Teesside charity unveils new identity

A long-established Teesside charity has unveiled a new identity to better reflect its growing work supporting healthier, more resilient communities.

Middlesbrough Environment City has rebranded as Nine Yards after more than 30 years working with people and communities across the Tees Valley.

The new name and visual identity reflect an expanding remit spanning food and fuel insecurity, health and wellbeing, active travel and climate change.

While its identity has changed, the charity says its core purpose remains focused on helping people across the region live healthier, happier and more sustainable lives.

Vicki Putson, chief executive of Nine Yards, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our history as Middlesbrough Environment City and of the former Nature’s World site where we’re still based. 

“For more than three decades, we’ve worked passionately to make a difference to people’s lives across the Tees Valley.

“During that time, we’ve grown, evolved and expanded our impact. We now support health and wellbeing, tackle poverty, strengthen communities and help people build better futures.

“We felt it was time for our name to reflect the full breadth of what we do, the passion behind our projects and the positive impact we’re creating every day.

“Nine Yards is a better reflection of who we are today, how we support communities and where we want to go in the future.”

Nine Yards takes a joined-up approach to challenges facing communities, recognising that issues including the cost of living, food insecurity, energy bills, health inequalities and climate change can often be interconnected.

Its work includes providing affordable food through a network of Eco Shops, offering energy and affordable warmth advice and supporting community growing projects.

The charity also delivers active travel training and creates opportunities for people to connect with nature and improve their wellbeing.

The Nine Yards name is designed to reflect this broad approach, with support shaped around the wider circumstances affecting individuals and communities rather than tackling issues in isolation.

Vicki added: “The name Nine Yards captures how we work – we go the extra mile, we look at the whole picture and we provide wraparound support.

“We go the whole nine yards for the communities we serve.”

Under its new identity, the organisation plans to build on its existing work, develop new partnerships and create further opportunities for communities across the Tees Valley.

Vicki added: “What excites me most about our future as Nine Yards is the opportunity to reach even more people and create an even greater impact.

“The challenges facing communities are significant, but so is the potential for positive change. 

“We see every day what happens when people are empowered, connected and supported.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.