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 / October 14th, 2024

Duncan Barnett - Consett Heritage Podcast

Duncan Barnett's ancestors came to Consett in the 1700s to work at the very earliest incarnation of the iron works, and his family worked in 'the Works' for generations. His job was in the plate mill. After the closure, he went on to get his degree, masters and PGCE and worked in the community with young people to support crime prevention in the young, and as a district councillor for Benfieldside. As well as this, he played in bands and worked in security for bands in the area. Listen to what he has to say about his eventful life in Consett and beyond.

Youth Social Action / April 24th, 2024

Aspirations and Future Planning / April 24th, 2024

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.

Know Your Neighbourhood Project / December 12th, 2025

Digital Inclusion / December 12th, 2025

Lets Get Digital: Digital Unite Event

What an inspiring day at Digital Unite’s Let’s Get Digital Northeast event, held at our very own community building in Consett. Community organisations, project leaders, digital champions and learners from across County Durham and Newcastle were brought together to focus on strengthening digital motivation, confidence and skills.