CHANCE UK

Theory of Change | Evaluation

Chance UK

Chance UK is solution-focused mentoring and support charity which works with children and families to reduce the impact of trauma on their lives. The charity works to support children aged 8-14 experiencing behavioural and emotional difficulties in a needs-led and strengths-based way to develop skills which can protect them from risks in the future. Chance UK collaborates with others (e.g. education, health, social work) to support children in realising a brighter future. Chance UK work directly with young people with a 1-2-1 mentoring programme at the centre of its delivery model, with other curriculum and skills-based activities to support positive change. The charity also conducts direct work with parents and carers in developing their skills and knowledge to gain a holistic view of the young people they are working with, and to ensure their work is meaningful for families.

 

 The need

Research finds that mentoring can have a meaningful, positive impact on young people and their life outcomes. The development of positive relationships and role models is key for young people achieving their aims and ambitions. Chance UK has a long history of working in this way and has demonstrated impacts in reducing anti-social behaviours and decreased involvement of young people with the youth justice system. There is a need to ensure that early-help provided to young people, when needs are identified by schools or other professionals, that support is available which is related to areas of challenge being experienced. Chance UK have trained and developed youth work professionals as mentors to deliver their programmes. They are currently in a change process with new leadership and developments of their organisational strategy so wish to review their models, delivery and how they can strengthen the evidence of their impact.

Our response

Dartington Service Design Lab has been commissioned to work in partnership with Chance UK staff to support their organisational change and develop areas of activity which support their new strategic direction. We will be working to support Chance UK in:

  1. The design and development of a Chance UK Theory of Change representing the organisation’s key activities, and the mechanisms and outcomes for children and their families.

  2. The production of an evaluation framework that captures key metrics and evidence of impact for the organisation to capture change and impact as well as consistency in use.

  3. Support Chance UK in their understanding and potential application and use of Goal Attainment Scaling as an evaluation framework which supports individual progression through the mentoring programme.

 
 

The work was launched in March 2023 and will run until February 2024

 For more information, contact:   Charlotte Woodhead