James's Celebration of Stanley
I found out that there were coal mines in Stanley, and that people like Kevin Keegan’s grandad worked in them—which I didn’t know before. I also learned that some people from Stanley have gone on to do really big things, like working in Hollywood, starring in major films, and even directing them. It shows that even though Stanley is a small town, people from here can achieve great things.
Stanley feels quite quiet now. It’s definitely calmed down since the days of the coal mines, but I think its history should be celebrated more. The mining past plays a big role in the town’s identity—for example, the school being built on the site of an old coal mine.
I’d love to see a football stadium here because I think there aren’t many big opportunities for young people who want a future in sport. We also need more spaces to play. A lot of buildings have been knocked down over the years, but nothing has been built in their place, which feels like a missed chance.
If there were more opportunities in Stanley, I think more people would get out of the house and spend their time doing positive things. It would give people something to be involved in. A big space in the centre of Stanley—somewhere to bring the community together—could really help make that happen.
“I also think there should be more career opportunities for young people. Right now, there just aren’t enough good job options for those growing up here. We need more chances for people to build a future in Stanley.”
- James Dixon
Youth Social Action / February 10th, 2025
Aspirations and Future Planning / February 10th, 2025
Global Opportunities for Young People to Extend your Life Experiences
There are many opportunities to extend your life experiences outside of education or work, including travelling or working abroad. These opportunities are perfect for young people to learn new skills, meet new people and gain once in a lifetime experiences. For people who leave school and are unsure about what they want to do next, these experiences can be useful to figure out what you are interested in and gain volunteer or work experience which is a wonderful asset to your CV.
Consett Heritage Project / March 12th, 2025
Delves Lane Primary School Poetry Anthology Part 3
The children at Delves Lane Primary School learnt about the history of the Consett Steelworks and developed their understanding of the impact that the steelworks closure had, and continues to have, on the community. They created paintings, poems and decorated a quilt. Each group chose a photo relating to the Consett Steelworks, and wrote their own poems using poetic techniques. We hope you enjoy them!
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / March 16th, 2022
Wellbeing and the Arts / March 16th, 2022
Teenage Boys Mental Wellbeing and Prevention of Poverty Programme
Within the context of Covid and the devastating impact Lockdown has had on all young people, we believed that it was even more important to find a way to ensure our work was delivered to the young people most in need.