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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.

At Route2Work College, a group of learners came together with a shared goal: to transform a quiet space on campus into a beautiful, accessible sensory garden. Their vision was to create a calming, interactive environment where everyone could relax, explore nature, and feel at peace.

Five extraordinary young people from different colleges came together for a mission unlike any other. Though they’d never worked as a group before, they shared one powerful vision: to teach the world all about space.

During her week-long placement at The Key, Azra explored a wide range of tasks from research and emailing to marketing and presenting. Initially nervous bout stepping into a workplace, she quickly settled in and gained valuable insight into office life, helping her to develop new skills in communication, design, and collaboration. Read about Azra's thoughts and experience here.

On Thursday 10th of July, we rolled out the red carpet for The Key Awards 2025. It was another big year with over 230 people in attendance to celebrate the inspirational achievements of young people, KEY+ Facilitators and the wider Key Community.

While they share a friendship, what truly connects them is something deeper – a mutual understanding of what it means to care for others from a young age. Taking part in the KEY+ Challenge gave them something they rarely get: the chance to focus on themselves: "We were excited to develop our teamwork skills by building on relationships and taking on new challenges.” Read about their Stage 1 adventure here.

The Key has moved to a new office! Find out where our new home is here.

Now in Stage 3 of their KEY+ journey, The Krispie Kremers have shifted their focus from exploring the world to changing the one around them. Their final project is all about leaving something behind that lasts, transforming an unused outdoor space at Gladstone Terrace into a thriving community garden.

From skydiving in Manchester to producing a song about Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, The Five GEMS have taken the KEY+ Challenge by storm, pushing themselves out of their comfort zones and growing in confidence every step of the way.

Young Action Unlocked brings together young people aged 11-18 (and up to 25 with additional needs) from across the North East to tackle issues they care about most – from community safety to education, inequality, and mental health. Through a dynamic, youth-led process, participants don’t just talk about change, they lead it.

The Key Awards aren't far away and we can't wait to celebrate with you on the night! Our judging panel worked hard to whittle down our winners and you can see our shortlisted nominees here...