DIY SOS: The Big Build BBC Children in Need Special will see Nick Knowles, with his team convert and expand a rundown youth centre into an exciting and inviting community hub which will include, amongst other things: state of the art recording studios, rehearsal space, educational kitchen facilities, and all weather outdoor sports facilities, that will provide crucial support to some of the city’s most disadvantaged young people.

The Community Recording Studio (CRS) started in 1991 and was founded by a group of local people to teach film, video and music skills to children and young people from across Nottingham who are facing various challenges in their lives. The CRS has occupied a few rooms in the existing Russell Youth Centre for the last 28 years, but the increased demand for their outreach means that they need more space and the centre is in need of a major renovation.

The DIY SOS team with the help of kind trade volunteers have big plans to renovate the centre and turn it into a space that will provide much needed outreach and support for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in Nottingham, whilst also providing a space where they can develop skills in music, video, photography, cooking and exercise in a professional environment and give them the opportunity to reach their potential.

Nick Knowles, Presenter of BBC One’s DIY SOS said: “The team and I are delighted to be heading to Nottingham for this Big Build special working with the Community Recording Studio, which helps young people affected by a wide range of issues turn their lives around to build a positive future.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge for us, as it’s a really ambitious build but I know that with the help of the community in Nottingham and beyond we’ll be able to transform this rundown centre into a space that will change young people’s lives. Please get involved if you can.”

Trevor Rose, Chief Executive and founder of the CRS said: “We’re over the moon to hear that DIY SOS: The Big Build BBC Children in Need Special are coming to Nottingham to renovate our youth centre. Young people from across the community have been coming to the CRS for the last 28 years. We provide a safe haven for many of the young people in our area, some of those are facing issues such as gang violence, knife crime and exclusion from school, and we work with them and support them to help change their attitudes and improve their outlook for the future. With this help from DIY SOS we’ll be able to increase this support further and continue making a positive difference to young lives in the area.”

Simon Antrobus, Chief Executive of BBC Children in Need added: “We’re delighted that Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team will be in Nottingham later this year for another spectacular Big Build BBC Children in Need Special. The programme changes lives and we know that this one will be no different, leaving a lasting legacy and supporting children and young people to do brilliant things across Nottingham.”

BBC Children in Need has funded Community Recording Studio since 2017. Currently, the CRS uses a three-year grant of £27,140 to deliver creative workshops in music and video skills for young people who are facing various disadvantages and have challenging behaviour. Attending the workshop sessions inspires their creativity and helps to reduce aggressive behaviour, increase their confidence and self-esteem, engages them in positive activities and encourages them to learn new skills.

Across Nottingham, BBC Children in Need currently funds 46 projects to the value of £2.8million supporting disadvantaged children and young people.