Iron Men of Consett
Building Self- Belief are currently delivering and Employability Programme at Consett Academy. As part of the sessions, we discuss the importance of volunteering and how impressive this is to employers – especially when young people are channelling their energy into a good cause.
70.3 mile Iron Man
Three of our students – Jamie Watson, Thomas William and Jake Kingshot - as well as volunteering for our sessions, are also in the process of training to an Iron Man contest in aid of a great cause, Teenage Cancer Research. They are all taking on the challenge of the 70.3 mile Iron Man.
Challenge not a Race
The Iron Man challenge consists of so a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. Their approach is to see this as a challenge, rather than a race – but we suspect there may be an element of competition creeping in! The swim will be in open water at the Derwent Reservoir, and they are taking advantage of the fabulous bike routes we have in the area for the run and the cycling elements.
Fitness and Endurance
Iron Man contests are a great way to develop fitness and test endurance. For these young people to do this in aid of such a good cause makes their commitment even more impressive. They have chosen Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of Steven Clark, a local man, taken too soon, who loved sport and would have certainly been impressed with the level of sporting, mental and emotional commitment they young re putting into this challenge.
Please Donate
There is still time to contribute. The challenge itself takes place in May Half Term, on the 25th May. Please donate, they would really appreciate your support.
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / December 4th, 2023
Huge Thank You to Sunderland Counselling Service for Building Self Belief’s Award
I was delighted to be a guest at Sunderland Counselling Services AGM on 30th November 2023 and help them celebrate their 40th anniversary. As CEO of Building Self-Belief, it was a great opportunity to see the timeline of how SCS has developed and evolved over the past 40 years.
Celebrating Stanley / December 8th, 2025
Digital Inclusion / December 8th, 2025
Paul's Celebration of Stanley
Paul Fiddaman is Chief Executive of Karbon Homes. In his role he champions the people of the North East, and in particular his hometown of Stanley. Take a listen to his podcast outlining his love of Stanley and the impact the town has had on him over the years.
Consett Heritage Project / August 25th, 2023
Voices of Consett - Sharon
Sharon currently teaches at Consett Academy. She has been living in Consett for 25 years when she moved from the valleys of south Wales. These are her thoughts about Consett.