Building Self-Belief deliver programmes, projects, and training; all with the aim to build stronger communities by building self-belief. We have significantly improved the mental health, self-esteem and life chances of thousands of vulnerable young people across the North East. We run a newly launched community centre and a Kew Gardens award winning community garden.
Who do we help?
Building Self-Belief's core aim is to build stronger communities by building self-belief. We run a series of programmes for children in areas that are socio-economically ‘deprived’ according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) measures.
We deliver group workshops around wellbeing, building aspiration, future planning, teambuilding and cultural activities to support vulnerable young people in building better local communities.
As we have evolved, we also have to fabulous community spaces. Benfeldside Community Garden for our eco projects, toddler group, and gardening clubs, plus a fabulous space for Forest School. We also have a new community building at Steel Street, in the heart of Consett, where we deliver numerous community sessions.
Our Programmes
Research into young people's mental health has concluded that they are most vulnerable when having to cope with change. Therefore, we have created our programmes to support young people when they are most in need of emotional support.
Building Self-Belief Main Programmes:
- Wellbeing Programme
- Heritage Programme
- Employability Programme
- Environmental Programme
Our Projects
Working in collaboration with others is something that we think is extremely important. We conduct a range of projects, some have been transforming spaces, others have been heritage projects. Connecting young people and connecting communities is an essential way to build self-belief.
Our Research
We have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to working with young people and establishing how to get the very best out of them. Nevertheless, we feel it is important that we are always learning. Conducting our own primary research is an important element of what we do. Over the years we have collaborated with professionals and interns from Newcastle University to coordinate what has the potential to be very informative research. We also work closely with the Centre for Social Justice and regularly attend consultations about pverty in the north east, and how to alleviate it.
Who we Sponsor
We are absolutely delighted to be sponsoring Consett Anarchy fooball team. They approached us when they were short of funds to buy a kit and coats, so we stepped up as this is a great way to give something back in support of the local community. Our volunteer, Eddie Thomas, is also a Consett AFC first team player, so he came along to present the shirts and deliver a training session to the team. If you would like support from us for any projects in the community, please get in touch!
Forest School
As a team we are working with Benfieldside Primary School to deliver Forest School sessions. Part of our work this summer, will to work with our gardening club, to create a stronger Forest school ethos as a section our Benfieldside Community Garden. By September 2026, we will ready to launch our very own Forest School sessions for all ages! Watch this space!
Success stories
Wellbeing / 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.
Fundraising / July 31st, 2026
Hadrian's Wall Challenge 2026
On the 17th May 2026, three of our team, Peter, Grace, Sophie and Louis hiked 22k across Hadrian's Wall to raise money for Building Self-Belief!! This challenge was tough and rewarding, it combines the joy of our local history with a physical and mental challenge, and we are truly grateful for your support.We riased nealry £900, thank you to everyone for their contributions. All donations go towards supporting some of the most vulnerable children and young people in the North East.
Heritage / Digital Inclusion / December 16th, 2025
Heritage / 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.