Kyle's Celebration of Stanley

Youth Social Action / Celebrating Stanley / September 1st, 2025

Kyle's Celebration of Stanley

I’ve learned about the West Stanley Pit disaster, including how many people were killed and what the witnesses said about it. I can’t imagine working in the mines—it was dark, cramped, and claustrophobic. I also found out that the person who made the first film for Universal Studios was actually from Stanley, which is something I’d never heard before.

I don’t think we celebrate Stanley’s history enough—nobody really talks about it, and that’s a shame.

It also feels like not many people in Stanley get along. I think we could improve that by having more community events that bring people together. Right now, there’s no football stadium, no cinema, and no local teams. We could really improve the town by using spaces like the site where the old school is being knocked down. Instead of just leaving it empty, we should rebuild and make the area somewhere people actually want to be. It would make a big difference to the way people feel about Stanley.

Find out more

“We could really improve the town by using spaces like the site where the old school is being knocked down.”

- Kyle Shields

Youth Social Action / July 2nd, 2024

The Importance of Youth Social Action

On Thursday 4th July 2024, a General Election will be held to determine the new or continuing prime minister, and potentially a new government. As young voters, it is important that you vote and take this opportunity to be part of the democratic process.

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.

Benfieldside Community Garden / February 27th, 2026

Forest School Training

Thank you to the The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our Outdoor First Aid course training for the community garden, and helping us prepare for Forest School.