Our Latest Insights
Here you can read the latest on news, events, stories, and blog posts.
January 22nd, 2026
The Mark Benevolent Fund
Thank you to The Mark Benevolent Fund for funding us. Watch our video here.
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / Youth Social Action / Aspirations and Future Planning / January 15th, 2026
Aimee's Reflections on 2025
With the start of a new year (and a brief break in the busyness of third acadmic year spent at Building Self-Belief!) I wanted to reflect on some highlights during the latter part of 2025, a brilliant year that will stick with me for a long time!
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / Youth Social Action / January 6th, 2026
Household Support Fund-Over £95,000 distributed!
Over the last few months we have distributed over £95,000.00 from our Household Support Fund. This has mainly been within the Consett and Stanley area. We have provided numerous ovens, washing machines, dryers, as well as food vouchers. Alongside this we have distributed over 300 winter warmer packs to local children.
Benfieldside Community Garden / December 17th, 2025
Benfieldside Community Garden Sensory Area Launch
A lovely day at Benfieldside Community Garden celebrating the launch of our new sensory area!A big thank you to Durham County Council Counillor's Terry and Kathryn Rooney for funding this area, your support is truly appreciated.We would also like to send our thanks to Benfieldside Primary School for joining us to celebrate.
Youth Social Action / Celebrating Stanley / December 17th, 2025
'Celebrating Stanley 2025' - Heritage Project Film
A celebration of Stanley’s heritage, voices, and community. Over nine months, this project brought generations together to preserve local history and honour the town’s past, present, and future.
Celebrating Stanley / Digital Inclusion / December 16th, 2025
Christine's Celebration of Stanley
Christine works for Karbon Homes and is the Co-ordinator for the Silver Talk Service set up back in 2012. Listen to her Celebrating Stanley podcast as she shares her role championing the town and everything she does.
Celebrating Stanley / Digital Inclusion / December 16th, 2025
June's Celebration of Stanley
June has lived in Stanley for 50 years and brought up in a mining village. Listen to her Celebrating Stanley podcast here as she shares her fondest memories of the town.
Celebrating Stanley / Digital Inclusion / December 16th, 2025
Carol's Celebration of Stanley
Carol grew up in and around Stanley and has fond memories of the town. Listen to her Celebrating Stanley Podcast as she shares her hopes for the future.
Celebrating Stanley / Digital Inclusion / December 16th, 2025
Kristy's Celebration of Stanley
Listen below to Kristy Smith's Celebrating Stanley Podcast as she shares her background of working in Stanley and her fond memories.
Celebrating Stanley / Digital Inclusion / December 12th, 2025
Yvonne's Celebration of Stanley
Yvonne is extremely proud of the Stanley area and has fond memories of living and working in the town. Listen to her Celebrating Stanley Podcast to hear more!
Celebrating Stanley / Digital Inclusion / December 8th, 2025
Paul's Celebration of Stanley
Paul Fiddaman is Chief Executive of Karbon Homes. In his role he champions the people of the North East, and in particular his hometown of Stanley. Take a listen to his podcast outlining his love of Stanley and the impact the town has had on him over the years.
Celebrating Stanley / Digital Inclusion / November 25th, 2025
Rachel's Celebration of Stanley
Rachel grew up in Stanley and has fond memories of her childhood in and around the town. She still has family connections and she feels that the importance of community connections need to be celebrated in the town. Listen to her podcast to hear more.
Celebrating Stanley / Digital Inclusion / November 19th, 2025
Kelly's Celebration of Stanley Podcast
Kelly has always lived and worked in the Stanley area, and is very proud to be from the town. She feels that there is lots of potential in the town, and to get the town back to where it once would not take a great deal of investment. Listen to her Celebration of Stanley Podcast to hear more..
Celebrating Stanley / December 16th, 2025
"Celebrating Stanley" Poem - South Stanley Junior School
This poem was created by Livy, Layla, Liam and Harry, Year 6 pupils from South Stanley Junior School as part of our 'Celebrating Stanley' project.
Celebrating Stanley / December 16th, 2025
"Queen for a Day" Poem - South Stanley Junior School
This poem was created by Savannah, William, Kyden and Kiera. They were inspired by a photograph from the Stanley Festival of Queens in 1960.
Celebrating Stanley / December 16th, 2025
"A Dark, Dark Day for Stanley" Poem - South Stanley Junior School
This poem was created by Kalven, Svyat, Jamie, Jake and Jack, Year 6 pupils from South Stanley Junior School as part of our 'Celebrating Stanley' project.