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For their Stage 2 project, Pose 28 challenged themselves to step into an entirely new role: performers and playwrights.

None of the girls had previously shown an interest in writing or acting, but that changed when they decided to create a production that would shine a light on the real issues faced by young people today. Their idea was both imaginative and powerful – a live performance exploring healthy and unhealthy behaviours in relationships, written and acted entirely by the group.

Thanks to support from UKSPF and the North East Combined Authority, The Key is excited to offer free online training course through High Speed Training for volunteers and trustees in Newcastle. With over 180 courses available - including mental health awareness, safeguarding, resilience, and equality training — participants can complete up to three courses in their own time to develop skills and make a real impact in their community.

At The Key, young voices are at the heart of everything we do – and our Youth Advisory Board (YAB) plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of our work. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on three of our incredible members: Erin, Efa and Ruby. These young people bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and energy to the board, and we’re excited to share a bit about what motivates them.

Azra took on the KEY+ Challenge with her school’s diversity group, delivering a Christmas Fayre stall, an Eid celebration, and a school-wide diversity festival. Along the way, she built confidence, improved her organisation skills, and learned the importance of teamwork. Click to read about her journey through the KEY+ Challenge and beyond!

The “Year 7 dip” – when pupils disengage as they transition from primary to secondary school – affects over one in four young people, with sharp declines in confidence, trust, and wellbeing. In regions like the North East, where absence and poverty rates are highest, this challenge is even more acute. Research highlights that building belonging, friendships, and resilience is key to reversing the dip. 

As schools, colleges and youth organisations open their doors this September, thousands of young people are stepping into a new term full of possibilities. For some, it’s the start of a new adventure at secondary school or college. For others, it’s about building on progress made last year, exploring new interests, and setting fresh goals.

At The Key, we know that the start of term can bring mixed feelings. Excitement, nerves, change - sometimes all at once. That’s why we’re here to make sure young people have the tools and confidence to take the lead in their own journeys.

Four young people from Hebburn Comprehensive School took on the KEY+ Challenge and didn’t just complete it – they transformed it into something unforgettable. Over the course of three unique stages, they grew in confidence, built essential skills, and made a lasting impact in their school and wider community. Read more about their journey here!

A group of inspiring young people took on the KEY+ Challenge with one clear goal in mind: to make the transition to secondary school a little easier for Year 6 pupils. Using their own lived experiences and passion for supporting others, they created a thoughtful and impactful social action project that not only helped others but transformed them in the process.

The Four Fantastic Girls created a Girl Power booklet through the KEY+ Challenge to support peers with life transitions. Their professionally printed guides are now used in school lessons and the library. The project helped them build teamwork, communication, and confidence while making a lasting impact on their community.

For the transitions group known as the Underdogs, Stage 1 of the KEY+ Challenge was more than just a day out – it was a step toward independence, connection, and confidence. Their plan was simple: have fun. And they certainly did; the group spend the day bowling, playing arcade games, and dining out at Sambuca’s. 

On Tuesday 22^nd July, something amazing happened. Over 120 young people from across the North East came together at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle for our Youth Action Unlocked event – and wow, did they show up with some big ideas. Read more about some of their ideas here!

At The Key, young voices are at the heart of everything we do – and our Youth Advisory Board (YAB) plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of our work. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on three of our incredible members: Thomas, Lauren and Evie. These young people bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and energy to the board, and we’re excited to share a bit about what motivates them.