NSEMM partners with local libraries to deliver free tutoring services, supported by University of Nottingham Cascade Grants Programme
The National Society for Education, Mentoring and Media (NSEMM) today announced the launch of its East Midlands Community Education Network, a groundbreaking initiative that embeds educational support services directly within Nottingham’s public libraries.
The program, made possible through donations from University of Nottingham alumni, staff, students and friends via the Cascade Grants Programme, represents a new model for community-based educational support that strengthens existing library services rather than replacing them.
Beginning with weekly sessions at St Ann’s and Sneinton Libraries, the Network collaborates with established Homework Help Sessions to provide comprehensive educational support in trusted community spaces. The initiative targets young people in school years 7-13, offering services where accessibility barriers are lowest.
“Libraries are the heartbeat of community learning,” said Adrian Angol-Henry, co-founder of NSEMM. “By embedding our services within these trusted spaces, we’re making quality education accessible to every young person who walks through the doors, regardless of their circumstances.”
Comprehensive Educational Support
The East Midlands Community Education Network provides:
- Free tutoring and homework assistance in literacy, mathematics and sciences within library settings
- Pay-what-you-can online tutoring sessions ensuring affordability for all families
- Personalised academic support for students from Year 7 through Year 13
- Academic and career pathway mentoring connecting young people with guidance counselors
- Digital learning resources accessible through library partnerships
The program’s integration approach has drawn attention from education professionals for its collaborative methodology.
“Our approach is about enhancement, not replacement,” explained Socks Ansell, co-founder of NSEMM. “We’re working directly with the council’s library team and local organisations to amplify existing services. Instead of opening new buildings, let’s use ones we already have, ensuring young people get support in spaces they already know and trust.”
Expanding Regional Impact
NSEMM has initiated partnerships with eight schools across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, with strategic plans to expand to four regular locations across the East Midlands by the end of 2025. The expansion prioritises areas facing the greatest educational need.
Early program data demonstrates significant impact:
- Average tutoring cost of £10.54 per hour, substantially below market rates
- Over 500 tutoring and mentoring hours delivered through online programming in 2024
The Network’s sustainable framework aims to create a replicable model for educational support across the East Midlands region.
Student-Led Innovation
As a student-founded and student-operated charity, NSEMM represents a unique approach to educational support services. The organisation operates under the principle “by students, for students,” ensuring programs remain responsive to the actual needs of young learners.
“This is the first ‘community education network’ designed for strategic grassroots partnerships run by a charity founded and operated entirely by students,” noted a program spokesperson. “We’re demonstrating that student-led initiatives can create meaningful, lasting impact in communities.”
The East Midlands Community Education Network serves as NSEMM’s flagship initiative, piloting an innovative model for integrating educational support into existing community infrastructure.
About NSEMM
The National Society for Education, Mentoring and Media is a registered charity in England and Wales (charity number 1209673) committed to making education accessible to all young people in the UK. Through innovative approaches to tutoring and mentoring, NSEMM works directly with families, schools and communities to create lasting impact where it’s needed most.
For more information about the East Midlands Community Education Network or volunteer opportunities, visit nsemm.org.uk/networks.