Volunteers transform Nottingham community spaces in just four hours – and earn concert tickets

Hundreds of volunteers have begun transforming community spaces across Nottingham as part of a new initiative that rewards people with a live music experience.

Nottingham RockCorps officially kicked off this weekend, as the first wave of volunteers came together to transform community spaces across the city. The county-wide initiative encourages young people to give four hours of their time in return for an exclusive concert ticket.

Projects took place at Hyson Green Youth Centre, Stonebridge City Farm and The Lenton Centre, with more than 200 volunteers rolling up their sleeves to take part in painting, decorating, gardening and renovation work.

At The Lenton Centre, rooms were transformed from drab and dreary into bright, welcoming spaces, while at Stonebridge City Farm outdoor areas were cleared and prepared for a new phase of planting and gardening set to take place next week. At Hyson Green Youth Centre, volunteers worked together to refresh and improve key community areas.

Amari Mather-Simpson who volunteered at Stonebridge Farm said:

“I signed up because I thought it would be fun to be outside, doing some volunteering with a pay off at the end. I’ve been wheelbarrowing today - it’s been great. I’m really looking forward to going to the concert with all the people that I met today - I think it will be a great night.”

Robert Olifent, Site and Volunteer Manager at Stonebridge added:

“Everyone has a smile on their face and everyone is enjoying working together - painting, digging, shifting soil. There’s a real team spirit. If we can encourage young people like this to care about their community and do something meaningful, I think that’s a brilliant thing.”

Everyone who completed four hours of volunteering this weekend has now earned a ticket to an exclusive live music event at Rock City on 8 April, headlined by British chart-topper Tinie Tempah, with support from MOBO nominated JayaHadADream.

Both artists will also be giving their time to volunteer at Nottingham RockCorps projects in the coming weeks, before joining participants to celebrate at the concert.

The programme is powered by lead partner Experian, alongside a coalition of partners across the city including E.On, DHP Family, Manchester Airport Group, Nottingham College, Cartwright, Police Crime Commissioner for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Gary Godden, Nottingham City Business Club, Forever Notts, Nottingham Building Society, It’s in Nottingham, Raven Sky Consulting and MTVH.

With more projects taking place over the next two weeks, the initiative is set to have a significant impact across Nottinghamshire — bringing people together to improve community spaces and support local organisations.

Last summer, Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden challenged partners in Nottinghamshire to “think differently” about how to sustain long-term positive outcomes for children and young people in Nottinghamshire.

PCC Godden said: “This is exactly the kind of bold, collaborative thinking we need if we are serious about creating lasting change for our children and young people.

“By bringing together leaders, businesses, charities and the cultural sector, Nottingham RockCorps shows what can happen when partners step outside traditional approaches and think differently about engagement.

“Often, we talk about problems in isolation. This initiative flips that on its head - using music, volunteering and community action as a powerful vehicle to build confidence, skills and stronger neighbourhoods.”

There is still time to get involved.

Anyone aged 16–24 is encouraged to sign up, although there is no upper age limit. By giving just four hours to a local project, participants can earn their place at the Rock City concert.

Sign up now at: www.nottinghamrockcorps.com