Ahead of Small Business Saturday this weekend we've pulled together our top five Christmas gift ideas from some of Middlesbrough's independent businesses. Small Business Saturday takes place each year and promotes the importance of shopping locally.
A helping hand grants scheme has opened for businesses who have not been forced to close but have been severely affected by recent restrictions. It covers hospitality, leisure, hotel, bed and breakfast, and nursery businesses impacted by Local Covid-19 Alert Level restrictions.
A wonderful ‘Winter Windowland' is set to blaze a trail of light and hope across Teesside in the run-up to the festive season. The colourful initiative is a local drive to spread yuletide cheer and community spirit following a year of upheaval and uncertainty.
A rallying call to support local business in the run-up to Christmas has been issued by Middlesbrough Councillors. They've set up a special Facebook page to showcase the best of local enterprise, and encourage people to back local jobs and investment.
Local charities have teamed up with Middlesbrough Council this winter to make sure older people receive the help they need. The new Warm and Well Winter Support Project will provide essential supplies to older people to help them stay warm, active and busy over the festive period.
The sacrifices made by people around Middlesbrough are helping to drive the town's Covid rate down. Leaders have today discussed their intention to push for Tier 2 level restrictions if numbers continue to fall.
More trees are urgently needed in a key part of Middlesbrough according to local Councillors. Ward members in Park End & Beckfield say new trees are urgently needed in the Netherfields area to replace those lost over the years to development, vandalism and neglect.
As part of efforts to improve the care of children in residential placements, the Council commissioned a managed team, Innovate, to focus on their needs and find them permanent homes. From July onwards, the progress of the project is estimated to have saved £385,000.
Every winter millions of people across the UK struggle to stay warm and healthy at home. Rising energy costs, low incomes and energy inefficient homes leave them unable to afford even basic household essentials like energy, food and heating.
Today, Bupa Foundation and Middlesbrough Reads announce a donation of 135 paperback copies of Bloomsbury Publishing's The Book of Hopes to 45 primary schools in Middlesbrough, providing an essential boost of hope to children during the second national lockdown.
An urban farm promoting healthy eating, exercise and positive mental health has been given the green light. The tranquil urban farm will boast a street café and shop selling produce grown on site and create jobs for local people and would have space for seasonal crops, sensory gardens and beehives.
Local businesses hit by the third phase of national lockdown are being reminded they may be in line for additional government support. The move follows the sweeping restrictions that came into force on Monday, January 4 as part of the ongoing fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Progress made by children's social care staff in Middlesbrough has been recognised by government. The department is undergoing rapid change after it was judged inadequate by Ofsted in a verdict announced in January 2020.
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