A community organisation that helps over 250 women a week to improve their lives has received an IT boost thanks to Broadacres,

The Tees Valley Women’s Centre provides a wide range of services from its base at South Bank, Middlesbrough, including education and training, debt advice, employment support, housing information and a domestic violence programme.

“Women come here when they have reached a stage in their lives where they have decided to improve their education to improve their lives,” said Centre Manger Donna Middleton.

“Every day we see women’s lives being changed. Recently, we heard of someone who has just qualified with a Doctorate in Science. Their first step was coming her and gaining a Level II and III NVQ in healthcare.”

The Centre provides a wide range of qualifications and over 70 different courses which can lead to careers in childcare, paramedic, midwifery, nursing, teaching as well as IT. To deliver those courses they need modern computers with software and protection.

Now a £500 grant from Broadacres, through our Community Development Fund, will ensure the Centre is able to update its IT to meet education and GDPR standards.

“IT is one of the essential costs which people sometimes don’t realise we have to meet in order to provide these services,” said Donna.

“Whether it’s coursework, research, employment forms or whatever people need access to reliable equipment with their data protected and that’s why this Broadacres grant will be so useful.”

As well as studies for qualifications, the centre also offers wellness sessions such as yoga and healthy cooking on a budget.

“We often have people who come through the door insistent they just want to learn how to cook for their family and then after a few weeks they sign up for English and Maths as they realise the doors that can open,” said Donna.

“We understand the courses need to be user-focussed so they will be during term-times when kids are at school, here rather than a college setting where they may feel out of place and an on-site nursery free for those studying.”

To find out more about Tees valley Women’s Centre visit https://www.tvwc.org.uk/

The Broadacres Community Development Fund supports local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes. All grants are approved by the Association’s own residents.

To apply to the Fund visit https://www.broadacres.org.uk/customer-area/getting-involved/community-development-fund/