Assist Womens Network

We connect, support, learn, and empower - we are Tees Valley women 💜

We network, we support businesses, we share our skills, we learn, we empower each other, we are Tees Valley Business Women. Assist is a Tees Valley based organisation, set up in 2009, allowing women in business to grow professionally through a strong network of like-minded women. Together we can stand shoulder to shoulder, helping ourselves and each other to build better and stronger businesses in a supportive environment.

27/10/2026

Our A Seat At The Table Dinner Debates are back! 💜

We’re so excited to welcome Shonette Bason, renowned author and creator of Dough Disco, for an evening designed to connect and inspire women who aspire to be leaders in their field.

With more than 30 years of experience in education, Shonette is a motivational speaker like no other. Expect to leave feeling energised, inspired and ready to take on your next challenge ✨

🎟 Tickets are going fast. Book your place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-seat-at-the-table-dinner-debate-tickets-2003399992307?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

24/10/2026

Ever been asked what you do and suddenly forgotten how to explain it? 😅

Join Lorna Garrity for Noticed in 30 Seconds, a practical online workshop designed to help you introduce yourself clearly, communicate your value and feel more confident when it matters.

You’ll learn a simple structure, practise your introduction and receive supportive feedback before putting it into action at our Just Networking: Middlesbrough finale 💜

📅 Tuesday 3 November
⏰ 5:30pm to 7pm
💻 Online via Google Meet

Find out more and book your place via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/assist-noticed-in-30-seconds-tickets-1988844216590

22/10/2026

Join us for our next Just Networking event in Middlesbrough 💜

Come along for a relaxed morning of conversation, connections and plenty of opportunities to share what you do.

📍 Teesside University, Launchpad, TS1 3BX
🎟 Book your place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/assist-just-networking-middlesbrough-tickets-1977027183526?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

You’ll have the chance to give a quick 30-second introduction, share your latest news, promote an event, ask for support or simply enjoy meeting other women from across Tees Valley.

A huge thank you to Teesside Launchpad for once again supporting and sponsoring our Middlesbrough event.

20/10/2026

Earlier this month, our Mentoring 2026/27 cohort officially launched. 💜

We welcomed our mentors and mentees to Luna Blu for our launch and matching event, with a record 11 mentees matched with brilliant business people from across Tees Valley 👏

Everyone had the chance to take part in speed matching, and we also heard from Claire Preston, who shared some brilliant insight on coaching and building strong mentoring relationships.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us. We can’t wait to see how this year’s partnerships develop 🙌🏻

17/10/2026

We’re incredibly proud to have been named Community Organisation of the Year last night at the Tees Valley EDI Awards! 💜🏆

This recognition means so much to us and reflects the time, energy and passion of everyone who helps make Assist what it is.

From our volunteers and committee members to our project leads, ambassadors, and all of the women who attend our events, this one belongs to all of you 💜

A huge thank you to the Tees Valley EDI Awards for recognising the work we do across our community.

16/10/2026

Last week, we planted a tree in our Sisterwood in honour of our 2026/27 Assist Goodwill Ambassador, Paula McMahon. 🌳💜

This special moment recognised Paula’s contribution, impact and the positive difference she continues to make across Tees Valley.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the afternoon so special.

Another tree added to Sisterwood, and another incredible woman celebrated for the difference she is making across our region ✨

And now we’re looking ahead... nominations are open for our 2027/28 Assist Goodwill Ambassador!

Know someone who is making a real difference across Tees Valley? Nominate them using the form below 👇

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZXm_U3y9p5gQf1VOVFhSUaFoHLu8kLn-ZpKhqHzUoFGqVWg/viewform

14/10/2026

Fancy swapping your usual Saturday morning for a walk, good conversation and some fresh air? 🍂

We’re joining The Girls’ Network for a gentle stroll through South Park and along the River Skerne in Darlington.

It’s an easy, informal way to meet other Tees Valley women, chat about work and life, and enjoy a little time away from the usual routine. You can even stay for a cuppa afterwards! 💜

📅 Saturday 14 November
⏰ 10am
📍 Meet at South Park’s main clock tower entrance

Find out more and book via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/walk-talk-with-assist-and-the-girls-network-darlington-tickets-1996982455281

12/10/2026

A huge thank you to The Darlington Arena for once again sponsoring and hosting this weeks Just Networking! 💜

The event is now SOLD OUT, and your hosts Ruth Smith, Alicia Neesham and Christine Tarran are looking forward to welcoming everyone this week! ✨

📅 Wednesday 14 October
⏰ 9:30am–11am
📍 The Darlington Arena

09/10/2026

Can you explain what you do in just 30 seconds, clearly, confidently and without over-explaining? 🎤

Join confidence coach Lorna Garrity for Assist: Noticed in 30 Seconds, a practical online workshop designed to help you communicate your value, manage nerves and create an introduction people remember.

You’ll learn a simple formula, explore how your voice and body language shape your message, and put it all into practice with supportive feedback.

You’ll then have the opportunity to present live at our Just Networking: Middlesbrough finale on Wednesday 11 November, with the full support of your group 💜

Find out more and book via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/assist-noticed-in-30-seconds-tickets-1988844216590

05/10/2026

Could you be our next Middlesbrough Just Networking host? 💜

We’re looking for someone friendly and welcoming who can help us bring Tees Valley women together, create genuine connections and make everyone feel comfortable, from familiar faces to first-time networkers.

Interested in finding out more? We’d love to hear from you!

Email [email protected] ✉️

Address

Teesside County Borough

Website

http://www.assistwomensnetwork.co.uk/

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