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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...

As we mark Volunteers’ Week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, expertise, and passion to empower young people through The Key. Our volunteers are the backbone of our mission, playing pivotal roles in guiding and supporting young people on their journeys of self-discovery and achievement.

This KEY+ group didn’t just create a project – they built a purpose. With a name as bold as their vision, “We Can Better Than a Can Canner Can Can a Can”, set out to raise awareness around body confidence and promote self-love through fashion.

Mental Health Awareness Week has come and gone, bringing important conversations about movement, mindfulness, and what it takes for young people to thrive. But if we want real, lasting change, we need to go beyond surface-level solutions—and start listening more deeply.

This year’s theme, “Movement: moving more for our mental health,” opened up valuable discussion. But for those of us working alongside young people, it also raised a bigger question: What kind of movement truly matters?

When a group of Year 11 students came together for their KEY+ Stage 1 project, they had one clear goal – to honour their friend Kye, who tragically passed away from leukaemia.

They decided to do something powerful in his memory: a charity football match that would raise money, bring people together, and celebrate Kye’s life in the best way they knew how.

We're so excited to finally launch our KEY+ Challenge workbooks - a brand new resource designed to help young people smash their Key projects and track their amazing journeys from start to finish! Each workbook is packed with top tips, space for big ideas, planning pages, skills wheels, and everything groups need to keep them on track through the 5 steps of the KEY+ Challenge. 

Say hello to a brilliant volunteer at The Key, Siobhan Hepinstall, as we shine a spotlight on her role as a Volunteer Panel Member (VPM) for The Key! 

Siobhan got involved with The Key after a friend recommended the flexible volunteering opportunity that empowers young people. And we’re so glad she did – because volunteers like Siobhan help make the magic happen.

The Wizards, a Stage 1 KEY+ group made up of eight sixth form students, set out on a mission to tackle food poverty in their local community. With big hearts and even bigger ideas, this inspiring group wanted to improve nutrition for those accessing foodbanks. Their plan? To create a budget-friendly recipe book packed with easy, tasty meal ideas.

At The Key, we believe that every young person has the potential to succeed - but too many face barriers that limit their opportunities. That’s why we’re proud to launch our new three-year strategy.  

Over a year ago, Lauren trained to become a KEY+ Facilitator and has been supporting young people at Newcastle United Foundation to take on the KEY+ Challenge ever since. Read her story here!

When Erin first took on the KEY+ Challenge, supported by NE Youth, she had no idea how much it would shape her confidence, leadership skills, and future plans. What started as a way to try new things with friends soon turned into a journey of personal growth, community impact, and new opportunities. Read more about her journey here.

We’re excited to launch our Youth Advisory Board and are looking for passionate young people to join! Find out more here.