Libby's Celebration of Stanley

Youth Social Action / Celebrating Stanley / August 29th, 2025

Libby's Celebration of Stanley

I’ve discovered that there’s a lot more history in Stanley than I ever realised. What really stood out to me is how much people went through in the past. Every part of Stanley has its own story, but many of them went through the same struggles—especially during the mining days. I was shocked to learn that young kids lost their lives in the mining disaster. It’s awful to think that people my age were expected to work in such dangerous conditions. It makes me feel like we should be more grateful for the lives we have now, especially when you think about what those young people went through.

Right now, I wouldn’t say Stanley is in a great place. There isn’t much communication between people—it just feels like a boring town with not much going on. In the past, there was more connection and people worked together more. I think we could bring some of that community spirit back if we really made the effort.

I’d like there to be more things to do in Stanley, and more ways for people to connect—like cinemas, sports, or even just spaces for walks and socialising without having to rely on social media. I want to actually get out, meet people, and do things in real life

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“I want to actually get out, meet people. and do things in real life.”

- Libby Herdman

Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / March 27th, 2025

Aspirations and Future Planning / March 27th, 2025

Boldon Colliery 'Bridging the Gap' Youth Employability Programme

The Boldon Colliery 'Bridging the Gap' Youth Employability Programme, supported by the Wellesley Trust through the Tyne & Wear and Northumberland Community Foundation, aimed to boost the aspirations, employability, and self-esteem of Year 10 students at Boldon School. Over 12 weeks, students took part in workshops on topics like healthy living, CV writing, and emotional wellbeing, developing key skills in communication, confidence, and debt management. They also visited Bay Plastics and took part in a team-building Go-Karting activit

Youth Social Action / January 30th, 2025

Aspirations and Future Planning / January 30th, 2025

Careers Event at North Durham Academy, Stanley.

On Thursday 23rd January 2025, we hosted a Careers Event at North Durham Academy, sponsored by Karbon Homes, which was a huge success! We had 30 visitors kindly give up their time to speak to the students about their careers, job roles, companies and their journeys to get to their current positions. The students then had the opportunity to ask questions to the visitors to find out more about their choices at 16, what qualifications are required for their job and any challenges or barriers they have faced in their career.

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.