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.

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.

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!

“From delivering dreams… to delivering babies.” Meet Emily Golden — a proud mum, a determined student, and now, a future midwife. Emily’s journey started right here at Tees Valley Women’s Centre, when she made one bold decision: to return to education after time away, and pursue a career in healthcare. She enrolled on our Access to Higher Education (Health) course — and the rest, as they say, is history. Fast forward two years, and Emily has just finished her second-year placement as a student midwife. She’s supported countless women and brought 20 beautiful babies into the world. “I’ve been bone tired. I’ve missed my own babies. But I wouldn’t change a thing.” It hasn’t been easy. There have been challenges, sacrifices, and long nights. But Emily’s drive and resilience have carried her through — and we couldn’t be more proud to have been part of her story. “Tees Valley Women’s Centre gave me the chance to start this journey. Without that support, I don’t know where I’d be.” Ready to Take the First Step? Our Access to Higher Education courses are designed for women just like Emily — women who are ready for a change, but don’t always know where to start. Whether you’ve been out of education for years, or just need the right environment to thrive, we’re here for you. Whatever your dream is — midwifery, nursing, social care or beyond — let us help you get there. It all starts with one decision.

My journey began with short courses in cake making and cooking, which not only taught me new skills but also helped me build meaningful friendships and gave me the confidence to step outside my home. As a stay-at-home mum, I felt a strong desire for personal and professional growth. I began attending short courses at the Women’s Centre, which motivated me to push further and enrol in an Access to Higher Education course. This transition was challenging, particularly due to my dyslexia and the lack of academic support I received during my school years. For a long time, I believed I wasn’t capable of succeeding in education. However, with the encouragement, guidance, and unwavering support from the Women’s Centre and my tutor Liz, who was truly amazing I was able to complete the course successfully. Now, I am in the final stages of my third year in Adult Nursing, just four months away from becoming a registered nurse. I absolutely love the path I’m on. My experience has shown me that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. If I can do it, so can you—especially with the encouragement and resources offered by the Women’s Centre.

What a beautiful day of relaxation and connection at Tees Valley Women’s Centre.This week’s Yoga & Wellbeing Retreat Day was a truly uplifting experience, offering attendees a chance to unwind, reconnect, and focus on their wellbeing. From a gentle yoga session and sound bath, to creative crafts and a healthy lunch – it was a day dedicated to self-care and community.A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and especially to Pam for her continued commitment and passion. The goody bags were a lovely bonus – smiles all round!At Tees Valley Women’s Centre we’re passionate about supporting the women in our community – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Events like this play a vital role in promoting wellbeing, reducing isolation, and building confidence. We look forward to hosting more retreats and wellbeing events in the near future – stay tuned!

I am ready to start this new chapter in my life, going to university as I finish the Access to HE course for Health Professionals at Tees Valley Women’s Centre. Growing up I never had anyone to encourage me into thinking about a career. I was brought up in a household where there was substance abuse and chaos. Throughout my life I have had to face challenges to get to where I have got to. I left school at the age of 15 with no GCSEs and my life was going nowhere but I refused to give in. I made the choice to join the army and completed my passing out but due to personal reasons I got medically discharged. After being in the army for 7 months helped me with structure and routine. I have worked in several different settings such as the cleaning industry, shop work, café work, and care. My current job role is working in mental health for TEWV as a support worker. I work alongside other health care professionals and have a variety of different patient types. I work in LD service, forensic service, elderly, PQ wards and acute male and female. I volunteered for a year before I got a place on the bank, I have currently worked in this job role since 2018 and love going to different places and meeting different people. Coming from a background of addiction and suffering from mental health myself I understand people’s lives and circumstances. I have gained a lot of life skills having two children and dealing with my dad’s suicide, also being a young care giver for my nana from a young age and having to take care of my two younger siblings. I have experience in a life-or-death situation when my daughter was only 18-month-old she choked on a 5 pence piece my initial reaction was to respond and by doing so I saved her life. I have done training through the NHS such as BLS, Moving and Handling, Positive and Safe Care training VNS training and peg training. I love to help other’s and try to make a difference to someone’s life no matter how big or small. I’m looking forward to this new challenge in becoming who I am meant to be. I want to be an example for my children that no matter what you don’t give up and you can do anything you set your mind to. I’m now going on to university to do Learning Disabilities Nursing.

Meet Rebecca French – a true inspiration who transformed her life through the Access to Health course at Tees Valley Women’s Centre. Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.  Rebecca’s Story:“I am the youngest of five siblings, my mother and father still reside in the home where we were all raised in Southbank, from a young age I have always dreamed of becoming a nurse but never ever thought it would be possible with leaving school so early in the year group of year 9 with no qualifications. My mother Gill has always looked after her siblings from the age of 14, and has always cared for people around her, this is something I have always admired in her and it has inspired me to finally have the courage and go sign up to this course (Access to Health) at the Tees Valley Women’s Centre in South Bank, although I have 3 children Chay 18, Ronan 13 and Ruben 6 they are my greatest achievements in life, I felt I had no great success or a good job that they would ever follow or look up to me like I do with my parents. I done boxing when I was younger, but have never had the courage to pursue my dreams low confidence in myself, but my mother constantly telling me “Becky please go sign up to that course at the women’s centre, you will be great at it”, I’m so glad I finally did. From starting the course last September I have achieved so much passing my level 1 and 2 Maths and English and gaining confidence with the support of tutors, everyone on my course and the staff who work at the women’s centre, there where days I though I can’t do it wanted to give up but got the love and support of family and Donna and her co workers always giving me good advice and telling me I can do it, the centre is so welcoming and supportive! My life has totally changed for the better. who would of thought that only last year I couldn’t use a laptop but now I am starting university in September studying ODP, the first of all my siblings to go to university!Places like the Women’s Centre and the services they offer are a lifeline to women like myself raising family and wanting to pursue their dreams.”

We’re incredibly proud to highlight the amazing journey of Senga Foster, who overcame significant barriers to education and employment through determination, support, and access to life-changing services at our Centre.From leaving school with no qualifications to now pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse, Senga’s story is a testament to what women can achieve when empowered with the right tools and a supportive environment.Read on for an inspiring update from Senga herself on where she is now and how far she’s come…“Since leaving the women’s centre just under a year ago I have managed to finish my first year in adult nursing and passing all assignments. I have had the pleasure of working alongside professionals in the NHS from A&E, spinal injuries, early intervention psychosis team, and theatres. I have accomplished so much in such a short space of time but only have Tees Valley Women’s Centre to thank for my journey so far, my daughter still attends Tees Valley Tots and highly recommend to working/student parents.”