About Us
We work at grassroots level to encourage participation in physical activity in the Tees Valley. By using a small step approach, we encourage small lifestyle changes that can create a big impact on health and wellbeing.
We provide opportunities for those starting or returning to physical activity which are fun, friendly, supportive and inclusive. This can be through walking, running, gentle exercise sessions or one of our wellbeing programmes. We meet at Ormesby Hall and local community venues but head outdoors to reap the benefits of being outside in the fresh air.
We strongly believe in the power of Peer Support and provide a weekly walk at Ormesby Hall that can be accessed on a drop in basis with one to one Peer Support too.
Our aim is to change mindsets to prioritise both physical and mental wellbeing as a fun, social activity which in turn will have a significant impact on the health and happiness of the local community.
Meet The Team
Pamela, Founder
After 20 years working in Public Sector Accountancy I took voluntary redundancy, jumping at the chance to try something different. I was passionate about how people can greatly improve the quality of their lives by starting with a few small changes. I wanted to do something that engaged my community and helped people to see that exercise can be fun and social.
As well as taking care of my own physical and mental health on a daily basis I am supporting and helping others and the rewards from this motivate me further.
I sit on the Steering group for the Tees Valley Peer Support Network and provide Peer Support to anyone working or volunteering in a Peer Support role within Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland.
I hold qualifications in Running Fitness, Gym Instructing and Personal Training and a Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills. I am also a volunteer Mental Health Champion for our group and alongside providing weekly community sessions I volunteer at all of our events.
Julie, Run Leader and Heritage Walk Leader
I started running again in 2006 taking part for Race for Life and then my first Middlesbrough 10K a couple of months later as I’d enjoyed it so much. I’ve always loved the outdoors and sharing it with others is a bonus whether walking or running.
My real running journey began in 2008 when parkrun came to Middlesbrough! The sense of achievement when I finally ran 5K without walking is an achievement I love to share with others. The people I met there and in other community running clubs have had such an impact on my life.
I first came across MTAR in 2018 when I was volunteering with the National Trust. Joining in with the odd session before Covid in 2020 started me becoming more involved having been a Run Leader for a number of years. As well as helping with the running sessions I love leading the Heritage Walks and sharing my interest in local history.
My running times may be slow but I love getting out there and running distance. Running off-road/trails is heaven for me being up on the moors or in woods. I love hills and well, if trails are wet, the muddier the better ! Sharing this love with others and supporting them on their journey is so important to me.
What motivates us each day
We are a social enterprise which means that profits are reinvested in sessions for the community that enable individuals or groups to start or return to physical activity and prioritise their mental wellbeing. Everyone deserves to move in their own way and if we do not have an activity suitable, we are great at signposting to other local organisations. We have a Community Panel that help to guide our decision making even when we come up with crazy ideas.
Our Directors ensure that the projects we undertake and the sessions we deliver are effective and compliant.
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To encourage as many people as possible to take up or return to physical activity by breaking down real and perceived barriers
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Happier, healthier communities connected by fun, social, fitness across all generations
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Empower
Through encouraging small lifestyle changes we are committed to empowering individuals to have a positive impact on themselves, their families and their communities.
Inclusive
We believe everyone should have the right to benefit from physical activity in a supportive environment. We design our sessions to be fun, friendly and inclusive. The more inclusive we are for staff, volunteers and participants the better our decision making will be for shaping our organisation.
Integrity
We each take responsibility to work to the highest standards of professional conduct and ensure the safety of not only our participants but the wider community is never compromised. We always work within the guidelines set out by our governing bodies.
Respect
Treat people with dignity and respect and create an organisation where the community feel they can share their ideas or concerns.
Collaboration
As a single organisation there are not enough hours in the day for the changes we would like to see. Therefore, we believe in building good relationships, sharing great ideas and innovative ways of working whilst working towards our shared goal of supporting change.
Additional Funding
All of our weekly sessions are either low cost or pay as you feel which make them accessible to all. The majority are drop in drop out to suit your lifestyle and commitments so we still go ahead with sessions regardless of numbers. We are here for you when you need us.
We top this up with events and challenges but it is reassuring to know that there are organisations that will help towards funding specific projects. Our Active Women Together Programme for TS3 ladies was funded by You’ve Got This. This 12 week programme helped participants to get more active and supported healthy lifestyle choices.
In 2021 & 2022 we were awarded a £500 Magic Little Grant to enable participation in physical activity thus improving mental wellbeing. This has gone towards the provision of a wellbeing walk and 3 social running sessions held on a weekly basis.
We have now been awarded further funding by the National Lottery to continue our running sessions for the next 2 years. This will also enable us to update our website and purchase some equipment.
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Magic Little Grants is funded by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and distributed by Local Giving.
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Your Active Living Fund
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#NationalLottery Our project has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players.
