OUR VISION

Our Context

Evolve Nottingham CIC operates as a community-embedded hub serving residents across Strelley, Broxtowe, and Aspley in North Nottingham. Over nine years, we have developed deep roots in areas facing complex, interconnected challenges including some of the highest unemployment figures nationally, amongst the lowest educational attainment, and significantly reduced healthy life expectancy compared to national averages. These challenges require long-term, holistic responses that address root causes rather than symptoms.

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Our Approach

We operate through a unique place-based model that views our community as a system of relationships between residents, services, and partners. Our approach is underpinned by three core principles:

• Community-Led: Deeply embedded in and fully led by the community, recognising that trust takes time and residents are the experts in their own lives

• Trauma-Informed: Creating safe, supportive environments with warmth and understanding for all who enter our doors

• Systems Thinking: Focusing on whole systems rather than isolated parts, building relationships that create lasting change

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EVOLVE AIMS TO:

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Build Trust and Strengthen Community

• Create welcoming, accessible spaces where everyone is met with understanding and their time is valued

• Facilitate connections between diverse community members and celebrate our rich cultural heritage

• Develop community champions and leaders who can drive change from within

 

Deliver Holistic, Integrated Support

• Provide responsive services that adapt to emerging community needs and remove barriers to access

• Offer interconnected welfare support, health and wellbeing activities, and employment pathways

• Work as a multidisciplinary team ensuring every contact matters and no one works in isolation

 

Create Pathways to Opportunity

• Support residents to build confidence, basic life skills, and social connections as foundations for change

• Provide flexible employment support ranging from initial engagement through to sustained work

• Offer volunteering, training, and skills development opportunities that build on individual strengths

 

Navigate and Influence Systems

• Help residents access and navigate statutory services whilst advocating for those who have “fallen through the gaps”

• Work collaboratively with partners to avoid duplication and ensure coordinated support

• Influence policy and practice to create more responsive, community-centred services

 

Build Long-Term Resilience

• Support community ownership of local assets, initiatives, and decision-making processes

• Build sustainable community enterprises and solutions that address local priorities

• Ensure diverse representation in community leadership and governance

 

Drive Systems Change

• Demonstrate and advocate for place-based approaches that address root causes of inequality

• Share learning and influence policy recognition of community-led solutions

• Work towards sustainable funding models that support long-term community development

 

Our Ultimate Impact Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to achieve reduced inequalities, strengthened communities, and improved quality of life, with sustainable systems change that addresses the root causes of poverty and creates genuine pathways to employment and wellbeing for all residents in North Nottingham.