Crea8ing Community: Growing something special in Noctorum

Is there anything more inspiring than seeing a community come together to transform neglected land into a welcoming green space for everyone to enjoy?

That is exactly what has happened in Noctorum, where the dedicated staff and volunteers at Crea8ing Communities have created the wonderful new Nocky Nook Community Garden. Myself and Emma from the Wirral CVS Volunteering Team were delighted to be invited to celebrate the official opening of this fantastic space.

The evening began with a generous spread of food prepared by volunteers, alongside reflections on everything the organisation has achieved over the past year. Volunteers were at the heart of the celebration, with certificates presented in recognition of the energy and care they have given to their community.

From volunteer directors and afternoon tea team working behind the scenes to the welcome volunteers and gardening volunteers preparing the space, every contribution was recognised and valued. It was especially encouraging to see younger volunteers involved too, showing that caring for your community can truly be a family affair.

Guests then took a short walk to the Nocky Nook itself, where freshly planted borders and colourful planters showcased the hard work that has gone into transforming the area. Even a little drizzle could not dampen spirits.

Lead volunteer Hilary, alongside Cllr George Davies, unveiled the plaque to mark the opening of the space, followed by a toast with sparkling drinks among more than 30 volunteers and supporters.

Located next to Co-Op Academy Hillside School, Crea8ing Community work in partnership with local schools and services to provide a wide range of support across Noctorum and the wider Wirral. Through activities and services focused on families, mental health resilience, employability and education, as well as training opportunities across the borough and beyond, the organisation helps ensure wellbeing and resilience remain at the heart of the community. Seeing guests chatting together throughout the evening made it clear that this is a place where people feel included, valued and inspired to reach their potential.

Lynne Akwei-Howe, Founder and CEO told us how proud she was of everything Crea8ting Communities have achieved so far and the support they have had along the way "It has been wonderful seeing how the community comes together to make these things happen. Special thanks to Julianna from the Community Neighbourhood Safety Team at Wirral Council, Our Happy Hub, The Noctorum Residents Committee, Lisa from Waste and Environmental Services and Dave from Parks and Countryside services for all their support"

The small patch of unused land on the estate had previously been used for community bonfires, but in recent years it had become more of a dumping ground and was no longer usable for local residents. Recognising the potential of the space, Crea8ing Community and the Noctorum Residents Committee sought permission from Wirral Council to transform it into somewhere local people could enjoy and take pride in.

“It’s such an amazing place to work” Gina Doyle, Programme Manager at Crea8ing Community told us. “The volunteers are just amazing, they come together and make things happen. They deserve all this recognition. We're also really grateful to the Bupa Green Space Grant, Wirral CVS' Small Grants Programme and Cllrs Steve Foulkes, George Davies and Gill Woods who have sponsored the Nocky Nook so we could purchase plants and flowers that should last through the seasons and make this a really special place for residents to enjoy”

The Nocky Nook is something the whole community can be proud of. It stands as a lasting reminder of what can be achieved when people come together to improve the place they call home, and it will be enjoyed for years to come. If you want to keep track of more of the wonderful things both Crea8ing Community and other organisations are developing, head to the Facebook page and their website to find out more!