Healthy Communities in South Tees

Quick links: What support can I access?

In South Tees, we want everyone to feel part of their local area. This means knowing your neighbours, joining in with local groups or activities, and being able to get support when you need it.

When people feel connected to others, it helps build stronger, healthier communities – places where everyone feels welcome, supported, and listened to.

Building a connected South Tees

Middlesbrough

Community Capacity Team

In Middlesbrough, the Public Health team has a small team called the Community Capacity Team. They work with local people and community groups to help everyone live healthier lives. They support projects and services that make it easier for people to stay well and feel good. Their aim is to make health fairer for everyone.

Middlesbrough Council also has Neighbourhood Teams that work in different parts of the town. These teams include staff who help with:

  • keeping streets clean and safe

  • looking after parks and public spaces

  • supporting libraries and community hubs

  • helping people from different backgrounds feel welcome

  • talking with residents about local issues

They work closely with local people to solve problems and make neighbourhoods better places to live.

Redcar and Cleveland

Healthy Communities Team (HCT)

In Redcar and Cleveland, our Healthy Communities Team works with local people, partners and organisations to improve health and wellbeing across the borough.

The team includes ten healthy communities co‑ordinators, who work in three areas:

  • Coastal

  • East Cleveland

  • Greater Eston

Each co‑ordinator is based in their local area. They get to know residents, build strong links and understand what matters most to the community.

Our approach

We use the Discovery Framework to guide our work. This helps us listen to communities, learn from local experiences and act on what we hear. By speaking with residents and partners, we can:

  • understand local priorities

  • shape ideas together

  • support projects that make a real difference

Our work is:

  • Led by communities

  • Informed by local data and insight

  • Done in partnership

  • Designed for long‑term impact

Two men and three young children sitting and playing with colorful toy blocks on the floor in a brightly lit room, likely a classroom or daycare, with a bulletin board on the wall behind them.

What support can I access in my community?

Community support is about people coming together to help each other and make life better for everyone.

Across South Tees, we have lots of community hubs - which are local places where this support happens every day.

Community hubs are open to everyone. They are warm, welcoming spaces where you can meet others, try something new, or get help if you need it.

At your local hub, you might:

  • join a group or class

  • take part in social events or sports

  • get advice or support with things like finding work, housing, or your health and wellbeing

You don’t need to be referred or have an appointment – just drop in and see what’s going on.

People of various ages and backgrounds enjoying a sunny day in a park with trees, flowers, and city skyline in the background. Some are cycling, walking, sitting, chatting, and playing with dogs, while others are gardening.

  • There are lots of community hubs and libraries in Middlesbrough which offer free activities and support!

    Check out the websites below to see what’s on, find opening times, and get contact details.

    For information on all Middlesbrough libraries and hubs, visit the Middlesbrough Libraries website.

    To find out what’s happening in all libraries and hubs, follow Middlesbrough Libraries on Facebook.

    Or check out the Facebook page for your local library and hub:

  • As well as our community hubs and libraries, Middlesbrough is home to The Live Well Centre – a unique wellbeing hub in the heart of the town centre.

    The Live Well Centre brings together a wide range of services to support you in living a healthier, happier life. Whether you need help with day-to-day tasks or more specialist support, we are here for you.

    At the Live Well Centre, you can:

    • Use free facilities like phone access and printing

    • Get free advice about welfare rights, housing, and benefits (appointments only)

    • Access free support for sexual health and other health needs

    Everyone is welcome, and most services are free or low cost.

    For more information, please visit The Live Well Centre website.

    Or, contact The Live Well Centre Team by emailing livewellcentre@middlesbrough.gov.uk or calling 01642 727590.

  • Redcar and Cleveland is home to a wide range of community venues – including hubs, libraries, and local centres; where residents can take part in activities, get support, or simply connect with others.

    These spaces offer friendly and welcoming environments for people of all ages. Whether you are looking to try something new, get advice, or meet others in your area, there’s something for everyone.

    Find your local Family Hub in Redcar & Cleveland.

    Check the Redcar & Cleveland Family Hubs Facebook page for real-time updates on new sessions and opening times.

    Find libraries in Redcar & Cleveland.

    Find youth and community centres for young people in Redcar and Cleveland.

  • What is MECC?
    MECC stands for Making Every Contact Count. It’s about using everyday conversations to help people make small, positive changes to their health - like eating well, being more active, or feeling better.

    The MECC website allows us all to find local support services easily, for ourselves or others, under a huge range of health and wellbeing topics.

    At Public Health South Tees, we have trained staff who can show others how to have these supportive conversations. Even a quick chat can make a big difference.

    What will I learn?
    Our free, one-hour MECC training helps you learn how to:

    • Use everyday conversations to support someone with their health

    • Share simple advice and signpost people to further help

    Who is it for?
    MECC is for anyone who wants to help others live healthier lives; whether you're at work, in school, volunteering, or just part of your local community.

    Who does the training in South Tees?

    MECC training in South Tees is available every month, and can be attended either online or in person, led by Jenny Yafano.

    How to book a place?

    To book a session/place you can email Jenny - Jenny_Yafano@middlesbrough.gov.uk

  • Dementia Friends Information Sessions are part of the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme. The sessions help people understand what it’s like to live with dementia and how small actions can make a big difference.

    These sessions are run by trained volunteers called Dementia Friends Champions. Their aim is to help change the way people think, act, and talk about dementia.

    Why become a Dementia Friend?

    When you become a Dementia Friend, you learn more about how dementia affects people’s lives. This helps reduce the stigma (shame or misunderstanding) that some people feel. It also helps others feel more confident asking for help or talking about memory problems.

    People living with dementia want to stay active, continue daily life, and feel part of the community – but sometimes they need a little support.

    Even small things can help, like:

    • being patient in a shop queue

    • smiling and saying hello

    • taking time to chat or listen

    • helping someone find the right bus or place

    About the session

    This is a friendly and informal 1-hour session, delivered either face-to-face or online. You’ll learn more about dementia and think about easy ways you can support people living with it in your community.

    How to book

    To book a session or find out more, please call Jenny Yafano on 01642 728747 or email Jenny_yafano@middlesbrough.gov.uk

  • This training session is designed to help people understand what it means to make Middlesbrough a more age friendly place to live.
    It is ideal for anyone who works with the public or wants to make their organisation more inclusive for older people.

    What does the training cover?

    • What we mean by ‘Age-Friendly’

    • Facts and insights about older people living in Middlesbrough

    • How ageing can affect people physically and mentally – and what this means for local services and communities

    • Practical ways to support older people in areas like mental health, sight and hearing loss, chronic conditions, dementia, mobility, and the side effects of medication

    Training details

    • The session lasts for 3 hours

    • It is delivered by the Public Health South Tees team

    • The training is interactive, and participants are encouraged to share thoughts and experiences

    What do people say about the training?

    "The first half of the session was very emotional, and I am still thinking about it. It has changed how I see older people and what to keep in mind when talking to them. It has had a lasting impact on me personally and in my work."
    – Training participant

    If you need help to book the training or have any questions, please email agefriendly@middlesbrough.gov.uk

    Or, you can call Julie McGee on 01642 728262. We can organise a bespoke session for your team, business, or organisation.

    Check back soon for details of the next sessions.

  • The North East Migration Partnership (NEMP) provides helpful information and resources for refugees and asylum seekers. Their website includes a service directory to help people find support for health, wellbeing, and everyday needs.

    NEMP also offers free online learning for new migrants. These learning packages cover topics like UK laws, parenting, education, and how to look after your health. When you finish a course, you’ll get a certificate to show what you’ve learned.

    For people who are new to the area, there are local guides to help with settling in. These guides are available for each council area in the North East.

    NEMP also supports local councils, charities, and professionals who work with refugees and asylum seekers. Their website has lots of useful information for anyone supporting new arrivals.

    To find out more, visit the North East Migration Partnership website.

  • The BME Network CIC (Black and Minority Ethnic Network Community Interest Company) is a local organisation based in Middlesbrough. It supports people from different ethnic backgrounds across the Tees Valley, helping to promote fairness, inclusion, health, and wellbeing.

    The network was started by local people and has become a trusted voice for communities that are often not heard. It connects services to the people who need them, in ways that respect different cultures, beliefs, and ways of life.

    How the BME Network can help

    The BME Network offers a wide range of support and activities:

    • community events and workshops – Regular sessions focusing on health, education, and helping people settle into their local area

    • health and wellbeing information – Working with Public Health South Tees and the NHS to share important health messages in accessible ways

    • CVFM Radio – A local community radio station, broadcasting in different languages across Tees Valley, sharing useful information and giving a voice to local people

    • volunteering and training – Opportunities to gain skills, build confidence, and become a leader in your community

    The BME Network works closely with Public Health South Tees on a number of projects that support local people:

    • community Forums – Friendly discussion groups for different communities

    • lunch and Learn sessions – Informal sessions where you can enjoy lunch while learning something new

    • health campaigns on community radio – Sharing helpful information about looking after your health

    • community ambassador programmes – Training local people to help share health messages and support others

    If you are part of an ethnic minority community and want to find out more, join in, or get support, the BME Network is here to help.

    Visit the BME Network website to explore upcoming events, community projects, and how to get involved.

  • CVFM Radio (Community Voice FM) is a local radio station in Middlesbrough. You can listen on 104.5 FM or online.

    The station started in 2008 and is here to connect and support people in the local area; especially those from different cultures or backgrounds, and people who may feel left out (marginalised).

    CVFM is run by the community, for the community. It gives local people a chance to be heard, feel included, and share their stories and cultures.

    What does CVFM do?

    Shows in over 8 languages - CVFM has radio shows for many communities in Middlesbrough, including South Asian, Eastern European, African, and Middle Eastern groups

    Health and community news - The station shares useful interviews, health updates, and messages about local support. They work with Public Health South Tees and other services

    Training and skills - CVFM helps local people, especially young people and those not often seen in the media, to learn about radio, recording, and communication

    Local events and celebrations - The station shares news about what’s happening in the Tees Valley, including community events, charity work, and cultural festivals

    CVFM works closely with Public Health South Tees, the NHS, local councils, and community groups to:

    • share important health messages

    • tackle wrong information (misinformation)

    • help people learn how to live healthier lives

    The station also shares health messages in different languages. This helps people who do not speak English to understand and feel included, using trusted voices from the community.

    CVFM is more than just a radio station – it’s a place where everyone can feel welcome and listened to.

    Listen in and get involved:

    Tune in to CVFM Radio on 104.5 FM or stream online using the CVFM Radio website.

    For more information on volunteering, training, and programme schedules, visit the CVFM Radio website.