Groups make Resource Centre home

The Resource Centre has become the long-term home for a number of groups running regular classes and activities in Middlesbrough.

Tees Valley Asian Welfare Forum (TVAWF), a charitable organisation offering a multi-cultural day care service to frail, elderly and disabled Asian people in Tees Valley runs five classes from the centre each week. TVAWF offers enriching activities such as light exercise, health advice, literacy sessions, discussion groups, day trips, arts and crafts such as flower arranging and knitting, gardening and aromatherapy massage for men and women. Those attending also get to enjoy a two-course meal prepared by the TVAWF team in the centre’s kitchen.

TVAWF has been based at the Resource Centre since 2007 when the organisation was founded. Mrs Raja, who runs the classes, says the facility ideally meets the needs of the group. She said: “The Resource Centre has many facilities that suit us and cater for our needs based on the type of activities we run. The gardens allow us to have our own planters to grow plants and herbs and the well-equipped kitchen enables our team to prepare a meal for the group at each session.

“Not only does it lend itself our varied activities, the venue is bright and spacious and the team are very friendly and always willing to help.  The centre also has the added benefit of on-site parking.

“We still have space for new people to join us, so anyone who would like to get involved should get in touch.”

Another longstanding customer of the Resource Centre is Destination Judo.  For the past four years the judo school has run two classes for children aged five to 15 plus a squad class for more advanced students each Tuesday from the centre’s Ford Hall. 

Craig Mitchell, a coach at Destination Judo, said: “The Resource Centre offers a great location which benefits being close to a number of local schools.”

Angie Kelly, assistant facilities manager at Actes, who is responsible for the day to day running of the Resource Centre, said: “We are delighted to have secured a number of long-term bookings from groups like the Tees Valley Asian Welfare Forum, Destination Judo and many others who run regular classes and activities. Their support means there’s plenty on offer for the local community to participate in.

“We can accommodate additional leisure and community bookings, so we would love to hear from anyone interested in setting up from our fantastic facility.”

Other activities taking place at the Resource Centre include Kumon extra tuition classes, Health Through Activity, Friendly Faces and a community bingo group.

For further information about Tees Valley Asian Welfare Forum contact 01642 765574, 07584 120211 or email aneeka.tvawf@yahoo.com

For further information about Destination Judo email destination@britishjudo.org.uk

For further information about activities at the Resource Centre or room hire please call 01642 255001