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 / May 18th, 2019
The Activity Den Transformation
This is an extended version of our film outlining the transformation of The Den activity centre in Tanfield Lea. Over a three month period we held weekly sessions and made plans, for transforming this amazing space.
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / Aspirations and Future Planning / March 27th, 2025
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / Aspirations and Future Planning / March 27th, 2025
Boldon Colliery 'Bridging the Gap' Youth Employability Programme
The Boldon Colliery 'Bridging the Gap' Youth Employability Programme, supported by the Wellesley Trust through the Tyne & Wear and Northumberland Community Foundation, aimed to boost the aspirations, employability, and self-esteem of Year 10 students at Boldon School. Over 12 weeks, students took part in workshops on topics like healthy living, CV writing, and emotional wellbeing, developing key skills in communication, confidence, and debt management. They also visited Bay Plastics and took part in a team-building Go-Karting activit
Consett Heritage Project / April 15th, 2024
Brian Stobbs - Consett Heritage Podcast
Brian Stobbs has a wealth of personal knowledge about living in Consett during the era of the steelworks. Having grown up in the heart of Templetown, then primarily an industrial area, his perspective offers a captivating glimpse into Consett's past. Discover what motivated him to stay in Consett and why he chose not to work in the steelworks.