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!
Youth Social Action / March 17th, 2022
Aspirations and Future Planning / March 17th, 2022
Collaboration with Haines Watts and Cardinal Hume Catholic School
As part of this programme, students participated in workshops at the Newcastle and Leeds offices, which focused on CV’s, mock interviews and LinkedIn. To help raise their aspirations, students visited Newcastle University and Leeds Beckett. During sessions with BSBCIO, students were given a unique insight into working at the firms with career podcasts from a variety of employees from Partners to Graduate schemes.
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / January 11th, 2022
Relationships and Sex Education / January 11th, 2022
Dealing With Anxiety
At aged 11, my son suffered a breakdown of mental health, and was off school for pretty much 4 years. He has never spoken about what he has been through these last few years openly, but yesterday wrote a blog and presented me with his account, and wanted it shared. This is his story.
Celebrating Stanley / December 16th, 2025
"Stanley’s Football Wish" Poem - South Stanley Junior School
This poem was created by Jamie, Carter and Lewis, Year 6 pupils from South Stanley Junior School as part of our 'Celebrating Stanley' project.