Iron Men of Consett

Youth Social Action / Aspirations and Future Planning / Know Your Neighbourhood Project / April 24th, 2024

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. 


Donate now

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.

Celebrating Stanley / December 16th, 2025

"Stanley’s Football Wish" Poem - South Stanley Junior School

This poem was created by Jamie, Carter and Lewis, Year 6 pupils from South Stanley Junior School as part of our 'Celebrating Stanley' project.

Wellbeing and the Arts / April 15th, 2024

Consett Heritage Project / April 15th, 2024

Know Your Neighbourhood Project / April 15th, 2024

Benfieldside Community Garden / April 15th, 2024

The Restoration of the Giant’s Foot

Easter was the perfect opportunity to encourage volunteers to come and help us at Benfieldside Community Garden. We were absolutely delighted to have over 45 volunteers of all ages, over the two days. Such events are a true testament to what can be achieved when we all work together. We had an egg hunt, used the Storytelling Corner, and most significantly, renovated the Giant’s Foot!