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 / August 9th, 2023
A Greener Future for Stanley - Environmental Youth Ambassador Project
Building Self-Belief CIO supported North Durham Academy to create a beautiful Community Wellbeing Garden. The aim was to create a wellbeing space that is both accessible and welcoming to the school and the community. As well as a space that will help to increase biodiversity in the area. We hoped to inspire young people to engage more with their environment as well as create a space they can be proud of.
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / 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.
Consett Heritage Project / March 12th, 2025
Delves Lane Primary School Poetry Anthology
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!