We are here to support, promote and develop voluntary and community action in Middlesbrough
Blog
Embracing Change: A Parting Reflection
29 January 2026 - 11:25am
I’m in my final days at MVDA, where I’ve worked for over a decade in a variety of roles, most notably setting up and leading We Care You Care. What began as coordinated branding to support partnership working within the local carers forum has grown into a well-established and respected communications and campaigns initiative, raising awareness of unpaid care across South Tees.
Dream, Dare, Do: Reflections from TEDx Teesside
23 October 2025 - 11:00am
I was fortunate to attend a recent TEDx event at Teesside University, themed Dream, Dare, Do. Like many people, I’ve watched TED Talks online, but seeing them delivered live was a completely different experience.
No Two Days the Same: Connecting South Tees for Positive Change
23 September 2025 - 4:12pm
One of the things I love most about my role is the variety – no two days are ever the same. At the heart of my work is making sure we truly understand what local communities need, and then supporting the voluntary and community sector (VCS) to provide safe, relevant, and effective services.
Ten Years at MVDA: A Journey of Growth, Purpose and Pride
11 September 2025 - 12:01pm
When I joined MVDA ten years ago, I never imagined I’d still be here a decade later. Coming from a small charity in Whitby, where redundancy warnings were frequent, I didn’t see the voluntary sector as a place where you could build a stable, long-term career without moving organisations. At 27, the longest job I had ever held was four years and at the time, that felt like an achievement. Fast forward ten years, and I’m proud to say MVDA has completely reshaped that perspective.
From Stretched to Strong: How Funded Training Can Transform Your Charity or Community Organisation
14 August 2025 - 11:58am
Running a charity, community interest company (CIC), or community organisation is no small task. You’re juggling limited resources, meeting the needs of the people you serve, and supporting your staff and volunteers, often all at the same time. With so much to do, it can feel impossible to justify taking time out for training.
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