17 July 2026

Young people in Marton are set to benefit from new youth activities this summer after the MFC Foundation’s Youth Bus began regular sessions in the area, funded by Middlesbrough Council – part of Mayor Chris Cooke’s pledge to bring dedicated youth provision to every ward in Middlesbrough.

The mobile youth service will visit Stewart Park, the Stokesley Road shopping area and nearby routes used by young people after school, giving them a safe place to meet, take part in activities and build relationships with experienced youth workers while permanent local provision is established.

Mayor Chris Cooke’s ‘Middlesbrough Childhood Guarantee’ is spending £300,000 to expand youth provision into every ward. It also includes the 10by10 programme, which ensures every child in Middlesbrough can enjoy ten life-changing experiences, free of charge, and ‘Bring it on Boro’, which provides a healthy meal and free activities, trips and experiences for children during the school holidays.

The rollout follows a major funding boost for Middlesbrough from the Labour Government. Last year’s local government finance settlement increased Middlesbrough Council’s spending power by £75.1 million over three years, helping the council deliver its first budget in more than a decade without cutting services. That budget included the £300,000 youth expansion, alongside investment in the 10by10 programme, ‘Bring It On Boro’ holiday activities, and improvements to local play parks.

Luke Myer MP said:

“It’s fantastic to see this investment arriving in Marton. Good youth services give young people somewhere safe to go, trusted adults to talk to and opportunities to build confidence, make friends and develop new skills.

“This is a good example of what can be achieved when a Labour Government and a Labour council work together. The Government has provided Middlesbrough with the funding to invest again, and locally the council has chosen to put that investment into young people and neighbourhoods like ours.”

Mayor Chris Cooke said:

“Every young person deserves somewhere safe and welcoming where they can spend time, make friends and get support when they need it.

“I promised we would bring youth provision to every ward because opportunities shouldn’t depend on where a child lives. Acklam and Marton East were identified as areas which we needed to quickly focus on and I’m delighted to be working with the MFC Foundation to deliver this.

“By taking services directly into neighbourhoods, we can reach more young people to build relationships and provide support where it is needed most.”

Paul Shepherd, from Middlesbrough FC Foundation, said:

“This is a really exciting initiative to be involved with. Young people need positive, fun activities to grow and develop. These opportunities should be available to everybody and we are delighted to be part of making that happen.”