Iron Men of Consett

Employability / Volunteering / 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

Heritage / June 15th, 2023

Alan Swinburne- Consett Heritage Podcast

Alan worked at the Steelworks for 17 years in the Technical Research Department. Over the last 20 years he has researched the History of the Steelworks given several talks about his memories of his life at the Works. He also has an extensive collection of photographs and memorabilia from the steelworks.

Employability / March 17th, 2022

Collaboration with Haines Watts and Cardinal Hume Catholic School

As part of this programme, students participated in workshops at the Newcastle and Leeds offices, which focused on CV’s, mock interviews and LinkedIn. To help raise their aspirations, students visited Newcastle University and Leeds Beckett. During sessions with BSBCIO, students were given a unique insight into working at the firms with career podcasts from a variety of employees from Partners to Graduate schemes.

Fundraising / October 19th, 2023

Building Self-Belief Christmas Appeal 2023

At Building Self-Belief, we work with some of the most deprived and vulnerable children in the North East. Christmas 2023 is forecast to be one of the toughest for many years, and we would like to support as many young people as possible.We would be extremely grateful for any donation you can contribute to our Christmas appeal.Help us give our young people a happier Christmas this year!Thank you.