NE Charity Awards 2025, Maya Patterson
One of our fabulous volunteers, Maya Patterson achieved the Highly Commended Award at the NE Charity Awards in September 2025, for her voluntary work with Building Self-Belief CIO. She was recognised as a Young Charity Champion of the year for her major contribution to Building Self-Belief, in particular for her support with the youth clubs and at Benfieldside Community Garden. Well done Maya, this is very well deserved!
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / January 11th, 2022
Relationships and Sex Education / January 11th, 2022
Dealing With Anxiety
At aged 11, my son suffered a breakdown of mental health, and was off school for pretty much 4 years. He has never spoken about what he has been through these last few years openly, but yesterday wrote a blog and presented me with his account, and wanted it shared. This is his story.
Wellbeing and the Arts / April 15th, 2024
Consett Heritage Project / April 15th, 2024
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / April 15th, 2024
Benfieldside Community Garden / April 15th, 2024
The Restoration of the Giant’s Foot
Easter was the perfect opportunity to encourage volunteers to come and help us at Benfieldside Community Garden. We were absolutely delighted to have over 45 volunteers of all ages, over the two days. Such events are a true testament to what can be achieved when we all work together. We had an egg hunt, used the Storytelling Corner, and most significantly, renovated the Giant’s Foot!
Youth Social Action / June 15th, 2026
Wellbeing and the Arts / June 15th, 2026
Stargate Pit Disaster, Crookhill Primary School / June 15th, 2026
'Two Hundred Years Later'
This project was created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 1826 Stargate Pit Disaster near Ryton, Gateshead. Created for the 200th anniversary commemorations, this poem looks at how the Stargate Pit Disaster is still remembered today and how the lives lost continue to be honoured by the local community two centuries later.