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!
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / July 18th, 2018
Dealing With Pressures in Education
Building self-belief in our young people is an essential element of their education. I recently received a thank you card from a Year 11 student who said “In such a short time period you have been amazing, thank you so much for helping me and being so kind.
Youth Social Action / June 14th, 2022
Aspirations and Future Planning / June 14th, 2022
Exercise, Health and Nutrition / June 14th, 2022
Together For Our Planet Garden Transformation
In collaboration with local businesses and individuals we were able to transform Consett Academy's community garden. Our transformation project at Consett Academy helped our young people develop better connections with their peers, their communities and gave them a way of improving their own and other people’s lives for the better.
Consett Heritage Project / September 18th, 2023
Voices of Consett - Eileen
Eileen has lived in Consett for 64 years, her family live in Consett, she works and socialises in Consett, her grandchildren go to school in Consett, so you could say her whole life is in Consett. She has three children and three grandchildren who all live in this area, one of them teaches in Leadgate, in Consett.