Our Latest Insights
Here you can read the latest on news, events, stories, and blog posts.

Aspirations and Future Planning / November 30th, 2023
Maddy Parkin - Careers Podcast
Maddy Parkin, 32. Photographer running a business specialising in wedding photography. Her main job role is taking photos of my customers' weddings, however, there is a lot of work that goes into this: editing in creative software, creating online galleries, marketing, blog posts, liaising with customers, writing and amending contracts and creating shot lists, arranging client meetings, and more. Her passion is creativity, and feels her job encompasses all of this. Take a listen and find out more about a career in photography.

Aspirations and Future Planning / Know Your Neighbourhood Project / 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.

Youth Social Action / Aspirations and Future Planning / Consett Heritage Project / October 2nd, 2023
Consett Youth Banner
We are incredibly proud of our new Consett Heritage Project banner celebrating Consett Youth. The slogan the young people created is perfect- 'From the red dust of the past, Consett youth forge a brighter future'. Our plan is to use the banner as a force for good and encourage young people to take the initiative and work together for a better future.

Aspirations and Future Planning / June 16th, 2023
The Tall Wall - When Coaching Works!
No matter what stage you're at in life, having someone to talk to who you can trust is an invaluable addition to your personal and professional life. Thanks to Helen Cowan’s offer from The Tall Wall, this is an additional service we can now offer our staff and volunteers.

Youth Social Action / Aspirations and Future Planning / Exercise, Health and Nutrition / June 14th, 2022
Together For Our Planet Garden Transformation
In collaboration with local businesses and individuals we were able to transform Consett Academy's community garden. Our transformation project at Consett Academy helped our young people develop better connections with their peers, their communities and gave them a way of improving their own and other people’s lives for the better.

Aspirations and Future Planning / December 20th, 2022
Christmas Roundup 2022
What a year it has been for Building Self-Belief – it is such a relief that we are finally getting back to normal after the ongoing uncertainly linked to the Covid restrictions. Now we are back in full flow, we have exciting times ahead.

Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / Youth Social Action / Aspirations and Future Planning / March 16th, 2022
Empowering Consett’s Youth
Building Self-Belief’s mission as a charity it to empower young people and give them the strategies and the self-belief to take ownership of their lives. Our mission is to “Build Stronger Communities through Building Self-Belief’ and we feel that a strong Youth Panel is the perfect way to give young people a voice and ensure that they have a say in their own community.

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.

Youth Social Action / Aspirations and Future Planning / Benfieldside Community Garden / November 12th, 2021
Time to Break the Cycle? #COP26
It was a real privilege for me to be Chair of the Eco debate ‘Going in Circles’ organised by Engineering Today and After the Pandemic. Here is a brief overview of our discussion, as well as our suggestions about how we can move forward.

Aspirations and Future Planning / May 29th, 2021
North Durham Academy | Bridging the Gap Between Education and Work
Sixth Form students at North Durham Academy, Stanley, Co Durham, took part in our Bridging the Gap Between Education and Work programme. This programme is designed to enhance their employability skills, and raise their aspirations. It was a huge success!

Aspirations and Future Planning / December 1st, 2020
Future Planning
Future planning is essential. We always encourage young people to have a goal. Passing an exam is not enough. Why do they need the qualification? What are they going to do with it? If they do not do as well as expected, what is their plan?

Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / Youth Social Action / Aspirations and Future Planning / March 25th, 2020
Is EdTech the Way Forward?
With the prospect of social isolation, the traditional methods of teaching are no longer applicable. A new way of long distance learning needs to be swiftly incorporated to ensure all students get the very best support at this crucial time. The most obvious solution is educational technology – EdTech.

Aspirations and Future Planning / November 18th, 2019
What is ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ (CSR)?
Corporate social responsibility (CSR), sometimes known as ‘corporate conscience’ or ‘corporate citizenship’, is about companies playing a responsible role in the wider community. Haines Watts have developed some brilliant ways for them to enhance and develop their CRS and we are very lucky to be their nominated charity.

Youth Social Action / Aspirations and Future Planning / October 31st, 2019
The Power of Collaboration | We need YOU!
We are thrilled to announce that we have received funding from the Derwent Valley AAP for an exciting project! Building Self-Belief CIO shall be working with young people from Consett Academy and Learning for Life to develop and design new sensory spaces at Learning for Life, a SEND provision in Consett.

Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / Aspirations and Future Planning / September 3rd, 2019
Starting School
As we approach the ‘big day’ for the students who are either starting school or who are moving up to ‘big school’, I thought I would share my own experience of the preparation for my own first day at school.

Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / Youth Social Action / 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.