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 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. 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.
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 - Coming Soon!
As a team we are working towards delivering official 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
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / May 27th, 2024
Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Beautiful BUT Stay Safe Online!
The unique selling point of all of our programmes, but in particular our Wellbeing Programme, is that we include a creative element that is directed by the young people in the group that we are working with.
Wellbeing and the Arts / December 19th, 2022
Travelling Home for Christmas | Robson Laidler Christmas Video 2022 - Featuring Building Self-Belief CIO
The Building Self-belief team were delighted to be invited to take part in the Robson Laidler Christmas video, which this year is a parody of Chris Rea’s 'Driving Home for Christmas' video, with a sustainability theme. We performed along with the County Durham Community Foundation and Oases Housing. Please enjoy the video, and feel free to share it!
Youth Social Action / Celebrating Stanley / December 17th, 2025
Youth Social Action / Celebrating Stanley / December 17th, 2025
'Celebrating Stanley 2025' - Heritage Project Film
A celebration of Stanley’s heritage, voices, and community. Over nine months, this project brought generations together to preserve local history and honour the town’s past, present, and future.