Press Release – 10th November 2026
The Tees Valley arm of a UK-wide imitative to combat poverty is marking its second anniversary with record numbers of goods distributed and children and families helped across the region.
Figures show The Junction Multibank in Middlesbrough has now distributed over five million items – almost three million in the past twelve months alone -assisting hundreds of thousands locally who are experiencing the effects of poverty.
Opened in November 2024 The Junction Multibank combats poverty by connecting families with surplus goods, including clothes, bedding, baby, hygiene products, toys and furniture. It is part of a UK-wide initiative by former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown in collaboration with partners including Amazon, Comic Relief and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
In the past 12 months (October 2025 to October 2026) The Junction has seen:
Goods distributed – 2,992,935
Value of Goods – £12.9 million
Households being helped – 205,000
Individuals being helped - 305,000
Referral partners – 1600
Corresponding overall figures since launch in November 2024:
Goods distributed – 5 million
Value of Goods – £25.5 million
Households being helped – 371,000
Individuals being helped - 588,000
Referral partners – 1649
A special Stakeholder Anniversary Business Breakfast will take place at The Junction Multibank on Thursday 19th November, 8:30am - 11:00am, celebrating the achievements of the past two years which have only been possible through the collaboration and generosity of partners, supporters and community leaders.
Commenting on the two year anniversary, Beth Major, The Junction Chief Executive said: "What we have achieved in just two years at The Junction Multibank has been transformative across the Tees Valley, but there is still much to be done. We are only getting started.
"Our ambition is to go further because we know demand is high for the services we provide and we are determined no one who needs assistance has to struggle alone.
"Meeting our objectives will require the continued combined efforts of business and community groups to ensure we provide not only that support at pace but at the volume required. Everyone can help, whether that is volunteering or making donations as a partner."
The Rt Hon Gordon Brown, who serves as President of the Multibank UK and Multibank Scotland, said: "There's no doubt the work of The Junction Multibank is having a huge positive impact for families and children who need help across the Tees Valley.
"Their work is invaluable in relieving poverty and assisting people out of crisis with dignity. I thank Beth Major, CEO of the Junction and its Multibank, and her team, on their two year anniversary.
"I have no doubt our Multibank coalition of compassion will grow as we rescue yet more household products from business surplus and returns, with the growing continued help of our valued partners and those still to join our Multibank movement."
Testimony from those recipients of goods from The Junction Multibank:
"Receiving these items lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders. For me and my children, it felt like a real fresh start, something we desperately needed after everything we went through."
"The support from the Multibank made life feel normal again. My children could smile and feel safe, which meant the world to us."
"Receiving items is like having an angel looking out for me, everyday items have been extremely helpful and I'm feeling better in myself. This is the first winter where I have managed to dry my clothes properly and stay warm."
"I was so worried about how I could feed [my child] and provide for him... it's been so hard and today I was embarrassed to reach out but I'm so glad I did... you really have no idea what a relief this is."
The Junction works with fantastic support from our partners Multibank UK and Amazon who have been instrumental in bringing this resource to Tees Valley. None of our assistance would be possible without them or our other funders, Comic Relief, Garfield Weston Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust, Normanby Charitable Trust, NFU Mutual, Legal & General, as well as local authorities in Middlesbrough, Darlington, Hartlepool and Stockton on Tees
ENDS
More information can be found on our website - https://themultibank.co.uk/the-junction-multibank/
From all media enquiries – please email - press@themultibank.co.uk
*NOTES
The Junction Multibank, operated by The Junction Foundation, opened in November 2024 and is designed to fight poverty and enrich lives in Tees Valley. This year The Junction Foundation is also marking 35 years of supporting children, young people and families across the Tees Valley.
Nearly half (46.6%) of Tees Valley children are experiencing poverty – this is twice the UK national average, with 50,000 children currently experiencing poverty. High levels of deprivation significantly impact children’s education, with teachers reporting that children often come to school hungry and tired due to a lack of proper bedding and other essentials.
The Junction’s vision is a world where no child, young person or family is left to struggle. The Multibank plays a vital role in their mission to empower children, young people and their families to embrace life with confidence, facing life’s challenges in a positive way.
The Junction is one of six multibanks strategically placed with hubs around the country – the others being in in Wigan, Swansea, London, the West Midlands and Fife.