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 / September 13th, 2023
Anne-Louise Grant - Consett Heritage Podcast
Anne-Louise was born in Consett in 1966, and grew up in a village nearby. Her Grandad on one side was a postman and on the other side a miner. Her Dad was a metallurgist at the Steelworks and she had many family members who lived and worked in the area (and still do). She returned to Consett in 2004 to raise her family, having left to seek employment in London in 1989.
Consett Heritage Project / March 27th, 2024
John Fox - Consett Heritage Podcast
John has lived his whole life in Consett and tells us all about his experiences working at Consett Steelworks and beyond! He also explains what he has planned for Consett for the future, and how he needs your help to make his dream for Consett a reality.
Aspirations and Future Planning / November 30th, 2023
Maddy Parkin - Careers Podcast
Maddy Parkin, 32. Photographer running a business specialising in wedding photography. Her main job role is taking photos of my customers' weddings, however, there is a lot of work that goes into this: editing in creative software, creating online galleries, marketing, blog posts, liaising with customers, writing and amending contracts and creating shot lists, arranging client meetings, and more. Her passion is creativity, and feels her job encompasses all of this. Take a listen and find out more about a career in photography.