What we do

What We Do What We Do

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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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Success stories

Volunteering / September 20th, 2023

Happy 5th Birthday Building Self-Belief CIO- Building Self-Belief Annual General Meeting 2023

As a celebration of our 5th Birthday, Building Self-Belief invited our young people, staff, trustees, funders and supporters to the Derwent Manor on the 7th September 2023. What a fabulous day we had.

Employability / Volunteering / October 3rd, 2023

Employability / Volunteering / October 3rd, 2023

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding things that you can do in life. It takes a very special person to give up their own time to help others in need. As part of our Know Your Neighbourhood programme, you have the opportunity to join our team and make a difference in our community.

Environmental / December 9th, 2024

Tow Law Eco-Ambassadors Film

We have had a wonderful year with the Tow Law Eco-Ambassadors during our Environmental Project with The Energy Saving Trust and Airbnb who are kindly supporting us with the programme. Here is our Christmas Tow Law Eco Ambassadors film, which showcases all the amazing work they have completed so far.

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