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, and we have lots of plans for exciting new projects.
Who is Building Self-Belief for?
Our core aim is to build stronger communities by building self-belief in vulnerable young people. 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.

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. We are delighted to be currently working with professionals and interns from Newcastle University to coordinate what has the potential to be very informative research.
Our Courses
We combine our experiences in education, mental health and health and social care in the creation of a series of courses that will support your school and the wellbeing of staff and students. We can also offer online courses to help people gain a greater understanding of how to support the wellbeing of young people.
Success stories
Celebrating Stanley / November 10th, 2025
June's Celebration of Stanley
June shares her story of growing up and living in Stanley for more than 50 years, her fondest memories of the town and her hopes for the town's future.
Aspirations and Future Planning / November 30th, 2023
Maddy Parkin - Careers Podcast
Maddy Parkin, 32. Photographer running a business specialising in wedding photography. Her 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. Her passion is creativity, and feels her job encompasses all of this. Take a listen and find out more about a career in photography.
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / December 5th, 2018
Building Self-Belief Launch
A committed team of Trustees have come together to launch a new charity in County Durham to help young people get the best possible start in life through empowerment and increasing personal self-esteem.