Our Latest Insights
Here you can read the latest on news, events, stories, and blog posts.
Aspirations and Future Planning / November 30th, 2023
Maddy Parkin - Careers Podcast
Maddy Parkin, 32. Photographer running a business specialising in wedding photography. My main job role is taking photos of my customers' weddings, however, there is a lot of work that goes into this: editing in creative software, creating online galleries, marketing, blog posts, liaising with customers, writing and amending contracts and creating shot lists, arranging client meetings, and more. I have been a Photographer for 9 years. I've specialised in weddings for one year. My passion is creativity, and I feel my job encompasses all of this. I love my job, because not only do I get to witness happy couples getting married, but I can work flexibly around my family, choosing my own hours and setting my own deadlines. Being a Photographer definitely doesn't come without its challenges, however, it has been extremely rewarding for me personally, getting to do what I love every day.
Consett Heritage Project / November 17th, 2023
Edwin Oxley - Consett Heritage Podcast
Edwin started as an apprentice at the Consett Steelworks in 1961, as a 15-year-old. Over time he developed a whole host of skills and describes the excellent training he received both at technical college in Consett and Gateshead, and on the jobs in the boiler shop, foundry, blast furnace, plate mills - amongst others. He worked in every department! Take a listen to his podcast which gives a fascinating insight into the opportunities made available to him and how this gave him a solid foundation for the rest of his working life. He also gives our young people some great advice!
Consett Heritage Project / October 20th, 2023
Voices of Consett - Ian Malpass
Ian Malpass, born and bred in Consett, tells us about his time at 'The Works', how it felt when the steelworks closed, and how his family worked and managed after the closure. A great insight into the true spirit of Consett folk.
Youth Social Action / October 19th, 2023
Building Self-Belief Christmas Appeal 2023
At Building Self-Belief, we work with some of the most deprived and vulnerable children in the North East. Christmas 2023 is forecast to be one of the toughest for many years, and we would like to support as many young people as possible.We would be extremely grateful for any donation you can contribute to our Christmas appeal.Help us give our young people a happier Christmas this year!Thank you.
Benfieldside Community Garden / October 13th, 2023
Exciting News about our Community Garden
Building Self-Belief are delighted to be a new member of the the Social Farms and Gardens. We are in the final stages of securing our 25 year lease in Benfieldside Community Garden.
Consett Heritage Project / October 11th, 2023
Peter Shaw 'Shawty' - Consett Heritage Podcast
Peter is 4th generation Consett Native (Delves to be Specific), his childhood was spent wandering the now desolate and empty railway lines before they were finally pulled up, playing in and around the remains of the then quiet monsters of industry before they were pulled down. It was his time spent in what was left of the steelworks that has led to a lifelong interest into the heritage of 'the works'.
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / October 3rd, 2023
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding things that you can do in life. It takes a very special person to give up their own time to help others in need. As part of our Know Your Neighbourhood programme, you have the opportunity to join our team and make a difference in our community.
Youth Social Action / October 4th, 2023
Investors in the Environment, Building Self-Belief, working towards our Bronze Award.
Building Self-Belief are delighted to be part of the Investors in the Environment, working towards our Bronze Award. We are in the process of completing a series of tasks that will ensure we are doing everything possible to create the greenest of environments for our staff and stakeholders. We have our 'Green Champion', Shauna Nixon in place and we look forward to achieving our first award.
Consett Heritage Project / October 2nd, 2023
Consett Youth Banner
We are incredibly proud of our new Consett Heritage Project banner celebrating Consett Youth. The slogan the young people created is perfect- 'From the red dust of the past, Consett youth forge a brighter future'. Our plan is to use the banner as a force for good and encourage young people to take the initiative and work together for a better future.
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / September 20th, 2023
Happy 5th Birthday Building Self-Belief CIO- Building Self-Belief Annual General Meeting 2023
As a celebration of our 5th Birthday, Building Self-Belief invited our young people, staff, trustees, funders and supporters to the Derwent Manor on the 7th September 2023. What a fabulous day we had.
Consett Heritage Project / September 21st, 2023
Voices of Consett- David
David is 71 years old and was born in the Richard Murray Hospital at Blackhill, which was where everybody was born, and lived on Benfieldside Road in Blackhill. His father was a ‘Bevin Boy’, during the war you were either sent as a soldier or down the mines, if you were unlucky the mines were worse.
Consett Heritage Project / September 18th, 2023
Voices of Consett - Eileen
Eileen has lived in Consett for 64 years, her family live in Consett, she works and socialises in Consett, her grandchildren go to school in Consett, so you could say her whole life is in Consett. She has three children and three grandchildren who all live in this area, one of them teaches in Leadgate, in Consett.
Wellbeing and the Arts / August 16th, 2023
The King's Coronation Celebration - Blessed John Duckett Primary School
Building Self-Belief CIO supported Blessed John Duckett Primary School, County Durham and the wider community in a range of creative activities to mark the King's Coronation in May 2023. The project was generously funded by The National Lottery Awards for All Community Fund
Consett Heritage Project / September 13th, 2023
Anne-Louise Grant - Consett Heritage Podcast
Anne-Louise was born in Consett in 1966, and grew up in a village nearby. Her Grandad on one side was a postman and on the other side a miner. Her Dad was a metallurgist at the Steelworks and she had many family members who lived and worked in the area (and still do). She returned to Consett in 2004 to raise her family, having left to seek employment in London in 1989.
Youth Social Action / August 14th, 2023
A Greener Future for Stanley
Gardening is one of the best activities to support health and wellbeing, and the love and dedication our Year 9 Eco Ambassadors have shown for their North Durham Academy Community Wellbeing Garden is a classic example of this.
Consett Heritage Project / August 30th, 2023
Voices of Consett - Mick
Mick is 86, with a long family history in Consett. All of his family bar one lives in Consett, Blackhill and Leadgate and he has lots of grandchildren living in Consett too. His family background in Consett goes back years and years!