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.
Celebrating Stanley / September 30th, 2025
Thomas's Celebration of Stanley
Thomas was born in Shotley Bridge Hospital, but grew up in Shield Row, one of the villages surrounding Stanley. He is 28 years old and was once a Stanley Town Councillor. Read his thoughts on Stanley's present and future here...
Employability / August 2nd, 2021
Norham Boys | Raising Aspirations and Employability
Building Self-Belief worked with a group of 10 boys form Norham High School in NorthTyneside. It was a real privilege to work with the boys and see them grow in confidence and develop a much greater sense of purpose in their lives.
Consett Heritage Project / November 20th, 2024
My Own Private Hell
My Own Private Hell was created by Tyler, Phillip, Indi-Skye, Erin, Mason, and Adam from Moorside Primary School. The poem explores the awe and danger of working in the steelworks, capturing both the wonders and the harsh realities of the job.