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 

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

BBC Radio Tees pay a visit to Tees Valley Women’s Centre We welcomed Amy Oakden from BBC Radio Tees down to Tees Valley Women’s Centre to have a look around and show her the wonderful things that happen here!Donna Middleton our Centre Manager spoke to Amy about the services and support for women in the community at Tees Valley Women’s Centre. Amy Oakden spoke to some of the special ladies from our centre and learnt about their experience and how it is such an important place in their life.Thank you BBC Radio Tees for giving us the opportunity to talk about Tees Valley Women’s Center and the inspirational journeys these incredible ladies have been on with us.Have a listen to the interview below ⬇️The Southbank centre changing women’s lives – BBC Sounds

Inspiring Women Awards Redcar & Cleveland We are so incredibly proud and want to send huge congratulations to Katie Coates for winning the ‘Inspiring Others’ Award at the Inspiring Women Redcar & Cleveland Awards Ceremony on Friday.Katie first came to Tees Valley Women’s Centre at the age of 18 having recently had her son and not being able to complete her A-Levels. She enrolled on the Teaching Assistant Level 2 course, with the additional support of the TVWC creche and facilities, she managed to successfully complete the course and gain employment from her placement school. Katie continued her training and her career has gone from strength to strength, now working as Student Engagement Manager of North Durham Academy. This is all achieved through all her own hard work and dedication, however we are proud she feels the centre gave her the support she needed throughout this journey.Katie has gone on to be a member of the Tees Valley Women’s Centre management committee, providing vital support and resources for our staff, volunteers and the ladies who attend. Katie joined the committee as a way of giving back and helping other women in similar circumstances to her.We are so proud of everything Katie has achieved and given back to Tees Valley Women’s Centre, she is a true inspiration for us all, and we are delighted she was chosen from all those nominated to receive this thoroughly deserved accolade from Inspiring Women Redcar & Cleveland Awards.