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
