Alecia's Celebration of Stanley

Heritage / 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

Wellbeing / December 18th, 2024

Employability / December 18th, 2024

The Meadow Well Teenage Wellbeing Programme With Norham High School

The Meadow Well Teenage Wellbeing Programme, in partnership with Norham High School, aimed to enhance the mental health, self-esteem, and aspirations of teenagers living on the Meadow Well Estate in North Shields. The programme focused on improving community engagement and exploring long-term potential, with an emphasis on employability skills and higher education, particularly in arts and creative industries.

Wellbeing / September 3rd, 2019

Employability / September 3rd, 2019

Starting School

As we approach the ‘big day’ for the students who are either starting school or who are moving up to ‘big school’, I thought I would share my own experience of the preparation for my own first day at school.

Heritage / 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!