Alecia's Celebration of Stanley

Youth Social Action / Celebrating Stanley / September 1st, 2025

Alecia's Celebration of Stanley

I’ve discovered that there used to be a lot more things to do in Stanley in the past—like cinemas and other activities where people could actually spend time together and communicate face to face. I think in some ways, that was better than how things are now with social media and phones. These days, we hardly go out because everyone’s always on their phones. Social media is how most people stay in touch, but I think it also stops us from really connecting in person.

Sometimes people forget that life doesn’t revolve around social media—you can go outside, meet people, and experience things in real life.

Personally, I’d rather go out and do something than sit on my phone. I think there should be more spaces where people, especially young people, can go to socialise and enjoy themselves. 

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“It would be great to have more things to do—like fun places or even something big like a theme park. It would give us more reasons to get outside, meet new people, and enjoy life beyond screens.”

- Alecia Readman

Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / March 21st, 2023

Youth Social Action / March 21st, 2023

Exciting Times for Our Youth Panel!

It has been a busy time for our Youth Panel and some of our Volunteers. We were extremely lucky that the Landmark Trust once again selected us to stay for free for a weekend at Morpeth Castle

Consett Heritage Project / December 4th, 2023

Sarah Envy - Consett Heritage Podcast

Sarah is Engagement Manager for The National Lottery Heritage Fund North. Until her involvement in our Consett Heritage Project, she was unaware that this area had such a significant industrial past, and that Consett steel was used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower! From photographs she has seen of the old Consett Ironworks, she now realises that you would have been able to see rows of machinery just over the horizon from the Reservoir, peeking over the ridge of the dam. She believes that we need to continue to provide opportunities to access such a significant part of Consett's heritage. She is particularly excited about the latest Heritage initiative that will truly put Co Durham on the cultural and heritage map!

Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / March 27th, 2025

Aspirations and Future Planning / March 27th, 2025

Boldon Colliery 'Bridging the Gap' Youth Employability Programme

The Boldon Colliery 'Bridging the Gap' Youth Employability Programme, supported by the Wellesley Trust through the Tyne & Wear and Northumberland Community Foundation, aimed to boost the aspirations, employability, and self-esteem of Year 10 students at Boldon School. Over 12 weeks, students took part in workshops on topics like healthy living, CV writing, and emotional wellbeing, developing key skills in communication, confidence, and debt management. They also visited Bay Plastics and took part in a team-building Go-Karting activit