Step Forward Tees Valley participant is runner up at Catalyst Achievement Awards

Vadims, who takes part in the employability programme to improve his confidence and learn new skills, was recognised for outstanding contribution he makes to his local community by volunteering.

When Vadims joined Step Forward Tees Valley in 2021 he was shy, reserved and isolated. With the programme’s support, Vadims grew in confidence and he chose volunteering as a way of continuing this growth.

Speaking about his achievement, Vikkie Wilkinson, Step Forward Tees Valley Programme Manager, said: “Vadims gives so much to volunteering in the Stockton area and we’re so proud of him for being shortlisted in this category.”

“Thanks to funding from the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, and support from all our delivery partners, we’re able to make a real difference to the lives of people like Vadims”.

Step Forward Tees Valley supports local people like Vadims, in Stockton and across the Tees Valley, by offering a range of community volunteering opportunities, as well as helping people improve their health and wellbeing, learn new personal and work skills and ease money worries.

Since the programme began in October 2016, it’s supported more than 3,500 people across the Tees Valley. It’s thanks to the programme's partnership working that they’ve been able to help people overcome a range of barriers to training, volunteering and work.

In Stockton, Step Forward Tees Valley works in partnership with Humankind, Groundwork North East & Cumbria, Changing Lives, Mental Health Concern and Stockton District Advice and Information service.

For more information about the support that Step Forward Tees Valley offers, you can visit their website at https://sfteesvalley.co.uk/ or call one of their local navigator hubs for a friendly, informal chat:

Darlington: 01325 525 100
Hartlepool: 01429 363 108
Middlesbrough: 01642 245 895
Redcar & Cleveland: 01642 681 785
Stockton: 01642 607 028