Middlesbrough has grown rapidly from its humble beginnings as home to 25 people and is the home of valued, diverse communities. Middlesbrough is the most diverse, urbanised and densely populated local authority area in the Tees Valley. Communities of faith, LGBT communities, BME communities, disabled residents and visitors are all warmly welcomed in Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough Cohesion Partnership
Middlesbrough Cohesion Partnership is a forum for agencies, service providers and the wider diversity stakeholders to meet, exchange ideas and implement strategies for change and focuses on the nine protected characteristics including age, race, disability, religion, gender, gender reassignment and sexual orientation.
A cohesive community is a community that is in a state of wellbeing, harmony and stability. Community cohesion is about people building relationships across real and perceived boundaries and encouraging integration on the basis of mutual respect and social justice.
For further information about the Middlesbrough Cohesion Partnership please contact Shahda Khan, MBE, Principal Community Cohesion Officer, Tel: 01642 729219, shahda_khan@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Teesside University St. Patrick's Day flashmob 2011
International students from Malaysia, India, China and India joined those from Ireland and England for an event to promote diversity at Teesside University, creating a fantastic conga line through Middlesbrough's centre with members of the community joining in.
Tside: Teesside University's St. Patricks Day flashmob Credit: Bethany Usher
Diversi-tees at Teesside University
Diversi-tees is a positive action mentoring scheme which runs from October to April. It aims to enhance the career prospects of students at Teesside University from groups who may be at a disadvantage in the graduate employment market.
Through links with local employers the scheme aims to support:
- black and minority ethnic students
- disabled students
- mature students (21+ on entry to undergraduate study)
Diversi-tees at Teesside University
Festivals
Middlesbrough Mela A celebration of diverse cultures and sports (July)
One of the north east's largest multi-cultural events celebrates its 21st birthday in 2011.
Middlesbrough Mela 2011
Middlesbrough Mela 2011 is taking place Saturday 16th July 12noon–5pm and Sunday 17th July 12noon–7pm.
Join the festivities as Middlesbrough Mela comes of age in its 21st year!
We hope you are able to join us and look forward to welcoming you at Middlesbrough Mela 2011.
Organisers are now taking bookings for stalls.
If you require any further information, please call 07789 744657 and leave a message or email melastalls@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Download: Middlesbrough Mela 2011 Brochure
Middlesbrough Mela 2011 Brochure
Download: Middlesbrough Mela Stall information
In order to reserve your stall, you need to read the Guidance Booklet then complete and return the booking form by Friday 10th June.
The Guidance Booklet gives you with all of the information you need for the Middlesbrough Mela. Please read it carefully and remember to bring it with you when you attend the Mela.
Please complete the form as fully as you can.
Please Note: No applications will be accepted after the final closing date of Friday 10th June.
Middlesbrough Mela Guidance for Stallholders
Middlesbrough Mela stalls booking form
Middlesbrough Mela Community Website
Middlesbrough Mela on facebook
SuperGay (Sept)
SuperGay Middlesbrough Pride is a huge annual event in Middlesbrough celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender life in the region.
SuperGay Middlesbrough Pride is a huge annual event in Middlesbrough celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender life in the region.
In May of this year the SuperGay committee took the decision to not hold SuperGay this year. Read their statement here.
Middlesbrough Pride 2011 and additional LGBT activities (Sept)
Local promot
ers Think Pink will be hosting a 10-hour Middlesbrough Pride party on September 10th with a live performance by X Factor Finalist Rachel Adedeji. RSVP on Facebook
Middlesbrough Pride presents a one-off life drawing class in mima Gardens Drag queens, Gina Tonic and Miss Tickle, will strike a pose or two for you to capture. Materials and drawing advice provided alongside summer tunes and drinks offers from café Prego. September 8th, 5.45-6.45. £5 per person. Booking not required. RSVP on Facebook
We are very proud that Middlesbrough will be the first location in the North East to host Living My Life - An exhibition of inspirational portraits celebrating the lives of Trans people at We Are Open Gallery, 148 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough from the 16th until the 23rd of September 2011. Open daily 10am-5pm (except Sundays).
Communities of Faith
Christian, Bahai, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Sikh and Spiritualist faiths are all proudly represented in Middlesbrough.
We are proud to be home to St. Mary's Cathedral, seat of Terence Patrick Drainey, the Bishop of Middlesbrough.
Download: The Middlesbrough Faith Trails
The Middlesbrough Faiths Trails
A History of Faith groups in Middlesbrough along with contact details for their representatives and two trails for visiting different communities of faith.
St. Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
2011 Nagar Kirtan Festival
LGBT Communities
The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities of Middlesbrough celebrate LGBT History month in February and SuperGay Middlesbrough Pride in September. Middlesbrough is also home to a variety of LGBT friendly venues and entertainment throughout the year.
SuperGay Middlesbrough LGBT Pride (September)
SuperGay Middlesbrough Pride is a huge annual event in Middlesbrough celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender life in the region.
In May of this year the SuperGay committee took the decision to not hold SuperGay this year. Read their statement here.
Middlesbrough Pride 2011
Local promot
ers Think Pink will be hosting a 10-hour Middlesbrough Pride party on September 10th with a live performance by X Factor Finalist Rachel Adedeji. RSVP on Facebook
We Are Open - Living My Life exhibition and events September 2011
We are very proud that Middlesbrough will be the first location in the North East to host Living My Life - An exhibition of inspirational portraits celebrating the lives of Trans people at We Are Open Gallery, 148 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough from the 16th until the 23rd of September 2011. Open daily 10am-5pm (except Sundays).
You are invited to the exhibition opening on Friday 16th of September from 5-7.30pm to celebrate inclusivity in Middlesbrough. Refreshments will be served.
You are invited on Tuesday 20th of September from 2pm for an informal networking event to discuss gender diversity and view the exhibition with Dr Helen Greener, Consultant Psychiatrist, Ady Davis, Psychosexual Therapist, Northern Region Gender Dysphoria Service, NTW NHS Trust, Emma Roebuck, Criminal Justice Worker, Gay Advice Darlington and Durham and Lesley Duggan, LGBT Inclusion Officer, Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency.
Download the Living My Life exhibition poster
Middlesbrough Pride Life Drawing Class at mima Gardens
Middlesbrough Pride presents a one-off life drawing class in mima Gardens Drag queens, Gina Tonic and Miss Tickle, will strike a pose or two for you to capture. Materials and drawing advice provided alongside summer tunes and drinks offers from café Prego. September 8th, 5.45-6.45. £5 per person. Booking not required. RSVP on Facebook
Think Pink Limited
Think Pink Ltd is an event Management and Marketing Consultancy company working with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community across the North East of England and they make their home in Middlesbrough.
SATUR-GAY
SATUR-GAY is the Tees Valley's largest gay and lesbian party, and the North East’s biggest gay event outside of Newcastle and it's located in central Middlesbrough at the BASEMENT nightclub.
The Oak
Gay owned and run bar with regular entertainment offer.
Teesside Positive Action
Teesside Positive Action Ltd (trading as TPA) is a Middlesbrough based HIV support charity. Their services have evolved over the years to reflect changes to HIV care provision and a range of community services are now available. These include, but are not limited to: emotional and practical support to anyone infect with or personally affected by HIV, rapid HIV testing, advice and information about HIV and AIDS, sexual health and LGBT issues, training and education, advocacy work and HIV awareness.
MESMAC North East
MESMAC North East is an organisation providing free and confidential advice to to any man aged 13 years or over who is gay or bisexual, men who have sex with other men and men who are questioning their sexuality .
LGBT Discussion Group
Come along to St Mary’s Centre, Corporation Road, Middlesbrough TS1 2RW from 7-8.30pm on the last Tuesday of the month to be part of a new LGBT group, meet other people and join in the debate.
The group discusses a range of issues; serious to light hearted. Refreshments and cake will be served. There is no charge. This will be a safe, informal and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Join on the last Tuesday of each month; 30th August, 27th Sept, 25th October, 29th November.
Organisers will meet and greet anyone who would like a pre-session coffee at Starbucks, 86 Linthorpe Road (near to Boots) from 5.30-6.15pm.
For more information please contact: Lesley 01642 803607 and/or Anthony 07826 311216 or email lesley.duggan@mvdauk.org.uk and/or lgbt@teessidepositiveaction.org.uk
LGBT links
Local and regional LGBT events and activities
BME communities - Black and Minority Ethnic Communities
BME Network
Access for All: disabled residents and visitors
Shopmobility
Middlesbrough Shopmobility opened to the public in November 2001. The registered charity (1076622) is a hire service, which provides Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters & Powerchairs for use within the Town Centre enabling persons with limited mobility to access Middlesbrough Town.
Shopmobility also hires Wheelchairs to take away including holiday trips abroad. They have a disabled toilet on their premises & public toilets are located within 40 yards.
They also provide 12 private parking bays whilst the equipment is in use at a charge of £1 per visit. With prior notice only, shopping companions to assist with your shopping needs can be provided.
For Daily Use: Cost is £1.35 per hour for hire of all equipment
Long Term Hires (Wheelchairs Only): Cost is £10 per week (£50 deposit required)
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday: 9am-5pm
Sunday: Closed (see below)
They are closed Christmas Day, New Years Day and bank holidays except Good Friday.
From Monday 1st November 2010 they will open on Sundays 10:30 to 15:30 until Christmas.
Middlesbrough Shopmobility
1st floor car park
Hillstreet
Middlesbrough
TS1 1TE
Tel. 01642 254545
info@middlesbroughshopmobility.co.uk
Arriving by car
Exit the A66 at the Hartington interchange & follow signs for Middlesbrough Town Centre, at the junction turn left & take the centre lane signposted Hillstreet Centre, once entering the car park, take the ramp to the 1st level & make the 3rd turning on the right. Shopmobility is located at the bottom of this lane.
Arriving by Bus
The Bus Station is located next to the Hillstreet Shopping Centre. Please phone on arrival for assistance.
Arriving by Train
The Train Station is located near the Hillstreet Shopping Centre. Please phone for assistance.
Middlesbrough Shopmobility at Stewart Park
Middlesbrough Shopmobility have launched a scheme in partnership with award-winning Stewart Park to provide less mobile visitors with a more convenient mode of travel around the park's comprehensive network of tarmac public footpaths.
The scheme has introduced a fleet of mobility scooters and wheelchairs for hire from the Stewart Park reception area accessed via The Grove entrance off Marton Road. These are available for hire Monday to Friday 11am until 4pm at a cost of £1.00 to existing Shopmobility clients and £2.00 for visitors and non-members.
For further details about the scheme please contact Stewart Park on 01642 300202 or Gail Chester on 01642 254545 at the Shopmobility Centre located on the 1st Level Car Park of the Hillstreet Centre.
More information about Stewart Park (including a downloadable map of park paths) :
Changing Places Toilet in Middlesbrough
A state-of-the-art toilet and changing facility opened in Middlesbrough Bus Station on Friday 30th April.
A Changing Places toilet is larger than a standard accessible toilet and is equipped with:
· height adjustable changing bench/trolley
· ceiling track hoist
· adequate space for a disabled person and up to two carers
· centrally placed toilet with grab bars
· privacy screen/curtain
· wide paper roll to cover the bench
· shower
· slip resistant floor
Membership scheme for Changing Places Toilet
Access to the Changing Places toilet in the bus station will be run on a free membership system with members getting a fob to access the facility.
This is to ensure that only people who really need to use the facility can access it. The membership scheme will be operated by Shopmobility.
The existing accessible toilets in the bus station have also had a face-lift as part of additional improvement work.
There are over 100 Changing Places toilets across the UK details can be found at www.changing-places.org.uk
To join the membership scheme to access the Changing Places toilet, which is for disabled people who cannot use the existing toilets, call Shopmobility on 01642 254545 or to find out more about Changing Places in Middlesbrough call 01642 726004.
Bridge card information at shopmobility
New travel cards have been launched in Middlesbrough to make travel easier for those with disabilities.
The Bridge Card is part of a national scheme to assist people with hidden (not obvious) disabilities or difficulties to access public transport by alerting the driver/attendant that additional help may be required.
This can range from simply a little extra time to ensure the holder is seated before continuing with the journey to help with knowing which stop to depart at.
The card – which is free - also allows for a dialogue between the driver and the holder without offence being caused, a concern that drivers can have when asking if someone needs help.
The Tees Valley Bridge Card is a joint venture between the five Tees Valley authorities, working in partnership with bus and train operators.
Each authority has a supply of cards which will be distributed by various organisations including Shopmobility Centres.
For further details on obtaining a card please contact the Middlesbrough Shopmobility Scheme on 01642 254545.
Parking for the disabled
Middlesbrough Borough Council is committed to providing high quality facilities for disabled motorists in Middlesbrough. The Council allows free parking without time limits for disabled badge holders in all its pay and display car parks and pay and display on street parking places.
This provision applies to all spaces in all types of parking places long, short and limited-stay, (excluding the private permit parking area on level 4a of Captain Cook Square Car Park) and not just in dedicated disabled bays.
Dedicated disabled bays are provided in all the main Council car parks as well as on street close to all the major town centre destinations.
Full information on disabled parking on the Middlesbrough Council website
Accessible taxis
Able Cabs, Middlesbrough - Tel: 07931 442149
A&I Taxis, Middlesbrough - Tel: 0789 4579114
A&S Wheelchair Taxis, Middlesbrough - Tel: 07930 529683
Acklam Taxis, Middlesbrough - Tel: 07831 446577
Text-a-Taxi service for deaf people
Text name, the address to be picked up from, time and destination. You will receive a message straight back to confirm when a taxi will be available. The service runs round the clock, seven days a week.
When the driver arrives to pick you up s/he will ring your mobile so that the light/vibration will notify you s/he is there.
Blueline Taxis - Tel: 0795 87 300 76 - Covering Middlesbrough.
Royal Cars - Tel: 0793 300 2470 - Covering Middlesbrough, Stockton, Thornaby and Hartlepool.
Royal Cars can also be faxed for a taxi at 01642 704 199. Please include the same information as texts.
Accessibility Information for Top Attractions
Below you will find accessibility information for some of Middlesbrough's top attractions.
The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum has 2 lifts that allow for wheelchair and pram access to every floor in the museum.
There is an orange disabled badge holder’s parking bay at the front of the museum. Access to this car park is via The Grove entrance to Stewart Park.
A wheelchair is available for use by visitors. Prior notice is preferred.
A disabled toilet is located on the ground floor.
The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum is located in Stewart Park, Marton in Middlesbrough Postcode: TS7 8AT. Tel: 01642 311211
Dorman Museum
The Dorman Museum offers full disabled access throughout.
Wheelchair and pram access is available to all floors.
Our lift can accommodate up to three wheelchairs and three carers or teachers at any one time.
There are 2 disabled parking bays immediately in front of the museum and the museum can be accessed via a ramp to the automated front door.
A wheelchair is available for use by visitors, prior notice is preferred.
Male, female and disabled public toilets are located on the ground floor and there are clearly marked fire escapes to the front & rear of the building.
The Dorman Museum is located at Linthorpe Road, adjacent to Albert Park in Middlesbrough Postcode: TS5 6LA, Tel: 01642 813781.
Click here for more detailed information for the Dorman Museum
MFC - Middlesbrough Football Club at Riverside Stadium
Middlesbrough Football Club strives to make football accessible to all.
If you or someone you know has a disability and would like to come to the Riverside Stadium, please contact their Disabled Liaison Officer, Simon Macdonald on 0844 499 1234, or email disability@mfc.co.uk.
Click here for information on facilities at Riverside Stadium for Middlesbrough Football Club
mima - Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art
mima is fully accessible. Wheelchairs are available on request. Disabled parking is available at the gallery. Blue badges and motorcycles are FREE. For further information please contact mima reception on 01642 726 720 (Reception available during gallery opening times).
mima is located at Centre Square in Middlesbrough Postcode: TS1 2AZ, Tel: 01642 726 720.
Middlesbrough Theatre
The Theatre can accommodate up to six wheelchairs per performance, one free ticket will be issued for each companion. We regret that access to the bar is via stairs: drinks may be ordered and collected from the ground floor kiosk.
An infra-red system is available for the hard of hearing using discreet headsets, which are available from the box office.
Please let us know your requirements at the time of booking to ensure you have a comfortable visit.
Middlesbrough Theatre is located on The Avenue in Linthorpe in Middlesbrough Postcode: TS5 6SA, Tel: 01642 815181.
Middlesbrough Town Hall
The Main Hall can accommodate up to 10 wheelchairs and the Crypt up to 6 wheelchairs. One free ticket is available for each companion. Please inform the Box Office at time of booking. Please note that the lifts will only hold 330 pounds. Please bear this in mind if you are the owner of a heavy wheelchair.
Middlesbrough Town Hall is located on Albert Road in Middlesbrough Postcode: TS1 2QQ, Tel: 01642 729729.
RSVP Book Club
A book club for people who find it difficult to get out and about is looking for new members.
RSVP, in partnership with Middlesbrough Library Service, host a telephone book club every month and are looking for new readers to join in.
Members just need access to a telephone in their home to take part.
At a set time each month, through RSVP’s teleconferencing system, participants join the group on the phone to discuss the book of the month.
The club is free, there are no telephone charges and the book of the month is dropped off by an RSVP volunteer.
If you are interested in joining contact Carol Reynolds on 01642 231560.
Useful links
Parking and Public Toilet Facilities
RADAR Accessible Toilet Facilities
Durham Tees Valley Airport Access Map PDF
Durham Tees Valley Airport information for disabled passengers & passengers with reduced mobility
Newcastle Airport Access Map PDF
Your Level Best - Guide to accessible restaurants - Please confirm information by calling restaurants prior to your visit.
Middlesbrough F.C. Disabled Supporters Association
Report Hate Crime