Working with the Community

The University of Nottingham has a long history of playing an active role in the local community and there are a number of different activities that take place across the University.

The Active Communities initiative was established in 2002 to encourage staff and students to become engaged in their local communities through volunteering. As individuals and groups, University volunteers have become involved in a wide range of activities. Local primary schools receive a great deal of support through the scheme, such as the John Clifford Primary School which, amongst other things, receives support for children whose first language is not English.

In nearby Lenton, the Crocus Café has been set up to provide a meeting place for students and local residents, providing Fair Trade food and drink. Active Communities has brought together students and Catering and Residential Services to develop the project.

One of the largest organisations within the Students' Union is Student Community Action. Through this group over 600 students a year volunteer in local schools and community organisations, as well as a wide range of other projects throughout Nottingham.

The University's relationships with local communities are assisted by the Off-Campus Students Manager who works with senior University managers to maintain a dialogue with residents' associations, Nottingham City Council, Broxtowe Borough Council, the police and other agencies. The Manager is the key University representative at meetings on and off campus where community concerns can be identified and positive relationships maintained between student and non-student residents in a community.

The University works closely with Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, the East Midlands Development Agency and organisations such as Nottingham Ambassadors and the CBI to promote the East Midlands region and encourage inward investment.

Local involvement with the arts is encouraged through the Lakeside Arts Centre. As well as being one of the region's most exciting arts centres, it is fast becoming recognised for the role it plays in education and the local community. A dedicated Drama Education Officer works with schools across the City and County and the centre has developed partnerships with local arts agencies and initiatives including Nottingham Playhouse, NOTT Dance and the NOW festival.

To encourage applicants from the local community who have great potential but who might not otherwise consider university as an option, the Widening Participation Team's outreach programme offers a variety of activities. These range from summer schools, drama workshops and campus tours to coaching in study skills and interview techniques.

Over the last academic year the program ran over 250 activities for schools and colleges in which almost 10,000 young people participated. Over 4,000 people participated in activities run through community groups or with mature learners.