Prince Harry joins forces with PCC to back Nottingham youth projects
Young people in Nottingham were given the royal seal of approval yesterday as The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, visited the Community Recording Studio (CRS) in St Ann’s to announce £1.1 million of new funding for children’s projects.
The Duke, who has visited CRS on several occasions, praised the life-changing work of both CRS and Epic Partners in empowering young people and providing positive alternatives to crime and antisocial behaviour.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has provided long-term support to both organisations.
CRS has received £125,000 in PCC funding since 2020 to deliver targeted music and mentoring programmes, while Epic Partners were awarded nearly £5,000 last year to launch a structured basketball project for young people in Sneinton.
The project has given young people access to professional coaching, personal development workshops, and opportunities to build confidence and aspirations while steering away from crime.
CRS, meanwhile, continues to transform the lives of vulnerable young people across Nottingham. By combining music and creativity with targeted mentoring, CRS supports 10–18-year-olds at risk of violence, helping them develop skills, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
This support sits alongside wider investment through the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP), which commissions a range of youth programmes across the city and county, from school-based workshops to mentoring and sports interventions.
Its work is delivered in partnership with Nottingham City Youth Justice Service and Nottinghamshire Police and is recognised nationally for its cultural competence and impact in ethnic global majority communities.
Young people from CRS performed for the Duke and guests at the event, with their music raising the roof and showcasing the talent and energy of Nottingham’s next generation.
Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “This visit shines a spotlight on the incredible youth projects we are proud to support in Nottingham.
“CRS and Epic are changing lives every day, giving young people opportunities, raising aspirations, and reducing crime.
“As PCC, I’ve made it my mission to bring partners together, including Prince Harry, to back projects that tackle serious violence and create safer, stronger communities.
“This was a proud moment for St Ann’s and for Nottinghamshire as a whole.”
The visit underlined Nottinghamshire’s commitment to tackling serious violence through positive engagement and youth diversion, key priorities in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan.
