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Looking to stay connected, grow your skills, and keep making a difference after completing the KEY+ Challenge? This blog shares why joining The Key Collective is the perfect next step. As part of our alumni network, you'll be the first to hear about new opportunities, events, and ways to get involved - keeping your journey with The Key going long after your project ends.

As part of KEY+ Transitions, The Gamer Kings planned their own trip to the Metro Centre, building confidence, independence, and teamwork along the way. From budgeting and navigating busy spaces to trying new activities, the group left proud of their achievements and the friendships they strengthened.

Discover how The Key made a difference in 2024–2025! We empowered 1,635 young people through the KEY+ Challenge to build their skills, confidence, and resilience. Our latest impact report highlights the milestones, insights, and stories that shaped an inspiring year of growth and learning.

We’re delighted to welcome Natalie Marshall to The Key’s Board of Trustees. With extensive financial and strategic expertise, Natalie is passionate about using her skills to support young people across the North East and help drive our mission forward.

As part of their KEY+ journey, this inspiring group of college students took action to support two local toddler groups in need of safer, more engaging play spaces. They collected and cleaned donated toys, used KEY+ funding to buy new play mats, and developed confidence, teamwork, and leadership along the way.

Join us for the Great North Run 2026! After an amazing 2025, where runners raised over £3,300 to support young people across the North East, we’re gearing up for an even bigger year. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first-timer, take on this iconic half marathon while making a real difference. Spaces are limited - register your interest today and be part of the action!

We said a fond farewell to Tom Thomas at our AGM, marking 22 years of his incredible dedication to The Key and his lasting impact on young people.

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.