From Consett to Chan Yu
As part of our Know Your Neighbourhood initiative, we set up a series of very successful Digital Hubs, where older people struggling to use technology could come along and get some support from our young people.
Know Your Neighbourhood
The premise of Know our Neighbourhood is to get people volunteering, not just to provide the activities themselves. We were delighted when Joe Farnsworth signed up a s a volunteer, Joe had recently graduated with a Cyber Security degree from the University of Newcastle and was looking for opportunities to extend his skills in preparation for work.
Supporting the Elderly
When we suggested he used his skill in IT to help the community, Joe jumped at the chance to volunteer. He supported every session and helped in a whole range of ways – showing people how to create email addresses, photoshop, apps, editing photographs. If he didn’t know how to do it, he did the research to ensure he knew enough to help.
The Power of Volunteering
What has transpired over time, that rather than heading into the high-tech work of cyber security, what he realised through his volunteering, is that he enjoyed the social interaction and the communicating with others. What better way to combine this that to go to the high tech city of Chan Yu in China and teach English as a Foreign language?
A Thank You from Joe
Joe said: ‘I have always wanted to go to China, but having some actual experience volunteering, made such a difference when I applied, because having actual experience, is so much more significant than just saying you want to do something. I would like to thank Building Self-Belief for the opportunities, and I am so excited about working in China.’
Exciting Times Ahead
Joe has landed safely in China – he is living in a city that is a one-hour train ride away from Hong King. He is looking forward to combining working abroad with travelling to different parts of South East Asia and the Far East. We wish Joe the very best of luck and look forward to hearing about his amazing experience when he gets back!
Consett Heritage Project / March 12th, 2025
Delves Lane Primary School Poetry Anthology Part 3
The children at Delves Lane Primary School learnt about the history of the Consett Steelworks and developed their understanding of the impact that the steelworks closure had, and continues to have, on the community. They created paintings, poems and decorated a quilt. Each group chose a photo relating to the Consett Steelworks, and wrote their own poems using poetic techniques. We hope you enjoy them!
Aspirations and Future Planning / January 6th, 2025
Business Roundtable Event - Time to put the North East on the Business Map
As a long-standing member of Do Business Network (DBN), I was delighted to be asked to attend the business roundtable discussion with Liz Twist MP for Blaydon and Consett, and Gareth Thomas MP, Minister in the Department for Business and Trade on Monday 9th December at Derwentside College.
Youth Social Action / October 19th, 2023
Building Self-Belief Christmas Appeal 2023
At Building Self-Belief, we work with some of the most deprived and vulnerable children in the North East. Christmas 2023 is forecast to be one of the toughest for many years, and we would like to support as many young people as possible.We would be extremely grateful for any donation you can contribute to our Christmas appeal.Help us give our young people a happier Christmas this year!Thank you.