A WOMAN'S centre which has helped thousands of people over the last three decades is calling for support after reducing its programme because of Covid-19.

The Tees Valley Women's Centre is struggling to cover its short-term running costs after being hit hard financially during the pandemic.

As a result it has had to reduce its 34 activity courses to just three a week and is working with just a fraction of the women it was before the pandemic.

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Run by women for women. the volunteer-led, grass roots venture in South Bank is one of the longest-serving charities in the area.

Chief executive Kathy Lloyd said: “Centres like ours are hugely relied upon for many different reasons, providing services which can literally change a person’s life, maintain their positivity, hope and optimism, and help them on the road to recovery or a new career.

"The lockdown has been extremely hard for everyone, but to have this outlet, in essence, removed from the women’s daily routine and lifestyle, has been devastating."

As well as being a lifeline to many facing personal challenges including mental health issues, isolation, addition, bullying and abuse, there are also many women who make use of the childcare facilities in order to improve their life and job prospects.

The centre was recently given £5,000 by The Bernicia Foundation, a charitable trust set up by Bernicia housing association, which is allowing it to meet its ongoing staff costs.

Thanking the foundation, Ms Lloyd added: "You’ve got to live it to realise it, and for those women that have formed friendship groups and new support networks thanks to the Centre, we simply cannot afford to be in the situation we are in.

"Prior to Covid, we had 500+ women a week coming through our doors to take part in activities. Now we have, at most, 80 due to the safeguarding we need to impose, but the finances and overheads don’t stop, and it is this area that doesn’t receive external funding.

“We’re working in arguably one of the most deprived areas of Teesside and the North-East, so we need to do all we can to help these women re-ignite and prosper. Many are facing huge difficulties and relying heavily on us, so we can’t let them down."

“As we come out of the pandemic, we’re seeing a drastic rise in the number of women now looking to re-educate themselves, calling us constantly to come back into the Centre to retrain, and this is fantastic as we could help break the cycle of deprivation and low income for many families, as well as change old-fashioned attitudes towards women.”

Katie Coates, 28, who has been using the centre for five years, got help with childcare and courses to help her get a job after she struggled to juggle her studies after becoming a mum to Louie at 17.

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Now a safeguarding lead at a secondary school, she said the centre had "set her up for life". She added: “I couldn't have done it without them."

"It wasn’t the life plan that I’d imagined but they got me back on track, and for that I’m eternally thankful.

"I’m a full time working mum who doesn’t fit the often misjudged, dismissive ‘young mum’ stereotype, but I’m also proof that any woman in my situation can do it if they find the help of right people at the right time.

"Centres like this are a lifeline and I can’t praise them enough.”

Ms Lloyd added: “There is so much potential and vibrancy in the women we see here, not just from the younger ladies but also those in their 70’s, 80’s and older. It’s so important not to lose sight of that as many of the older women would otherwise become very isolated, with nobody to turn to, talk to or socialise with.

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"They’ve made real friendships so we’re desperate for normality to return, and the centre to, once again, be back at the heart of the Teesside community.”

The Bernicia Foundation has allocated more than £465,000 in funds over the last 18 months to projects across the North East including £5,000 to Tees Valley Women’s Centre, and has recently opened another round of funding to ease the hardships now being felt post-lockdown by local charities, community groups and volunteer-led initiatives.

Applications close at midnight on August 16 and Teesside organisations are being urged to apply.

Jenny Allinson, Director of The Bernicia Foundation, said, “Kathy and her team deliver remarkable work on Teesside, and its been an absolute pleasure to be able to help them. We’re directing funds to where it is most needed, to regional projects and charities, not necessarily big or well-known names, but those who are making a huge impact within their local area. We’d seriously encourage other similar centres, groups or individuals to apply to the Foundation for funds.”

Additionally, any company, entrepreneur or fundraiser wishing to support Tees Valley Women’s Centre and assist financially should contact Kathy Lloyd on 01642 296166 or kathy.lloyd@tvwc.org.uk

 

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