Sponsored by Steel River Consultants
CHARITY / VOLUNTARY
WINNER : HOME-START TEESSIDE
There was a double celebration for the winners of the Charity / Voluntary category .
For not only did Home-Start Teesside pick up the prize , manager Michelle Hardy confirmed that the scheme , which supports families with children under five , has also secured National Lottery funding for the next three years .
A delighted Michelle said : “ Not many people have heard of Home-Start but we ’ ve just received three years funding from the National Lottery , which is brilliant – so it ’ s celebration on top of celebration !”
And she felt the award was well deserved recognition for a service that has helped parents for 40 years – and which is staffed by “ incredible heroes ”.
She said : “ There ’ s a lot more pressure on people at the moment but parents are the key people in a child ’ s life and those first five years are the most important for a child .
“ We see that parents can be isolated and lonely , and the stress and pressure that ’ s put on them can really impact their future . But we ’ re the armbands – we come in and help support them because while they are phenomenally strong , they just need support .
“ That ’ s all people need when they are pushed into living in a cost of living crisis . Every parent wants the best for their child , so we just want to help them achieve that .”
But what ’ s next for Home-Start ? “ We need more volunteers and more funding – then we can support the demand that ’ s out there because we are inundated with requests .
“ We would love to help everybody that asks for our help .”
Celebrating – Home-Start Teesside scheme manager Michelle Hardy receives the Charity / Voluntary award from Gary Marshall , director of Steel River Cost and Project Management .
FINALIST : FINALIST :
Women ’ s Street Watch , Middlesbrough
Every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm-2am , volunteer members of the 36-strong group patrol Middlesbrough town centre to ensure women ’ s safety . Created as a second branch of the Women ’ s Street Watch , which originated in Newcastle , the group aims to ease the strain on emergency services by providing first aid , slippers / flip flops and waiting with service users while they find a safe route home . It ’ s hoped the group , which also provides training and qualifications , can reduce instances of sexual violence and harassment against women by offering a physical presence on the streets – acting in both a support capacity and as a deterrent for potential offenders .
Step Forward Tees Valley
Step Forward Tees Valley helps the hardest-to-reach women across the Tees Valley break down barriers to work and training . The project puts women at the heart of much of what it does and ensures those unique challenges women face in life can be overcome . Thanks to the project , thousands of women with multiple and complex issues have changed their lives , reconnected with communities and benefited wider society . Whether it ’ s finding the confidence to join an exercise class , learn a new skill , battle an addiction or start a business , Step Forward Tees Valley is working hard to ensure women have the support they need to reach their potential .
SPONSOR ’ S MESSAGE
Gary Marshall , director of Steel River Consultants , said : “ We are fortunate to have numerous organisations in the area that are dedicated to supporting those who need it most . The nominees put forward this year are testimony to that . Home-Start Teesside is an admirable organisation - we couldn ’ t think of a more deserving winner .”
46 | Tees Business