How we began
Building Self-Belief CIO was founded in 2018 and formally launched the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham. To date, we have significantly improved the mental health and life chances for over 11,500 vulnerable young people across the North East, living in the bottom 20% on the Multiple Deprivation Index.
Our core aim is to strengthen local communities by building self-belief in targeted groups of young people, in socio-economically deprived areas of the North East. We do this by measurably improving their self-esteem, life chances and mental health, especially for those facing specific physical and mental-health issues, bereavement, low income, and low aspiration.
Identifying a Need
We have been highlighting the issues faced by the North East for many years. Unfortunately, there is further evidence that the region is getting worse. This is outlined by the recent report 'County Durham and Tees Valley: Health, Wealth and (Unequal) Opportunities to Thrive' by the Co Durham Community Foundation and Health Equity North. It would be easy to be despondent about the region, but we plan to be a genuine force for good and ensure that we help as many young people and communities as we can, climb out of despair to lead much more fulfilling lives.