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
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / June 17th, 2018
Improving the Self-Belief of Teenage Girls
Our film documents and explains the impact of our Building Self-Belief programme with Year 9 Girls at Consett Academy, County Durham. The programme helps the young people to grow in confidence and encourages them to be more aspirational about their future careers. It was a privilege to work with them.
Consett Heritage Project / March 13th, 2025
History of Consett Steelworks - Past and Present
Building Self-Belief presents our film about Consett Steelworks Past and Present. Go on a journey with Alan Swinburne and Peter Shaw as they talk you through how Consett used to look when the steelworks dominated the landscape, and compare it to how it looks in 2025. Thank you everyone who has supported the project, in particular the National Heritage Lottery for their generous grant.
Wellbeing and the Arts / July 5th, 2022
'Let's Create' Platinum Jubilee Project
Building Self-Belief CIO supported Tow Law Millennium Primary School, County Durham, and the wider Community in a range of creative and cultural activities to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.