Aimee's Reflections on 2025
With the start of a new year (and a brief break in the busyness of third acadmic year spent at Building Self-Belief!) I wanted to reflect on some highlights during the latter part of 2025, a brilliant year that will stick with me for a long time! 
Travelteer’s Mental Health Programme - Sri Lanka
In the summer I had the privilege of volunteering in Sri Lanka for 3 weeks on Travelteer’s Mental Health Programme. This included shadowing psychiatrists at the Galle National Hospital, an opportunity which is incredibly difficult to acquire in the UK. One of the highlights was sitting in on patient consultations and initial assessments, including reading patient case files and interacting with patients. I was also fortunate to observe a patient being treated with electro-convulsive therapy, and witness a neuroscience spinal cord surgery to prevent paralysis in a patient. To learn about the differences between the Western and South Eastern approaches to mental health, including the stigma, treatment and risk factors, in a country itself, rather than through research, was a real privilege.Ayurvedic Treatment Methods
I also practiced traditional Ayurvedic treatment methods common in Eastern medicine, including yoga, meditation, herbal medications and sirolepa. This has broadened my view of mental health to become more holistic when considering both others and my own mental health.Baranasuriya Boys’ Home Orphanage
I also volunteered at the Baranasuriya Boys’ Home Orphanage, supporting boys with special needs through play, education, painting the home and fundraising. I want to thank everyone who donated to my JustGiving page, as these donations went directly to this orphanage, which I saw firsthand how much were required.Awards
Back in the UK, I am continuing to work part-time for Building Self-Belief CIO particularly in writing impact reports. I was also fortunate to receive the Youth Champion Award at the Durham Youth Council Awards back in August for supporting young people in the North East.Charity and Welfare Officer for Newcastle University Dance Club
Additionally, I have begun a new role as Charity and Welfare Officer for Newcastle University Dance Club, which I am excited to share more about as the academic year progresses. Our chosen charity is Building Self-Belief, such fundraising activities give me an opportunity to give back to the charity that i spent a whole year with. I am also excited to begin volunteering for the The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a learning disability patient support volunteer this month.Grateful
Having the confidence and the drive to take advantage of what is on offer in addition to my studies is proving to be fruitful and rewarding. I would like to thank everyone for their encouragement and support.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities 2025 brought and I am looking forward to seeing what’s to come in 2026!
With the start of a new year (and a brief break in the busyness of third year!) I wanted to reflect on some highlights during the latter part of 2025, a brilliant year that will stick with me for a long time!
In the summer I had the privilege of volunteering in Sri Lanka for 3 weeks on Travelteer’s Mental Health Programme. This included shadowing psychiatrists at the Galle National Hospital, an opportunity which is incredibly difficult to acquire in the UK. One of the highlights was sitting in on patient consultations and initial assessments, including reading patient case files and interacting with patients. I was also fortunate to observe a patient being treated with electro-convulsive therapy, and witness a neuroscience spinal cord surgery to prevent paralysis in a patient. To learn about the differences between the Western and South Eastern approaches to mental health, including the stigma, treatment and risk factors, in a country itself, rather than through research, was a real privilege. I also practiced traditional Ayurvedic treatment methods common in Eastern medicine, including yoga, meditation, herbal medications and sirolepa. This has broadened my view of mental health to become more holistic when considering both others and my own mental health. I also volunteered at the Baranasuriya Boys’ Home Orphanage, supporting boys with special needs through play, education, painting the home and fundraising. I want to thank everyone who donated to my JustGiving page, as these donations went directly to this orphanage, which I saw firsthand how much were required. Back in the UK, I am continuing to work part-time for Building Self-Belief CIO particularly in writing impact reports. I was also fortunate to receive the Youth Champion Award at the Durham Youth Council Awards back in August for supporting young people in the North East. Additionally, I have begun a new role as Charity and Welfare Officer for Newcastle University Dance Club, which I am excited to share more about as the academic year progresses. I am also excited to begin volunteering for the The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a learning disability patient support volunteer this month.I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities 2025 brought and I am looking forward to seeing what’s to come in 2026! 
“Aimee is a fabulous addition to the Building Self-Belief team, and I am absolutley delighted with how much she has grown in confidence and capabilities in her time with us. She is tuly a shining star, and will go far!”
- Christine Thomas CEO
Youth Social Action / August 29th, 2025
Celebrating Stanley / August 29th, 2025
Libby's Celebration of Stanley
Libby tells us all about how she feels about the town of Stanley, and how it could be improved for young people.
Youth Social Action / August 9th, 2023
A Greener Future for Stanley - Environmental Youth Ambassador Project
Building Self-Belief CIO supported North Durham Academy to create a beautiful Community Wellbeing Garden. The aim was to create a wellbeing space that is both accessible and welcoming to the school and the community. As well as a space that will help to increase biodiversity in the area. We hoped to inspire young people to engage more with their environment as well as create a space they can be proud of.
Consett Heritage Project / February 5th, 2024
Voices of Consett - Sadie (The Bra Lady)
Before earning the title of "Sadie the Bra Lady," Sadie Ayton worked in the steelworks following her school years. She initially found employment at Richmond's the Solicitors before transitioning into the role of a 'Ticky Woman,' collecting credit payments by visiting houses.