In February 2025, the Year 5 classes at Delves Lane Primary School in Consett, County Durham, took part in a project on the Consett Steelworks, forming part of our two-year Consett Heritage Project. The children learnt about the history of the steelworks and developed their understanding of the impact that the steelworks closure had, and continues to have, on the community. They interviewed Alan, a former steelworker, and began to consider the positives and negatives of the steelworks closure.
The students then created paintings and decorated a quilt under the title- 'Consett Past and Present'. Some of their designs included the Hownsgill Viaduct, Consett AFC, images of the steelworks, the red dust, and the contrast of the environment in the steelworks era compared to present.
The children then worked in groups to develop a poem, thinking about the ways that Consett Steelworks has impacted the community, both positively and negatively. Each group chose a photo relating to the Consett Steelworks, and wrote their own poems using poetic techniques. We hope you enjoy them!
A Life at the Works Cut Short
This poem was created by Aria, Bobby, Daniel, Ebony, Harvey and Layla.
The Secret of Consett Steel
This poem was created by Alisha, JJ, Leah and Roman.
Blanket of Darkness
This poem was created by Ava, Callie, Ella, Frankie and Harrison.
Youth Social Action / September 27th, 2025
Wellbeing and the Arts / September 27th, 2025
Celebrating Stanley / September 27th, 2025
Oxhill Nursery School Green Leaders Project
The ‘Oxhill Green Leaders’ project involved twenty five children from Oxhill Nursery School, in Stanley on a across the spring and summer of 2025.The sessions enabled the young people to become ‘Green Leaders’ and actively engage in ecology and sustainability based activities. We were also delighted that the success of the programme was recognised by the award of a Silver Medal from 'Northumbria in Bloom'.
Youth Social Action / January 8th, 2025
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / January 8th, 2025
Benfieldside Community Garden / January 8th, 2025
NE Charity Awards 2025, Maya Patterson
One of our fabulous volunteers, Maya Patterson achieved the Highly Commended Award at the NE Charity Awards in September 2025, for her voluntary work with Building Self-Belief CIO. She was recognised as a Young Charity Champion of the year for her major contribution to Building Self-Belief, in particular for her support with the youth clubs and at Benfieldside Community Garden. Well done Maya, this is very well deserved!
Relationships and Sex Education / February 14th, 2022
New Boundaries for Young People?
Urgent action is needed in society and schools to support the sexual education of our young people.