Get Involved
Quick links: South Tees Wellbeing Network | Public health campaigns | Get involved | HDRC
We believe everyone has a part to play in improving health and wellbeing across South Tees. Whether you are a resident, a student, part of a community group, or a health professional, there are lots of ways you can get involved with our work.
From joining local networks and campaigns, to taking part in surveys, training, or placements, there are many opportunities to learn, share and make a difference.
Together, we can help South Tees become a healthier and fairer place for everyone.
Everyone can make a difference in South Tees
South Tees Wellbeing Network
The South Tees Wellbeing Network is a space for professionals and volunteers working across Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland to come together, share knowledge, and support community wellbeing.
We connect people, services, experience and ideas – all with the aim of improving wellbeing for our local residents.
As a member of the network, you can:
share updates about your events, training or services
request support or collaboration from other members
take part in virtual briefings or promote your own work
blog or vlog about lived experience, research or emerging issues
be part of meaningful conversations that drive change
You will receive:
monthly newsletters full of local updates and opportunities
invitations to connect at events, briefings and campaign promotions
access to free wellbeing tasters and training sessions for you and your colleagues
opportunities to shape and support new developments
The network helps you:
build your own resilience and explore personal growth
stay up to date with what works to improve wellbeing
hear stories and insights from local professionals and communities
act with others to tackle issues and make better use of our shared resources
Together, we Connect, Explore and Act – to make a positive difference across South Tees.
To find out more, or to sign up to the South Tees Wellbeing Network, please visit the South Tees Wellbeing Network website.
Health campaigns help raise awareness about important health issues and encourage people to take positive action.
There are many national and local campaigns throughout the year, but Public Health South Tees is not able to support every single one.
If you’re a professional working in South Tees, you can sign up to receive updates and news about public health campaigns through our South Tees Wellbeing Network. Visit the South Tees Wellbeing Network website for more information.
On this page, we’ll highlight the campaigns we’re supporting each month. These will be updated regularly and will include a named Public Health lead you can contact if you’d like to learn more about how we’re supporting them locally.
Check back soon for a full list of monthly campaigns.
Public Health campaigns
Get involved in your community
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Funding opportunities
Sometimes Public Health South Tees have money available to help local projects that make people healthier and happier in South Tees.
This is a great chance for local groups and organisations to get support for ideas that make a real difference in our communities.
There are no funding opportunities open right now, but please check back soon!
We’ll post updates here when new opportunities are ready. -
Surveys and consultations
Your views matter. By taking part in surveys and consultations, you help shape local services and tell us what works best for you and your community.
There are no surveys open right now, but please check back soon!
We’ll add new ones here when they’re ready, and we’d love to hear what you think. -
MECC (Making Every Contact Count)
MECC is about using everyday conversations to help people stay healthy and feel well. It gives staff, volunteers, and members of the public simple tools to support others in making small changes that can improve their health.
It also helps people find the right services for extra support. To find out about services near you, please visit the MECC Gateway website.
We offer free MECC training to help people learn how to support others with their health and wellbeing through everyday conversations.
If you’d like to know more about what the sessions include and when they’re happening, please contact Jenny Yafano for more information – jenny_yafano@middlesbrough.gov.uk
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Health Champions Network
Become a Health Champion!
Our Health Champions are all from different avenues – some are volunteers; some are employed in charities or VCS groups; and some are already working in roles linked to health or business. The one thing they have in common is that they want to be able to help people learn how to stay healthy and feel good. They share trusted health advice and help others find support and services in their community.
Health Champions meet regularly online or in person to share health advice and support, health campaign information and support each other.
If you’d like to join the Health Champions Network, email Katrina Jackson at:
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Local Voluntary Development Agency
MVDA is a local organisation that helps charities, community groups, and volunteers in South Tees (Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland).
They give advice, training, and support to help these groups grow and make a difference in their communities. MVDA also works with other organisations to make sure local people get the help they need.
Want to learn more or get in touch?
Visit the MVDA website.
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Work placements with Public Health
If you want to help improve health in the community and gain valuable experience, a work placement with our Public Health South Tees team is a great opportunity.
Here’s how you can get started:
1. Send a brief email with your expression of interest to PHWorkwell@middlesbrough.gov.ukand attach a completed version of the ‘Workplace Proforma’ word document. A member of our Work Well Team will get in touch with you once we have received it.
2. If your application is accepted, we’ll invite you to a meeting. During this meeting, we’ll talk about the details of your placement, like how long it will be, when it will start, what areas of public health you’re interested in, and any special requirements (like a DBS check).
3. After the meeting, our Work Well Team will create a plan just for you based on what you need.
4. Once your plan is ready, we’ll invite you for an induction and explain the next steps.
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The Live Well Centre
The Live Well Centre is a modern, ‘one-stop shop’ health and wellbeing hub in Middlesbrough where we offer support to people who want to lead healthier and happier lives.
We’re not like other health centres. Whether you want to eat healthier, get active, quit smoking, or need advice on things like housing or benefits, we’re here to help.
Our goal is to inspire you to live your healthiest and happiest life.
We understand that everyone is different, which is why we offer a range of services all in one place. This makes it easier for you to get the support you need, without having to go from one place to another.
From healthy cooking classes and Tai Chi to support with sexual health and breastfeeding, we offer a variety of services that cover all aspects of health and wellbeing.
Contact
Address: The Live Well Centre, Centre Square, 103 Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2PA
Website: The Live Well Centre
Phone: 01642 727590
Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) South Tees
About HDRC South Tees
HDRC South Tees is one of 30 Health Determinants Research Collaborations in the UK, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
HDRCs bring together people from universities and local councils. They work as a team to understand how different things – like where we live, the jobs we do, or the air we breathe – can affect our health and wellbeing.
They use facts and evidence from research to help make good decisions that improve people’s health. If there isn’t enough information, HDRCs help to carry out new research
This helps us make smarter choices for our communities, so people can live healthier and happier lives.
We want South Tees to become a world leader in research and new ideas – especially when it comes to improving health for everyone and making sure health is fair for all.
What we do
Community
We make sure people have the right tools, places, and support to take part in research that helps local people.
Our community research programme is run by Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency (RCVDA), who are working with people across South Tees.
Collaboration
We bring together councils, universities, and communities to work closely on research focused on health and reducing inequalities.
Capacity
We help both South Tees councils build their skills to understand and use research in their work, finding new ways to make services better for everyone.
Culture
We are building a positive and inclusive research culture in South Tees – supported by good leadership, clear plans, and strong teamwork.
Research
We share the best ways to do research and support learning, so more people can grow their skills and confidence.
Visit the HDRC South Tees website for more information and resources.
If you’d like to get in touch with the team, email HDRC@middlesbrough.gov.uk.
Training and development offer
To help more people understand and use research, we’ve created a new training package.
It includes helpful tools, clear steps, and easy-to-follow guides.
This training was designed with ideas from the people who will use it, and we’re always looking for ways to improve it.
Whether you’re brand new to research or already have some experience, the training helps everyone learn and grow.
It starts with the basics and shows how research can lead to real changes and better decisions.
The training includes fun and practical ways to learn – like online sessions, in-person events, and tools you can use every day.
It’s all about making research real, easy to understand, and ready to use.
What’s up and coming?
Our online sessions are open to everyone. They’re simple to join and a great way to learn something new – you can even bring your lunch or a drink while you watch!
If you’d like to sign up for one of our sessions or be added to our mailing list, please email HDRC@middlesbrough.gov.uk.
Keep an eye out for new training dates, resources, and guides coming soon!