Who are we?
Evolve is a community-led not-for-profit youth organisation dedicated to empowering young voices across Derbyshire. We were established to increase opportunities for young people, with a particular focus on those who are marginalised or fall outside traditional support criteria. Our empowering programmes provide mentoring, advocacy, and tailored support for young individuals facing mental health challenges, engaging in offending behaviours, or at risk of exploitation or becoming NEET (not in education, employment, or training). We work one-to-one and in group settings with children and young people aged 11–25 to ensure their voices are heard, valued, and uplifted.
Our Mission
At
Evolve Advocacy & Young Persons Mentoring we believe
that
with the right
support children and young adults can flourish to reach their full potential. Part of
our
mission is to empower children, and young adults to have a say in their lives
particularly
those
who may have found themselves in vulnerable situations. At Evolve we ensure that
advocacy
and
support is available to those in need in our community, enabling young people with fewer
opportunities to make positive changes to their lives and Evolve.
Evolve Advocacy has six principles that define what we do and how.
Empowerment
With all the pressures young people face, we want to create a safe space where we work with them, not for them.
We see them as the experts of their own lives, feelings, and wishes. Our role is to make sure their voices are heard, their feelings respected, and their hopes supported.
Voluntary Participation
Voluntary Participation is key to making a real difference. Children and young people often have high expectations, and their right to make their own choices can sometimes be overlooked.
We value their independence, as this builds trust in our team—both are essential for positive results.
Mutual Trusting Relationships
At Evolve, we aim to build strong, trusting relationships by using a non-judgemental, person-centred approach that recognises the strengths of each child and young person.
Identity
At Evolve, we understand that children and young people face growing challenges with changing expectations and pressures.
We support personal growth through empathy, understanding, and open conversation.
A strong sense of identity is key to belonging, so we aim to create a space where young people can grow, learn, be themselves, and find new ways to understand themselves and the world.
Informal Education & Support
Access to information helps young people make informed choices. Informal education is at the heart of our work.
This can happen in different places and through various activities, often without realising new knowledge is being gained.
Equality
At Evolve, we believe in levelling the playing field to support personal growth. Children and young people shouldn’t be held back by circumstances beyond their control or by who they are.
We work creatively to help them build skills, knowledge, and connections in the local community as they move into adulthood.
Our goal is to create a culture where children and young people can feel part of their community without fear or discrimination.
What we do...
Advocacy
At Evolve we will provide information to help you make decisions, and ensure your voice is heard in decisions made about your life, and the services you receive. We can participate in or represent your voice in meetings.
Mentoring
Mentoring can have a significant impact on young peoples lives, including lowering antisocial behaviour, enhancing school attendance, and preventing and reducing substance misuse. Improving emotional well-being, improving self-esteem and confidence.
Mental Health Support
At Evolve we can offer support with low level mental health and wellbeing. For more complex support please call us to discuss a referral to our psychologist.
Employment & Education
For those not in education or employment (NEET) we can support finding alternative provision, preparing for work such has CVs and interview preparation.
Family Support
When working with young people we should not work with them in silo. A whole family centred approach helps familys achieve their goals and create long term stability.
Life Skills
life skills aim to inspire young people to gain the knowledge and experience to transitioning to adulthood. At Evolve we will work with young people to cook, teach budgeting skills, embrace failure, personal grooming, communication skills, resilience, managing emotions, decision making and much more.
Workshops
Evolve can deliver on a one-on-one or in small group sessions around county lines, domestic abuse, healthy relationships, and wellbeing.
Housing & Benefits
At Evolve we understand that filling in forms can be daunting. We can support those with homelessness, by filling in forms and benefit advice. We can support you with referrals to supported accommodation.
We aim to...
- Facilitate and empower the voice of young people
- Reduce loneliness and isolation
- Feel more connected to their communities
- Begin to feel in control of their own lives
- To have autonomy, critical thinking, openness, curiosity, and creativity
- Gain confidence by developing independence skills and meeting new people