The Day John Dies, His Mother Cries and Cries
This project was created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 1826 Stargate Pit Disaster near Ryton, Gateshead, in partnership with Building Self Belief CIO and Crookhill Primary School. Through a series of original poems, we reflected on the human impact of the disaster and gave a voice to the people, families and community affected by the events of 1826. In this poem, 15-year-old James Robson, this poem reflects on the hopes, dreams, and lost childhoods of the young boys who worked and died in the Stargate Pit Disaster
Consett Heritage Project / February 7th, 2025
Playing in the Red Dust - Moorside Primary School
This poem was created by Corben, Roxi, Lacey, Oscar, Leandra, and Millie from Moorside Primary School. It reflects their take on the red dust that once covered Consett — the cloud of iron oxide emitted during the Steelworks’ production because of this red clouds of dust would hang over the town, settling on cars and clothes hung out to dry, a sight captured in many photos of Consett from that time.
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / June 15th, 2026
Wellbeing and the Arts / June 15th, 2026
Stargate Pit Disaster, Crookhill Primary School / June 15th, 2026
'Pit Pony Nightmare'
This project was created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 1826 Stargate Pit Disaster near Ryton, Gateshead. Told through the eyes of a pit pony, this poem highlights the harsh realities of mine life and the bond between animals and the young miners who cared for them.
Youth Social Action / January 30th, 2025
Aspirations and Future Planning / January 30th, 2025
Careers Event at North Durham Academy, Stanley.
On Thursday 23rd January 2025, we hosted a Careers Event at North Durham Academy, sponsored by Karbon Homes, which was a huge success! We had 30 visitors kindly give up their time to speak to the students about their careers, job roles, companies and their journeys to get to their current positions. The students then had the opportunity to ask questions to the visitors to find out more about their choices at 16, what qualifications are required for their job and any challenges or barriers they have faced in their career.