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.
Consett Heritage Project / December 4th, 2023
Sarah Envy - Consett Heritage Podcast
Sarah is Engagement Manager for The National Lottery Heritage Fund North. Until her involvement in our Consett Heritage Project, she was unaware that this area had such a significant industrial past, and that Consett steel was used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower! From photographs she has seen of the old Consett Ironworks, she now realises that you would have been able to see rows of machinery just over the horizon from the Reservoir, peeking over the ridge of the dam. She believes that we need to continue to provide opportunities to access such a significant part of Consett's heritage. She is particularly excited about the latest Heritage initiative that will truly put Co Durham on the cultural and heritage map!
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / June 30th, 2026
Wellbeing and the Arts / June 30th, 2026
Stargate Pit Disaster, Crookhill Primary School / June 30th, 2026
'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 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.
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / October 16th, 2025
Youth Social Action / October 16th, 2025
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / October 16th, 2025
Celebrating Stanley / October 16th, 2025
Consett celebrates opening of new community centre
A local Consett charity has opened the doors to its new premises on Steel Street in the town centre.Building Self Belief, which provides support to vulnerable young people, hopes the centre will be a vibrant home for its range of support services, from group wellbeing workshops to team-building activities.