This interview is part of our Valleys Voices Heritage Project, where we spoke to staff (past and present), volunteers and community members about their experiences with Valleys Kids over our rich, almost 50 year history.

Philip Evans first became involved with what would become Valleys Kids in 1980, when he was appointed warden of the Rhondda IT Centre while employed by social services. He soon found himself working alongside the Penygraig Community Project on pioneering approaches to supporting young people who were struggling with poverty, school exclusion, criminalisation, and family hardship.

Working with Howell, Margaret, Richard, and others, Philip helped shape innovative alternatives to the punitive systems of the time. They created small day groups for the most at-risk children, combining education, group work, outdoor activities, life skills, and strong relationship-building—an approach very different from the authoritarian practices common in the ’80s. They built trust with young people and families, offered safe environments, and advocated in court for children to receive support instead of custody.

Over nearly a decade, the work expanded to include open groups, girls’ groups, and summer schemes across Rhondda communities. Philip emphasises that Valleys Kids has always evolved in response to community need, driven by committed staff willing to try new things and support children others gave up on.

To him, Valleys Kids is important because it provides belonging, respect, opportunities, and consistent care—qualities rare in many organisations. He believes the organisation has survived so long because it has stayed true to its values and genuinely puts local people first. He also notes ongoing worries about shrinking funding and the risk of losing vital support for vulnerable children.