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.
Aspirations and Future Planning / February 15th, 2024
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / February 15th, 2024
Lynne Ackland - Volunteer Podcast
Lynne has a wealth of experience in the educational and charity sector and is committed to local volunteering. In this podcast she shares with us how important it is to engage and encourage young people in local volunteering and to ensure that charities and companies provide those opportunities.
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / January 13th, 2025
Benfieldside Community Garden / January 13th, 2025
RHS School Gardening Awards Levels 1 & 2
We are proud to share that we have achieved both Level 1 and Level 2 of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening Awards for our work renovating Benfieldside Community Garden! We have received a variety of seeds to plant in the garden, a growing calendar and certificates. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who help to make this happen! Next step- Level 3!
Consett Heritage Project / March 13th, 2025
History of Consett Steelworks - Past and Present
Building Self-Belief presents our film about Consett Steelworks Past and Present. Go on a journey with Alan Swinburne and Peter Shaw as they talk you through how Consett used to look when the steelworks dominated the landscape, and compare it to how it looks in 2025. Thank you everyone who has supported the project, in particular the National Heritage Lottery for their generous grant.