Balfour Beatty Apprentices Give Back to Tees Valley Women’s Centre Tees Valley Women’s Centre was delighted to welcome a team of apprentices from Balfour Beatty, who volunteered their time and skills to help improve our Centre as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities. Throughout the day, the apprentices worked tirelessly to refresh our facilities by painting our training rooms and clearing weeds and overgrown areas around the outside of the building. Their hard work has made a real difference, helping us maintain a welcoming, safe and inspiring environment for the hundreds of women who access our services every year. The day was coordinated and supported by Katie, Social Impact Advisor, and Becky, whose encouragement and supervision ensured the project ran smoothly. We are incredibly grateful for their enthusiasm and dedication in making the day such a success. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to CMT Group for generously donating the paint supplies, enabling this community project to take place. After a productive morning, everyone came together to enjoy a homemade lunch, kindly prepared by the wonderful ladies at the Centre. It provided a fantastic opportunity to get to know one another, reflect on the day’s achievements and celebrate the value of working together for the benefit of our local community. At Tees Valley Women’s Centre, we know that strong partnerships are essential in helping us continue to provide high-quality services and opportunities for women across the region. Support from organisations such as Balfour Beatty and CMT Group not only helps us improve our facilities but also demonstrates the positive impact businesses can have when they invest in their local communities. We would like to thank every apprentice who volunteered, along with Katie, Becky and everyone involved in making the day possible. Your generosity, hard work and community spirit are greatly appreciated, and we hope to welcome you back to Tees Valley Women’s Centre again in the future. Thank you for helping us create an even better space where women can learn, build confidence, access support and achieve their potential.

From Student to School Professional: Ashleigh’s Inspiring Journey Sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity to completely change the direction of your life. For Ashleigh McNamara, that opportunity came when she enrolled on the Supporting Teaching & Learning course at Tees Valley Women’s Centre. After becoming a mum, Ashleigh found herself at a crossroads. Like many women balancing family responsibilities while thinking about the future, she wanted to build a better life for herself and her children. Taking the first step back into education felt like a big decision—but one she now describes as the best she ever made. “Applying for the Supporting Teaching and Learning course was the best thing I ever did. It allowed me to secure a job, buy my own house and provide my two children with a secure and happy upbringing. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity they gave me.” During her time at Tees Valley Women’s Centre, Ashleigh completed both the Level 2 and Level 3 Supporting Teaching & Learning qualifications. She also expanded her knowledge through distance learning, achieving Level 2 qualifications in Understanding Autism and Behaviour that Challenges. The impact of those qualifications has been life-changing. As part of her studies, Ashleigh completed a work placement at Prior Pursglove College. Her dedication and commitment impressed the team so much that she was offered a permanent position at the end of her placement. Securing full-time employment gave Ashleigh the financial stability to achieve another major milestone—buying her own home and providing a secure and happy environment for her two children. Her learning journey hasn’t stopped there. Inspired by her success and growing confidence, Ashleigh is now continuing her professional development and working towards becoming a qualified teacher. At Tees Valley Women’s Centre, we believe education has the power to transform lives, and Ashleigh’s story is a perfect example of what can happen when women are given the opportunity, encouragement and support to realise their potential. We are incredibly proud of everything Ashleigh has achieved and look forward to following the next chapter of her journey. Supporting Teaching & Learning Courses Return This September If Ashleigh’s story has inspired you, our Supporting Teaching & Learning Level 2 and Level 3 courses will be returning to Tees Valley Women’s Centre this September in partnership with Atomix Educational Trust. Whether you’re looking to begin a rewarding career supporting children and young people in schools and colleges or progress your existing qualifications, our friendly and supportive learning environment could be the first step towards your own success story. For more information or to enrol: 📞 01642 296166📧 reception@tvwc.org.uk🌐 www.tvwc.org.uk Your journey could start here.

Karly Dobson Celebrates Passing Her Second Year of Nursing From Access to Higher Education at Tees Valley Women’s Centre to a future in nursing When Karly Dobson first walked through the doors of Tees Valley Women’s Centre, she never imagined where that first step would lead. Looking for a better future for herself and her three children, Karly enrolled on our Access to Higher Education (Health) course alongside Maths and English. Today, she has successfully completed her second year of nursing at university and is one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a qualified nurse. Karly’s journey is a powerful reminder that, with the right support, determination and belief in yourself, it’s never too late to change your future. “When I first walked through the doors of the Women’s Centre, I never imagined where the journey would take me. Completing my Access to Health course alongside Maths and English gave me the confidence, knowledge and belief in myself to apply for university.” A Journey of Determination Returning to education while raising a young family is never easy, and balancing university study, placements, assignments and family life has been one of Karly’s greatest challenges. As a busy mam of three, there were times when she questioned whether she could continue, but every obstacle she overcame made her stronger. Reflecting on the past year, Karly said: “There have been moments when I’ve questioned myself, felt exhausted and wondered if I could keep going, but every challenge has made me stronger.” Throughout her second year, Karly has gained invaluable experience across a range of healthcare settings. Her placements have included working in Accident & Emergency, the Urgent Treatment Centre in Redcar, supporting people with learning disabilities, and observing complex vascular surgery. Each placement has provided new experiences, broadened her clinical knowledge and strengthened both her professional skills and personal confidence. “It’s been a difficult but incredibly rewarding year, and I’m so proud to say that I’ve now passed my second year of nursing. I’m one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a qualified nurse.” Finding Confidence Perhaps the greatest transformation has been Karly’s belief in herself. There was a time when university felt completely out of reach, but through encouragement, opportunity and support from Tees Valley Women’s Centre, she discovered she was capable of achieving far more than she ever imagined. “There was a time in my life when I never thought I’d do anything with my future. I didn’t believe I was capable of going to university or pursuing a career that I could be proud of. The Women’s Centre changed that. They believed in me and gave me the opportunity, encouragement and support to build a better future for me and my family.” Today, Karly is thriving at university and is well on her way to becoming a registered nurse. Inspiring Other Women Karly hopes that by sharing her story, other women will feel encouraged to take that first step towards education, employment or a new career. “I will always be grateful to everyone at the Women’s Centre for helping me find my confidence and showing me that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. I hope my journey shows other women that, no matter what your circumstances are, with determination, support and belief in yourself, anything really is possible. Thank you, Women’s Centre, for helping me change my life. I can’t wait to continue this journey and, before long, proudly call myself a qualified nurse.” Congratulations, Karly Everyone at Tees Valley Women’s Centre is incredibly proud of everything Karly has achieved. Her journey perfectly demonstrates the life-changing impact that education, encouragement and opportunity can have. From walking through our doors unsure of what the future held, to successfully completing her second year of nursing, Karly has shown what can be achieved through hard work, resilience and self-belief. We look forward to celebrating with Karly again next year as she reaches the final milestone in her journey and qualifies as a nurse. Could your journey start here? If you’ve been thinking about returning to education, changing career or gaining the confidence to achieve your goals, we’d love to support you. At Tees Valley Women’s Centre, we help women build confidence, gain recognised qualifications and progress into higher education, employment and brighter futures. To find out more about our courses and support, contact us today: Telephone: 01642 296166Email: reception@tvwc.org.ukAddress: Upper Albion Street, South Bank, TS6 6XG Supporting Women. Changing Lives. Building Brighter Futures.

New Community Mural Project Underway at Tees Valley Women’s Centre Tees Valley Women’s Centre is delighted to share the first glimpse of an exciting new community arts project that is bringing women together through creativity, conversation and shared experiences. Thanks to funding from the Teesworks Benevolent Foundation, local artist Jessica Leigh has been working alongside women from the centre to develop the design for a brand-new community mural that will be created over the summer and become a permanent feature within the centre. Known for her vibrant, community-led artwork, Jessica has worked closely with participants to ensure the mural is inspired by the voices, memories and experiences of the women who know the centre best. Over a series of creative workshops, women who have attended the centre over the years came together to share memories, stories and ideas about what Tees Valley Women’s Centre means to them. From life-changing opportunities and lasting friendships to personal achievements and newfound confidence, every conversation has helped shape the mural’s design. The workshops encouraged women to express themselves through discussion, creative writing and a variety of artistic activities, ensuring the finished mural will truly reflect the voices, experiences and achievements of the women at the heart of our community. The accompanying video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the project so far, showcasing the inspiring workshops, the creative process and the artwork design that has emerged from the women’s shared ideas and experiences. Throughout the summer, Jessica Leigh will work alongside women from Tees Valley Women’s Centre to bring this collaborative design to life, creating a vibrant mural that celebrates the rich history of the centre while looking towards its future. Once completed, it will become a lasting legacy that reflects the strength, resilience and achievements of the thousands of women who have been part of the centre over the years. We would like to thank every woman who took part in the workshops and generously shared her memories, ideas and experiences. Your contributions have formed the heart of this project and will ensure the finished mural is a true reflection of our community. A huge thank you also goes to the Teesworks Benevolent Foundation for generously funding this wonderful project. Their support is helping us create a lasting piece of public art that will inspire women for many years to come. We’ll be sharing regular updates as the mural takes shape over the summer, so keep an eye on our website and social media channels to follow its progress and see the finished artwork revealed. https://www.tvwc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/TVWC-MURAL-VIDEO-PORTRAIT-1.mp4

Sewing Class Supports Families on the Neonatal Unit The talented ladies from the Sewing Class at Tees Valley Women’s Centre have once again demonstrated the power of community by creating a collection of specially designed gowns for parents with babies receiving care on the neonatal unit. The gowns have been developed to support skin-to-skin care, allowing parents to hold their babies close while remaining comfortable and maintaining their dignity. Skin-to-skin contact is known to provide many benefits for both babies and parents, helping to strengthen bonding, support infant development, and improve wellbeing during what can be a challenging time for families. Sarah Brooks, Northern Neonatal Care Coordinator, highlighted that clothing can often be a barrier to parents accessing skin-to-skin care. These handmade gowns will help remove that barrier, making it easier for parents to spend precious time with their babies. Everyone at Tees Valley Women’s Centre is incredibly proud of the Sewing Class for their kindness, creativity, and dedication. Their thoughtful contribution will make a meaningful difference to families across the region and is a wonderful example of how community-led projects can have a lasting impact. We would like to thank all the volunteers involved for their hard work and generosity in supporting families when they need it most.

Tees Valley Women’s Centre Receives £10,000 Donation from Wates Family Enterprise Trust Tees Valley Women’s Centre was delighted to receive a generous £10,000 donation from the Wates Family Enterprise Trust during a cheque presentation held at Wilton House last Thursday. The funding will support the centre’s core services, helping the organisation continue providing vital support to women and families across the Tees Valley. The presentation was attended alongside representatives from SES Engineering Services, who have continued to show strong commitment to supporting the work of the centre through partnership working and social value initiatives. The event also provided an opportunity to meet Ben Houchen, Mayor of Tees Valley, and discuss the services delivered by the centre, as well as the positive impact the organisation continues to have within local communities. Tees Valley Women’s Centre would like to give special thanks to Eilish Heatley, SES Social Values Advisor, for her ongoing encouragement, commitment and continued support to the centre. The strong relationship built with SES Engineering has played an important role in helping raise awareness of the charity’s work and ensuring continued support for women across the region. Partnerships such as this demonstrate the importance of collaboration between charities, businesses and community organisations in creating meaningful social impact across the Tees Valley. Everyone at Tees Valley Women’s Centre would like to thank the Wates Family Enterprise Trust and SES Engineering Services for their generosity, partnership and continued belief in the work of the centre.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS: Michelle Renton At Tees Valley Women’s Centre, we are proud of each and every woman who walks through our doors. Every journey is unique, every step forward matters, and every achievement — big or small — is something to celebrate. We see first-hand the strength, resilience and determination of the women we support, and Michelle’s story is a truly inspiring example of what can be achieved with the right support, encouragement and belief. Michelle began her journey with us around 8 years ago, while juggling a busy life, working in care, and raising 6 children. She joined the centre to continue her learning and quickly found so much more than just education — she found support, friendship, and a space where she could be herself. Michelle says the centre helped her mentally, giving her people to talk to and a community that truly cared. Over the years, she achieved so much: Level 3 Health & Social Care First Aid, Manual Handling & Food Hygiene Maths & English Functional Skills Access to Healthcare Diploma in Adult Nursing – passed with Distinction Michelle had planned to go to university, but life had other plans — and an incredible opportunity came her way. She applied for a role at a local hospice, somewhere very close to her heart after losing her mam there 3 years ago. Today, she has been in that role for nearly 13 months and has secured a full-time permanent position. In her own words: “If it wasn’t for Tees Valley Women’s Centre, I wouldn’t be where I am today… I love my job and the access course has given me so much confidence in myself to push forward. I may not have gone to university, but I have an access diploma in health and a job I am so proud of and love. I have me back and I’m so happy.” We are incredibly proud of you, Michelle — and of every woman who takes that first step and keeps going. Your journeys inspire us every single day

Nursery Practitioner – (Term Time Only) Due to the continued expansion of our nursery, we are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, and reliable Early Years Practitioner to join our friendly and dedicated team. This is a minimum of 16 hours per week, term time only, working between the hours of 8:00am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, with flexibility available within these hours. We are a small but busy nursery providing high-quality care and education for children from birth to five years. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting children’s development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This will include caring for and meeting the individual needs of all children, supporting their feeding, personal care, and educational development, as well as planning activities based on children’s interests and participating in all daily routines within the nursery. Essential requirements: A relevant childcare qualification (such as Early Years Educator/EYE) A clear DBS check (to be completed upon appointment) Recent experience working within the EYFS is preferred Paediatric First Aid certificate (or willingness to undertake a two-day training course) A flexible, reliable approach and the ability to work effectively as part of a team We are looking for someone who: Is warm, caring, and approachable with a genuine love of working with children Enjoys imaginative play, creativity, and getting involved in children’s activities Is confident singing songs, joining in with nursery rhymes, and encouraging movement and dance Can stay organised and attentive in a lively environment Can build positive relationships with children and their families This is a rewarding role where you will make a real difference to the lives of young children and be a valued part of our nursery community. Benefits include: Company events Company pension Employee discount Free on-site parking How to apply:Please send your CV and covering letter detailing qualifications & relevant experience to: crechemanager@tvwc.org.uk

New Summer Term Courses and Clinics at Tees Valley Women’s Centre Tees Valley Women’s Centre is pleased to announce its new Summer Term timetable, featuring a wide range of courses, wellbeing sessions, and specialist clinics designed to support women across the Tees Valley. The new programme offers opportunities to develop new skills, improve wellbeing, access professional advice, and connect with others in a supportive and welcoming environment. Courses and Learning Opportunities This summer term includes a variety of educational and skills-based courses to support personal and professional development: Education & Skills Development Access to Higher Education for Health Professionals Early Years Diploma Supporting Teaching & Learning Level 2 English & Maths Functional Skills Essential Skills Blended Learning Hub Digital Workshop These courses are designed to help women build confidence, gain qualifications, and move towards further education or employment. Creative & Practical Skills Art & Craft Club Art for Wellbeing – Painting Sewing Groups Cooking on a Budget Creative and practical sessions provide opportunities to learn new skills while improving wellbeing and connecting with others. Communication & Development Makaton These sessions support communication skills and personal development in a relaxed learning environment. Health and Wellbeing Sessions The summer timetable also includes a variety of wellbeing-focused sessions: Health & Wellbeing Menopause Wellbeing Chair-based Yoga Mat Yoga These sessions are designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing in a supportive group setting. Clinics and Specialist Support Alongside courses, Tees Valley Women’s Centre is offering a range of specialist clinics throughout the summer term: Law Clinic (13th April, 25th May, 22nd June, 20th July) Women’s Health Clinic (7th May, 4th June, 2nd July) Podiatry Clinic (22nd April, 13th May, 24th June) These clinics provide access to professional advice and support in a welcoming and accessible environment. Open to Women Across Tees Valley All courses and clinics are available to women aged 19+ living in the Tees Valley. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, improve your wellbeing, access support, or meet new people, there is something for everyone this summer. Register Your Interest To find out more or to register your interest in any of the courses or clinics, please contact: Tees Valley Women’s Centre 01642 296166 Spaces may be limited, so early registration is encouraged. Tees Valley Women’s Centre continues to provide opportunities that empower women, build confidence, and support positive futures across the Tees Valley community.