✨ As we look back on 2025, we are incredibly proud of the achievements and positive outcomes of the women who access our services at Tees Valley Women’s Centre. ✨ Throughout the year, we have supported women across the Tees Valley to feel safer, stronger and more empowered. Women have built confidence, developed new skills and taken meaningful steps into work, training and further education. Working alongside our partners, we delivered 271 accredited qualifications, with 310 women enrolling on vocational courses, including Access programmes and Teaching Assistant Level 2 and Level 3. These opportunities help women to gain the skills needed to thrive in the local workforce and education sector. Through tailored support, guidance and a safe, welcoming environment, many women have moved closer to financial independence and brighter futures for themselves and their families. We also celebrated some special milestones this year. Our onsite nursery received a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, reflecting the commitment and hard work of our dedicated nursery staff. They are an integral part of our centre, supporting women and children to build better lives through education and training. Alongside our core services, our busy Eco Shop has been accessed by 1,585 women since January 2025, helping to reduce financial pressures for families. In addition, 935 women accessed our Warm Space, receiving a hot meal and drink, companionship and support — helping to reduce isolation and provide comfort when it is needed most. Looking ahead, we are excited to launch a new joint project with Citizens Advice Bureau, funded by the Woodsmith Foundation and the Mercers’ Charity. A qualified advice worker will be based at the centre four days a week, providing welfare rights and debt advice to women and families in the South Bank Ward. This service will help households manage finances, access entitlements and build long-term resilience. None of these achievements would be possible without our amazing staff, volunteers, partners — and most importantly, the women who use our services. We are incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together and look forward to what the New Year will bring for Tees Valley Women’s Centre. 🎄 Merry Christmas from everyone at Tees Valley Women’s Centre! https://www.tvwc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-design-12.mp4
💜 This is what community looks like to us 💜
Every day, we open our doors at Tees Valley Womens Centre to women who need support, connection, and a place where they truly belong. From learning new skills to accessing vital support, our centre is a safe and welcoming space where women of all ages can grow, heal, and thrive.Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, our amazing volunteers have been busy packing food for families and gifts for children, helping to ease worries and bring a little joy during Christmas.Hearing volunteers like Jean and Brenda share what this centre means to them reminds us why this work matters so much. This place isn’t just a building — it’s comfort, purpose, friendship, and hope.We’re so grateful to everyone who supports us and makes this possible A powerful reminder of what community funding can achieve when people come together. Please watch, share, and celebrate the impact.
Spreading Christmas Cheer with Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary
Last night, Donna, Kim and Debby had the absolute pleasure of accompanying Santa and his elves around Nunthorpe, thanks to the wonderful support of Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary. 🎄 We are incredibly honoured to have been selected as one of the charities they are supporting this Christmas. The evening was filled with festive fun — smiles, laughter and plenty of Christmas cheer, as the community came out to welcome Santa and his sleigh. This year’s Rotary Christmas appeal will support: 🎁 Tees Valley Women’s Centre🎁 Salvation Army🎁 Toy Box Appeal🎁 Local Rotary charities We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved, and to the Nunthorpe community for such a warm and enthusiastic welcome. It was a truly lovely way to begin the festive season, and we are so grateful for the kindness and generosity shown. We wish everyone a joyful and peaceful Christmas as the celebrations begin.
Christmas Lunch Brings Community Together at Tees Valley Women’s Centre
Last week, Tees Valley Women’s Centre was filled with warmth, laughter and festive spirit as we hosted our annual Christmas Lunch for friends, volunteers and members of our community. The event was a wonderful way to celebrate the year and to say a heartfelt thank you to the incredible women who give their time, energy and compassion to support the centre throughout the year. Our dedicated volunteers went above and beyond, preparing and serving a delicious Christmas dinner for 80 people, creating a truly special afternoon for everyone involved. Alongside the meal, guests enjoyed festive games and a raffle, helping to raise vital funds to support the ongoing work of Tees Valley Women’s Centre. Events like this not only bring people together but also play an important role in sustaining the services we provide to women across the region. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the following businesses and individuals whose generous donations and raffle prizes helped make our Christmas Lunch 2025 such a success: Barbara Potts / Abbey PottsKels Cake HeavenJessica Leigh OriginalsPaul Taylor BlindsTesco Coulby NewhamMorrisons Berwick HillsKate Coates (Mission Christmas)Palliative Care, Low Grange Medical CentreSES Engineering – Eilish HeatleyCountry Valley FoodsMarks & Spencer Teesside ParkBobby Hayler-Wright at Team HaylerPrimark Teesside ParkInteriors by Design Home Your kindness and generosity provide a huge boost to the centre and help us continue our vital work supporting women throughout Tees Valley. From everyone at Tees Valley Women’s Centre, thank you to all who contributed, volunteered, donated and attended. Your support truly makes a difference. https://www.tvwc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Untitled-design-11.mp4
Toy Donations Support Families at Tees Valley Women’s Centre
Last Thursday, Donna and Kally visited North Durham Academy to collect a generous donation of toys organised by Katie Coates through the Mission Christmas project. Katie has supported Tees Valley Women’s Centre in this way for several years, helping to ensure that children attending our onsite nursery, Tees Valley Tots, receive Christmas gifts each year. These donations also allow us to provide additional support to families in our community who may be experiencing financial hardship or difficult circumstances. Donations like these play an important role in the work of Tees Valley Women’s Centre, helping us to support women and families across the Tees Valley with dignity and care. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Katie Coates and North Durham Academy for their continued generosity and commitment to supporting local families. Their ongoing support makes a real and lasting difference.
New Laptops Boost Digital Skills at Tees Valley Women’s Centre
Tees Valley Women’s Centre is thrilled to announce the arrival of brand-new laptops that will help us continue empowering women across the Tees Valley. This fantastic donation has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Thirteen and SES Engineering. These new laptops will make a real difference to the women we support, especially through our Job Club, which we run every two weeks in partnership with Beyond Housing. The technology will enable us to expand what we offer — helping women develop essential digital skills, search for jobs, and access training opportunities in a friendly, supportive environment. Our Job Club provides free support with:✅ CV writing and job searches✅ Application forms and interview preparation✅ Training and volunteering opportunities✅ All within a welcoming, women-only environment Sessions take place at Tees Valley Women’s Centre, from 9:30am to 11:30am every other Thursday, and are open to any woman looking to build confidence and take the next step towards employment or further training. The new laptops will be a huge boost to these sessions, giving participants hands-on access to online tools and resources to help them thrive in today’s digital world. 💜 From everyone at Tees Valley Women’s Centre, thank you to Thirteen, SES Engineering, and Beyond Housing for your generous support. Together, we’re helping women across the Tees Valley to gain confidence, independence, and brighter futures. 💚
TEES VALLEY TOTS NURSERY – OFSTED GOOD PROVIDER!
We’re delighted to share that Tees Valley Tots Nursery, operated by Tees Valley Women’s Centre, has once again been rated GOOD following its latest Ofsted inspection on 24th September. 🎉 The Ofsted report highlights that:“This nursery provides a welcoming space where children feel safe and ready to learn.” This achievement reflects the dedication and professionalism of our fantastic nursery team, who work tirelessly to provide high-quality, nurturing early years education and care for children in our community. 💜 We would also like to thank all the parents and carers who contributed their feedback during the inspection — your trust and support are deeply appreciated. Tees Valley Tots Nursery is a valuable childcare facility for the community and an integral part of our mission at Tees Valley Women’s Centre. As a social enterprise, the nursery not only offers affordable childcare but also provides free places for women participating in Centre courses, helping to remove barriers to education, training, and employment. We’re incredibly proud of this outcome and of the positive impact that Tees Valley Tots continues to make — empowering women, supporting families, and nurturing children across Tees Valley. 💜 🔗 Read the full Ofsted report: https://lnkd.in/e67_Gzny
A Huge Congratulations to Kally
On Friday night, we had the privilege of attending the Tees Valley EDI Awards (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion) at the beautiful Kirkleatham Hall Walled Gardens, where our very own Kally was nominated for “Woman of the Year”! Although she didn’t take home the award, just being nominated was a massive honour — not only for Kally, but for everyone at Tees Valley Womens Centre. To be recognised alongside so many inspirational women making a difference in their communities was truly special. Kally has been the Chair of our organisation for several years, and before that, spent over a decade volunteering her time, energy, and care. She has worked tirelessly to support, empower, and uplift women who use our services — helping to transform lives through compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication.We are so proud to see her work celebrated on such a meaningful platform. Thank you, Kally, for everything you do — this nomination is a reflection of the incredible impact you’ve made and continue to make every day.
Macmillan Coffee Morning Success – Thank You!
We’re absolutely thrilled to share that our Macmillan Coffee Morning at Tees Valley Womens Centre raised an incredible £560! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along, donated, baked, bought cakes, joined the tombola, and filled the centre with laughter, support, and community spirit. Every cup of tea poured and every slice of cake enjoyed helped raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity close to many of our hearts. A special shoutout to the wonderful volunteers from SES Engineering – Leeds Branch, who gave their time to help us run the event smoothly — we’re so grateful for your continued support. To everyone who supported us — thank you! Your kindness and generosity truly make a difference.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Wates Group & SES Engineering Services for Nursery Renovation Project
At Tees Valley Women’s Centre, we are incredibly grateful to the Wates Group and SES Engineering Services for their outstanding support and generosity in helping us transform our Nursery Toilet facilities. Over the past two weeks, our nursery has undergone a full refurbishment, thanks to the funding and skilled work provided by Wates and SES. The renovation included: A complete strip-out of the old facilities Installation of brand new toilets, cubicles, and cupboards All-new plumbing systems A fresh coat of paint to brighten the space The result is a clean, modern, and child-friendly environment that will have a lasting positive impact on the children, staff, and families who use our nursery every day. We would like to extend a special thank you to Chris Morris from Wates Group, who managed the project from start to finish and coordinated the contractors to ensure everything was completed to the highest standard. Wates Group and SES Engineering Services have been long-term supporters of Tees Valley Women’s Centre, and this is yet another example of their ongoing commitment to giving back to the community. Their continued partnership plays a vital role in helping us create safe, supportive, and well-equipped environments for the families we serve. 💚💜 From all of us at Tees Valley Women’s Centre — THANK YOU!