Our Latest Insights
Here you can read the latest on news, events, stories, and blog posts.
Consett Heritage Project / August 10th, 2023
Rob Moran - Consett Heritage Podcast
Rob is Consett born and bred and has been active in the community in many fields over the years, including volunteering with the Consett Green Spaces Campaign and with the local Labour Party. He is involved with the group History of Consett Steelworks where his particular interest is researching its history. He also helps out at our local schools by taking the children on history tours of the ex-steelworks site. He also shares his love of the wider history of the North East, on his own fabulous Facebook group called Alfred's Guide.
Consett Heritage Project / July 24th, 2023
Consett Visited by Royalty - Who Knew?
Our Consett Heritage Project is really gaining momentum, and what we love about it is the connectivity that it creates across the community and across the age groups. One of our volunteers, Maisie Dobson interviewed her 96-year-old great grandma, Jean Simmons, for the project and uncovered a royal mystery.
Youth Social Action / 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.
Youth Social Action / July 21st, 2023
Shining a Light on Consett Youth – Highly Commended at the NE Charity Awards
As a Consett based charity, Building Self-Belief, were delighted to have made it to the North East Charity awards final on July 19th 2023, in the category of Outstanding Contribution to Social Change for their work with their Consett Youth Panel.
Consett Heritage Project / June 15th, 2023
Alan Swinburne- Consett Heritage Podcast
Alan worked at the Steelworks for 17 years in the Technical Research Department. Over the last 20 years he has researched the History of the Steelworks given several talks about his memories of his life at the Works. He also has an extensive collection of photographs and memorabilia from the steelworks.
Aspirations and Future Planning / June 16th, 2023
The Tall Wall - When Coaching Works!
No matter what stage you're at in life, having someone to talk to who you can trust is an invaluable addition to your personal and professional life. Thanks to Helen Cowan’s offer from The Tall Wall, this is an additional service we can now offer our staff and volunteers.
Wellbeing and the Arts / June 8th, 2023
Shoddy Theatre and the Importance of the Arts
What a delight it was to have the opportunity to organise a whole series of drama activities for some of our schools. As part of their national tour, the Shoddy Theatre Company arranged to deliver a series of workshops to engage children and young people in the arts.
Youth Social Action / June 14th, 2022
Together For Our Planet Garden Transformation
In collaboration with local businesses and individuals we were able to transform Consett Academy's community garden. Our transformation project at Consett Academy helped our young people develop better connections with their peers, their communities and gave them a way of improving their own and other people’s lives for the better.
Consett Heritage Project / June 7th, 2023
Voices of Consett- Shauna
Shauna's contribution is the first in our series called 'Voices of Consett'. Our aim is to have over 100 editions from a whole variety of people who live in Consett. This is all part of our Consett Heritage Project. There will be recordings of the voices, and they will also be visually represented and form part of our final exhibition.
Consett Heritage Project / March 23rd, 2023
The Consett Iron Company 160th Anniversary - Community Heritage Project Launch
What a delight it was to see so many people from the Consett community at our recent get together on March 16th 2023 for the launch of our Consett Heritage project. This is just the start of our much anticipated Heritage project to celebrate the 160th Anniversary of the opening of the Consett Ironworks.
Youth Social Action / March 21st, 2023
Exciting Times for Our Youth Panel!
It has been a busy time for our Youth Panel and some of our Volunteers. We were extremely lucky that the Landmark Trust once again selected us to stay for free for a weekend at Morpeth Castle
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / March 9th, 2023
Teenage Emotional Wellbeing and Environmental Engagement
Our project used environmental, and creative arts related activities, to support the young people’s emotional wellbeing and self-confidence. The programme’s activities developed their arts-based skills and also included visits to Haystax Inclusive Farm Experience in County Durham, where they participated in a range of environmental based activities.
Aspirations and Future Planning / December 20th, 2022
Christmas Roundup 2022
What a year it has been for Building Self-Belief – it is such a relief that we are finally getting back to normal after the ongoing uncertainly linked to the Covid restrictions. Now we are back in full flow, we have exciting times ahead.
Wellbeing and the Arts / December 19th, 2022
Travelling Home for Christmas | Robson Laidler Christmas Video 2022 - Featuring Building Self-Belief CIO
The Building Self-belief team were delighted to be invited to take part in the Robson Laidler Christmas video, which this year is a parody of Chris Rea’s 'Driving Home for Christmas' video, with a sustainability theme. We performed along with the County Durham Community Foundation and Oases Housing. Please enjoy the video, and feel free to share it!
Youth Social Action / November 11th, 2022
Tow Law Primary School WW1 Heritage Lottery Project
On Remembrance Day we would like to reshare our fabulous World War 1 Project with Tow Law Millenium Primary School. It was a project that truly captured the spirit of Remembrance.
Exercise, Health and Nutrition / October 26th, 2022
I Don't See You as Disabled
"I don't see you as being disabled", said my friend at dinner the other night. The reactions of my other friends at the table were a clue they had said something inappropriate, but they weren't sure what. When we got home that night, they messaged me with a puzzled apology. I'd like to share with you my response.Our fabulous Trustee, Claire Dellar explains how proud she is to be disabled.