Vibrant Mural Honors 40 Years of Empowering Women at Tees Valley Centre

The Tees Valley Women's Centre, located in South Bank near Middlesbrough, has been a vital part of the community since it opened its doors in 1987. This year, the centre is celebrating nearly 40 years of supporting women by unveiling a striking new mural. The mural, painted in vibrant pinks and stretching 40 feet along Upper Albion Street, features images of women and tells the story of the centre and the people who have been involved with it. Nine women of different ages recently stood in front of the mural, arms around each other, smiling proudly.

The centre was founded with the goal of improving the quality of life and opportunities for women in the area. Donna Middleton, the manager of the Tees Valley Women's Centre, described the mural as a 'wonderful celebration' of the thousands of women who have passed through the centre over the years. She explained, 'This mural means an enormous amount to everyone here because it tells our story, but it has genuinely been shaped by the women themselves. ' The artwork not only highlights the centre's roots in South Bank and the women who have contributed to its growth, but it also looks ahead to the future, symbolizing hope and progress for the next chapter of the centre's history.

The mural will remain permanently on display outside the centre, serving as a reminder of the centre's impact and the community it has built. Local artist Jessica Leigh was responsible for creating the mural. She spent time at the centre, listening to the stories, memories, and ideas of the women who use the centre. Jessica said, 'My role was to listen to their memories, ideas, and experiences and find a way of bringing all of those different stories together in one piece of artwork. ' She noted that there is a rich history both within the centre and throughout South Bank, and during the workshops, she could sense how much the centre means to the women. The mural is not just a piece of art; it is a symbol of the strength, unity, and history of the Tees Valley Women's Centre and the community it serves.