Encouraging girls to discover their strengths and know their true worth.
Group of girls on a bench, laughing smiling and having a great time.
Group of girls all at the beach smiling on a beach wall.
The girls who are involved in rubies charity stood smiling infant of the Middlesbrough football stadium.
Group of girls on a bench, laughing smiling and having a great time.
Our Story: Why Rubies?
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.
Liz Edwards & Krista Coulson
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!
Winner – Inspiring Women Redcar & Cleveland: Community Group Contribution 2019
Finalist – Love Britain & Ireland Awards: Best Start Up 2019
Finalist – Tees Businesswomen Awards: Charity/Voluntary Award 2020
Winner – Outstanding Organisation: Teesside University Volun-tees Awards 2021
Finalist - Redcar & Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency - Volunteer Team Award 2022