, click here.
