Near Neighbours Grant to support young people in Nottingham
We’re excited to share the launch of NextGen Hub in Nottingham, a new programme designed to support young people to explore creativity, build confidence and develop real skills for the future.
The project is taking place at Community Recording Studio (CRS) on Lowdham Street in Nottingham and has been made possible thanks to funding from Near Neighbours. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Near Neighbours for supporting this initiative and recognising the importance of creating positive opportunities for young people within their communities.
Across the UK there is growing recognition from government and community programmes of the need to invest in young people’s wellbeing, belonging and future opportunities. Initiatives like NextGen Hub contribute to this wider effort by providing safe, creative and inclusive environments where young people can connect with others, learn new skills and explore their potential.
NextGen Hub has been designed as a welcoming space where participants can take part in a range of creative, cultural and personal development sessions led by experienced artists and facilitators. The programme includes:
Capoeira sessions with Qaasim Uhuru, exploring rhythm, movement and cultural heritage through the Afro-Brazilian art form.
Healthy relationships workshops led by Vanessa Macfarlane, creating space for important conversations about wellbeing, respect and positive relationships.
Voice and vocal confidence workshops with Tina Carter, supporting young people to develop confidence in speaking, singing and expressing themselves.
Event management and planning sessions with Jude Finlay, offering insight into how creative events are organised and delivered.
Songwriting and confidence-building workshops with Davina Simon, encouraging participants to explore creativity through music and storytelling.
Songwriting sessions with Keke Manikii, supporting collaboration and musical creativity.
Creative technology and AI exploration with Ezekiel Arzac, introducing young people to emerging tools and new ways of thinking about creativity and the future.
The programme will also culminate in an open mic event at Community Recording Studio, where participants will have the opportunity to showcase their music, spoken word and creative work in a supportive live setting.
A key element of NextGen Hub is creating real opportunities for young people to step into meaningful roles within Nottingham’s creative community. Participants will be able to gain experience supporting and contributing to CommuniTree Festival, taking on roles such as stage support, event coordination, artist liaison, technical assistance, creative documentation and helping facilitate audience activities.
Being involved in a live community festival allows young people to apply the skills they develop during the sessions in a real-world environment, working alongside artists, organisers and community leaders. These experiences can help build confidence, teamwork and leadership skills while opening doors into the creative industries and community arts.
At its heart, NextGen Hub is about wellbeing, community and belonging. Creative activities such as music, movement and storytelling can play a powerful role in helping young people reduce stress, develop friendships and feel connected to their local community. By creating supportive spaces for expression and collaboration, the project aims to help young people feel valued, heard and inspired.
We’re grateful to Near Neighbours for making this programme possible and helping ensure these free, inclusive sessions are available to young people in Nottingham.
Young people and staff at Community Recording Studio (CRS) with Prince Harry during a visit to the centre in 2025.
When Women Gather’s new project - NExtGen Hub, supported by Near Neighbours Nottingham.
