‘Why would I leave?’: Middlesbrough pushes back against ‘hardest place to grow up’ label
Summary
A children’s commissioner report ranked Middlesbrough as the hardest place in England to grow up, based on 162 measures including poverty, school exclusions and air quality. Children and local youth workers acknowledged serious challenges but said the ranking overlooks community ties, local pride and positive experiences.Key Facts
- The report, The Childhood Lottery, was published by Children’s Commissioner Rachel de Souza.
- It combined 162 measures of children’s lives to compare how difficult it is to grow up in areas across England.
- Middlesbrough ranked at the bottom of the report’s assessment.
- Local youth workers and a teacher said the label could add to negative views of the town and discourage families.
- Young people at a youth club described activities including cooking, table tennis, crafts and sports.
- Some young people said they enjoy living in Middlesbrough and value its parks, museum, football and youth club.
- Linx Youth Project chief executive Wayne Mason said many young people in deprived areas want to stay because Middlesbrough is home.
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