“As the local Member of Parliament, I have seen first-hand the amazing work Evolve do with communities in the north of Nottingham. Evolve is based in one of the most challenged areas of our city and they have worked hard to gain the trust of local people. Evolve run a variety of groups and classes with a focus on health and wellbeing, as well as helping people who might be looking to return to employment. The work they do is invaluable and it’s a privilege to have them in our city.”

Alex Norris MP, Labour MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley

“The secret of Evolve’s success is that it has roots in the community it serves while having good links with organisations and agencies outside the area. Evolve has imagination and a dedicated, approachable team of staff. Above all, it is professionally managed, which is not always the case in the voluntary sector. This professionalism gives Evolve the credibility to access resources and sup-port from elsewhere which in turn benefits the area it serves. A model voluntary sector organisation.”

Councillor Graham Chapman, Aspley Ward

“Cadent and Evolve are partnering to implement the Centre for Warmth initiative in Strelley, Bilborough and surrounding areas. Cadent chose to collaborate with Evolve due to the strong connections and positive impact that the centre and its staff have within the local community. Evolve is well-positioned to convey Cadent’s key messages because of the trust and relationships they have cultivated in the area. Cadent looks forward to working with Evolve to make a meaningful difference in local communities.”

Will Adlard, Community Partnership Lead, Midlands Centre for Warmth Project, Cadent

“Local officers fully support the work of Evolve who carry out positive work and activities in the community by guiding and inspiring young people, raising aspirations and providing practical help and support. Historically, Broxtowe and Strelley have suffered from high levels of antisocial behaviour and low-level criminality. There are no other youth services in the locality and the work being carried out by Evolve is critical in challenging and changing behaviours, making the area a better to place to live.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Gordon Fenwick, Nottingham City West

“Evolve has effectively utilised its UKSPF grant to successfully deliver both People & Skills and Community & Place projects. The funding has been instrumental in enhancing their centre, creating a more welcoming environment for project participants and supporting a diverse range of local community members. This includes assisting individuals in finding employment, accessing training and volunteering opportunities, and engaging in community events. As of December 2024, over 1,900 city residents have benefited from the activities and support provided through the grant. Evolve is a trusted organisation within the community and among our partnerships, consistently demonstrating its commitment and positive impact on the lives of those it supports.”

Nottingham City Council’s UKSPF Project Management Team

“The Violence Reduction Partnership have funded Evolve from 1st June 2022 till 31st March 2025 for their R Programme. During this time, Evolve have worked with individuals displaying a range of vul-nerabilities and helped them in turning their lives around. One young adult now works at Evolve as a leader after Gary worked tirelessly to mentor him after he’d punched a hole in Evolve’s wall. This is down to the pure commitment that Evolve has in supporting young adults in the Strelley area. Evolve continually develop their programmes. This includes identifying a gap in their offer for girls and setting set up a beauty course which was well attended. They reached out to their local school, the Djanogly Academy in Strelley, to strengthen links with the community. Evolve strengthened their coaching team and are supporting a young adult to take boxing qualifications to improve Evolve’s resilience. Evolve supported another young adult to complete his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh by allowing him to support youth sessions as a volunteer. Evolve are continually striving to make changes and are the epitome of an organisation rooted in its area, which supports people to access services and opportunities.”

Nicola Baker Swift – Head of Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire’s Violence Reduction Partnership

The `Family`

Back before ‘lock-down’, I’d been working over 60 hours a week and COVID came as a blessing in disguise: sometimes we don’t always recognise when we have issues with our physical and mental health. Men, in particular, often deny they have any problems and certainly don’t talk about them.

I was living alone, unable to return to my previous job due to Covid, with no colleagues or friends around me, and found myself in a down-ward spiral. At several points I had made plans to say `goodbye` to the world. I had `hit the buffers`.

It was a Social Prescriber at my local GP Surgery, who offered me a `key`, which opened the door and let in a chink of light, into my darkened world. Step-by-step I opened the door a little wider, and began meeting new people in new situations.

That`s where Gary, Joe and `Evolve` enter the story. I was made really welcome, when I started attending one of the weekly social-groups. From there, I have found even more keys and even more doors to open. The bond`s and friendships I have formed in just over a year have benefited me immensely. My new-found self-confidence, increased self-esteem, and ability to understand and trust in others has been incalculable. `Evolve` is like a `family`, and thanks to their support, I am looking at volunteering in new areas, using life-skills and knowledge I have gained over the years.

The tea and biscuits, and a listening ear are always there, and also the feeling of being valued. For those things, I cannot thank `Evolve` enough.

Neil