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!
Wellbeing / August 24th, 2023
The Learning for Life Sensory Room Project | Building Self-Belief
Young people from Consett Academy and Learning for Life joined forces to design and equip and new sensory space. They challenged youth loneliness, broke down social barriers, built lasting friendships and engaged with local businesses. It was a fabulous project and we all loved every minute of it. The Programme was funded by the Derwent Valley AAP and supported by local businesses.
Heritage / February 7th, 2025
Playing in the Red Dust - Moorside Primary School
This poem was created by Corben, Roxi, Lacey, Oscar, Leandra, and Millie from Moorside Primary School. It reflects their take on the red dust that once covered Consett — the cloud of iron oxide emitted during the Steelworks’ production because of this red clouds of dust would hang over the town, settling on cars and clothes hung out to dry, a sight captured in many photos of Consett from that time.
Environmental / October 21st, 2024
Duncan Barnett - Volunteer Podcast
Take a listen and discover the origins of our very own community garden. As a district councillor representing Benfieldside in the 1990s, listen to Duncan Barnett's description of the establishment of a community garden in Benfieldside, the very garden that we now call Benfieldside Community Garden.