From Consett to Chan Yu
As part of our Know Your Neighbourhood initiative, we set up a series of very successful Digital Hubs, where older people struggling to use technology could come along and get some support from our young people.
Know Your Neighbourhood
The premise of Know our Neighbourhood is to get people volunteering, not just to provide the activities themselves. We were delighted when Joe Farnsworth signed up a s a volunteer, Joe had recently graduated with a Cyber Security degree from the University of Newcastle and was looking for opportunities to extend his skills in preparation for work.
Supporting the Elderly
When we suggested he used his skill in IT to help the community, Joe jumped at the chance to volunteer. He supported every session and helped in a whole range of ways – showing people how to create email addresses, photoshop, apps, editing photographs. If he didn’t know how to do it, he did the research to ensure he knew enough to help.
The Power of Volunteering
What has transpired over time, that rather than heading into the high-tech work of cyber security, what he realised through his volunteering, is that he enjoyed the social interaction and the communicating with others. What better way to combine this that to go to the high tech city of Chan Yu in China and teach English as a Foreign language?
A Thank You from Joe
Joe said: ‘I have always wanted to go to China, but having some actual experience volunteering, made such a difference when I applied, because having actual experience, is so much more significant than just saying you want to do something. I would like to thank Building Self-Belief for the opportunities, and I am so excited about working in China.’
Exciting Times Ahead
Joe has landed safely in China – he is living in a city that is a one-hour train ride away from Hong King. He is looking forward to combining working abroad with travelling to different parts of South East Asia and the Far East. We wish Joe the very best of luck and look forward to hearing about his amazing experience when he gets back!
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / December 16th, 2018
Youth Social Action / December 16th, 2018
Aspirations and Future Planning / December 16th, 2018
Building Self-Belief in Teenage Boys' Programme
We had a brilliant experience working with these young people. We worked with them by building up their confidence by encouraging them to talk. We took them to the theatre, a restaurant and to the high ropes. They all learnt a great deal about each other and themselves.
Aspirations and Future Planning / August 2nd, 2021
Norham Boys | Raising Aspirations and Employability
Building Self-Belief worked with a group of 10 boys form Norham High School in NorthTyneside. It was a real privilege to work with the boys and see them grow in confidence and develop a much greater sense of purpose in their lives.
Consett Heritage Project / August 25th, 2023
Voices of Consett - Sharon
Sharon currently teaches at Consett Academy. She has been living in Consett for 25 years when she moved from the valleys of south Wales. These are her thoughts about Consett.