In 2016 national research concluded that girls growing up in Middlesbrough were the most disadvantaged in England & Wales. After reading the devastating report Liz and Krista, the co-founders of Rubies, felt it was vital that girls in their home community heard a different message about their strengths and potential.
In 2017 they set up a small group to help girls in South Bank, on the edge of Middlesbrough, build confidence and self-esteem. The group became a special place of encouragement and support and very soon ‘Rubies’ was formed.
Rubies are considered to be one of the most precious and valuable jewels in the natural world. They are formed under intense pressure and heat and even the most exquisite have natural imperfections running through them. As a charity we believe that girls need to know that they too are valued and have inherent worth, just like the gemstones.
Rubies became a registered charity in 2018 and our dedicated team of staff and volunteers now run a range of trauma-informed projects in schools and local communities across the area.
We support over 300 girls every year, helping them to navigate some of the issues highlighted in the report and to see themselves and each other more positively.
Please contact us for more information about our work – we’d love to hear from you!
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