“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.
Support, Strength & Success: A Nursing Journey Made Possible by Tees Valley Women’s Centre
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.
A Beautiful Day of Relaxation & Connection at Tees Valley 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!
Tees Valley Women’s Centre – Dementa Action Teesside
Last week, we were proud to welcome the team from Dementia Action Teesside to Tees Valley Women’s Centre for an insightful and engaging dementia awareness session.The session covered everything from spotting the early signs of dementia to understanding the support available — helping our community feel more informed, prepared, and empowered.At Tees Valley Women’s Centre, we’re committed to supporting women’s wellbeing through education, inclusion, and practical support. Hosting sessions like this is part of how we strengthen our community and make sure no one feels they have to face challenges alone.We’re delighted to now be recognised as a part of the Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland network — and look forward to continuing this important work together.Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those living with dementia and their loved ones.
A New Chapter: How the Access to Health Course Opened the Door to My Future
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.
Breaking Barriers: Rebecca’s Story of Confidence, Courage and a New Beginning
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.”
Celebrating Success at Tees Valley Women’s Centre
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.”
Kay’s Story: From Surviving to Thriving
At Tees Valley Women’s Centre every success story begins with the bravery and courage of the ladies taking that first step into the centre and starting on their personal journey with us. Kay Bennions came to us during a difficult chapter in her life. With her own hard work and determination, and the support of Tees Valley Women’s Centre, she’s embarked on an incredible educational journey. “Funding places like this doesn’t just help women gain qualifications. It creates real, lasting change that ripples through families and generations. I’m living proof of that. And so are my children. We’re not just surviving anymore — we’re thriving, together” At Tees Valley Women’s Centre we believe every woman has the power to transform her story – we are so proud of Kay, and grateful to be part of it. Take the time to read her inspirational story below 💜💚 Kay’s Story : From Surviving to Thriving My name is Kay. I’m 41 years old, and in 2024 I completed a Master’s degree in Advanced Biomedical Science, following a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science, which I graduated from with First Class Honours at Teesside University. But that journey didn’t begin at university — it started at a point in my life when I had no qualifications, no direction, and no idea how to move forward. As a teenager, I became seriously unwell and was later diagnosed with Graves’ disease. I missed so much school that I had to be taught from home. Just as I was preparing for my exams, tragedy struck: my brother died in a motorbike accident. He was 23, and I was 16. His death shattered our family. I still turned up to sit my maths exam the following Monday, but I was filled with grief and barely functioning. I put down my pen and walked out. Every year after that, I told myself I’d go back and get my qualifications. But life moved on. I got married, had children, and eventually, when the marriage broke down, I hit rock bottom. By 2016, I was a single parent struggling emotionally and financially, trying to raise my children while fighting for child support and dealing with a depression so heavy I could barely function. I would get the children to school and go through the motions — but inside, I felt completely broken. Then one day, I realised something had to change. I needed to do something — not just for my children, but for myself. I wanted them to see what was possible, and I wanted to remember who I was before life got in the way. That’s when I found Tees Valley Women’s Centre. With no formal qualifications, I needed a place to start — and the Centre gave me exactly that. I enrolled in GCSE-equivalent Maths and English courses, but what I found was more than education. I found a kind, welcoming environment where I felt safe, seen, and supported. I made friends, and I was able to bring my youngest child — my baby son — with me. He was cared for in the on-site crèche while I attended lessons, which made all the difference. That support lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Knowing he was close by and well looked after allowed me to focus, and for the first time in years, I began to believe in myself again. After completing the courses at the Centre, I enrolled in a one-year Access to Higher Education programme. That led me to university, where I studied Biomedical Science and graduated with First Class Honours. I then completed my Master’s degree in Advanced Biomedical Science. Today, I’m preparing to write a book that combines my love of science with my passion for self-transformation — exploring how biology and neuroscience support personal growth and manifestation. It’s been a six-year journey — but those very first steps began at Tees Valley Women’s Centre. Without that foundation, I might never have been able to start. That’s where everything changed. That’s where I remembered who I was. Tees Valley Women’s Centre gave me the foundation I needed to rebuild my life. It gave me practical support, direction, dignity, and belief. And it didn’t just change my future — it helped shape the lives of my children, too. My oldest daughter, Evie, has followed in my footsteps and has just finished her first year at Teesside University studying a Law degree — something she’s pursuing with passion and drive. She’s told me that watching me go back to education inspired her deeply. It showed her what’s possible with determination and belief, and gave her the courage to chase her own dreams. Funding places like this doesn’t just help women gain qualifications. It creates real, lasting change that ripples through families and generations. I’m living proof of that. And so are my children. We’re not just surviving anymore — we’re thriving, together. Kay Bennions
Makaton Success
Makaton Success A huge well done to our Makaton learners, who this week celebrated achieving their Levels 2 & 3.This popular course is a fantastic way to grow your knowledge of this amazing communication tool. Whether you are a parent, teacher or carer, this course will give you the skills to use Makaton in everyday life.New Makaton courses are starting in June, contact us on 01642 296166 for further information and to enrol.
Celebrating our Teesside Hero!
Celebrating our Teesside Hero! We had some very special visitors to Tees Valley Women’s Centre on Wednesday, who came along to give one of our volunteers a big surprise! Jenny Williams from The Teesside Charity & Lee Elgie from their patron Gallagher, came along to present Barbara with her Teesside Hero Award for all the time and support she gives to Tees Valley Women’s Centre through her volunteering. Barbara volunteers 2 days a week here at Tees Valley Women’s Centre where she helps build confidence in women entering the services and supports them while cooking and teaching them new skills. Her work here is life-changing for women facing challenges such as unemployment, low income, mental health issues and domestic violence. Barbara plays a vital role in ensuring women feel welcome, safe and understood in the centre, offering compassion, emotional support and her time and resources. Her selfless dedication uplifts other women, empowering them to reach their full potential. Donna Middleton, Centre Manager, said of her nomination, “The centre truly couldn’t function without Barbara. Whether she’s helping with cooking meals for the women, teaching them to bake, restocking our Eco shop or providing support to the women who come into the centre, her contributions are invaluable and she’s an incredible support to the staff here as well.” Alongside the award that was given to Barbara, there was also a £1,000 donation by The Teesside Charity, which Barbara of course chose to donate to Tees Valley Women’s Centre to help us continue with our mission. Thank you The Teesside Charity for such a special award to celebrate our wonderful volunteer Barbara and for the generous donation. Doug Moody Photography The Teesside Charity’s April Hero is Barbara Begg from the Tees Valley Women’s Centre in South Bank, Middlesbrough. 2/4/2025 Pic by Doug Moody Photography The Teesside Charity’s April Hero is Barbara Begg from the Tees Valley Women’s Centre in South Bank, Middlesbrough. 2/4/2025 Pic by Doug Moody Photography The Teesside Charity’s April Hero is Barbara Begg from the Tees Valley Women’s Centre in South Bank, Middlesbrough. 2/4/2025 Pic by Doug Moody Photography
