Access the career you want with an Access to HE Diploma at Middlesbrough College!

Are you ready to take the next step to change your life with a new career but don’t have the right qualifications?

An Access to Higher Education (HE) course is the perfect FREE* route back into education, and to a degree.

Studied part-time across one year, our career focused FREE* courses prepare students who do not have traditional academic qualifications to study at University. Delivered with busy lifestyles in mind, our courses provide family friendly learning hours so you can get the qualifications you need to access the career you want, and the life you want.

Ellie is now a qualified Midwife.

“

If you are thinking about returning to education, do it. The Access course is one year and I managed to do it with a husband and three kids! Not only did it make a difference to me but it made a difference to my family.”

*Your Access to HE Diploma will be FREE once you complete your degree as your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off.

in Science

Aiman was a refugee fleeing worn-torn Iraq. He is now studying for a degree in Pharmacy at the University of Sunderland, thanks to the support from Middlesbrough College.

“My advice to anyone who wants to return to education or needs to because of situations that are out of their control is to go for it and ask for help - nothing is impossible!”

Exciting times ahead

We’re counting down to May’s local elections and there are significant changes that voters need to be aware of.

Middlesbrough’s next elected mayor will be chosen, along with councillors for all 20 wards and parish councillors for Nunthorpe and Stainton and Thornton.

The law now requires that for the first time, voters on May 4 must show photo ID at polling stations when casting their vote.

This is a major change and, as a council, we don’t want to see it reduce the number of people who vote.

When voting in person, you will need to show ID such as a passport, driving licence, bus pass or Blue Badge. If you do not have any of these, you must apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

The deadlines for registering to vote or to register for a postal vote are looming and full details can be found on pages 22 and 23.

We will be getting the message out far and wide to as many different communities as we can.

You can help spread the word too by making sure as many of your friends and family are aware of the changes.

It would be brilliant if we could get a strong turnout. These elections only come round once every four years – it’s vital your voice is heard.

Before we get to the elections, we will have the chance to enjoy a major milestone for Middlesbrough.

Reinventing our town centre is critical to our future and it’s hugely exciting that Level X, the first of several new leisure destinations that will transform Captain Cook Square, is opening in time for spring. You can read more about it on pages 6 and 7.

The enormous family entertainment complex will help us attract thousands of visitors that will support other businesses and help keep people in work.

Level X certainly has the ‘wow’ factor. I’m convinced that the new food and drink venues, e-sports arena and cinema that follow will help transform the look and feel of our town.

We have an exciting and busy few months ahead.

Tony Parkinson Chief executive, Middlesbrough Council

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Midsummer Madness

Time to dig out those Baggy Trousers as Boro prepares to host pop royalty

X Factor

Middlesbrough town centre is going to the next level

Part of the family

School bids farewell to Cath

6

19

17 10

Keeping a lid on the cost of living

Help with Council Tax, keeping warm, food and money

Respect, pride and the beautiful game

How football academy helps shape young lives

Feeling the benefit

A desire to help drives benefits manager Kellie’s approach

The 67,000 print run of Love Middlesbrough is delivered to every Middlesbrough home and many businesses. An electronic version of Love Middlesbrough magazine is available at middlesbrough.gov.uk/ magazine

Middlesbrough Council contact numbers: (all prefixed 01642)

General Enquiries: 245432

Street wardens: 228500

After Hours – All enquiries: 726050

Environment: 726001

Noise Nuisance: 726001

Needles Hotline: 726001

Social Services: 726004

Housing Benefit: 726006

Parking Services: 726003

Council Tax/Business Rates: 726006

Planning Queries: 729377

For further information about Middlesbrough Council, visit middlesbrough.gov.uk | wearemiddlesbrough.com