KEY+ Updates

Discover Push and Pull’s inspiring KEY+ Challenge journey as they turned setbacks into success. Through three stages of teamwork, creativity and problem-solving, the group explored the link between nature and mental health before creating a wellbeing walking booklet designed to support others in their community. Along the way, they built confidence, developed resilience and discovered what they could achieve when they worked together.

Follow the journey of Bright Lights, a group of young people who took part in KEY+ Transitions. Through planning and leading their own trip to the Metrocentre, they developed confidence, independence, communication and problem-solving skills while creating lasting memories together. 

Meet Rose, one of The Key's dedicated Volunteer Panel Members, and discover what inspires her to support young people across the North East. In this Volunteer Spotlight, Rose shares her volunteering journey, her favourite memories from panel, and why she believes giving young people the opportunity to lead their own ideas is so important. Read on to learn more about the impact of volunteering with The Key and how our Volunteer Panel Members help young people grow in confidence and bring their ideas to life.

For Charlie, Ellie and Poppy, journalism started as an after-school club but quickly became something much more. Through The Key to Find Your Spark, the group had the opportunity to explore their passion, develop new skills and discover where their interest in media could take them in the future. Read about their journey to MediaCity and how this project has helped them recognise potential future career paths.

We’re excited to share this blog from Emily, who joined The Key for a week of work experience and explored the world of marketing, creativity and youth work. During her week, Emily developed new Canva and design skills, created a Social Action resource for young people and gained an insight into how creative ideas are turned into meaningful projects. She also shares how the experience helped her build confidence, develop new skills and discover a potential future interest in marketing.

As a long-standing Key Partner and Outstanding Partner of the Year 2026, Gateshead Youth Council shares how KEY+ helps young people build confidence, lead social action projects and create positive change in their communities.

As a member of Washington Youth Council, Laila took part in Sunderland Youth Action Unlocked to help make her community greener, healthier and more connected. Throughout the project, Laila developed confidence, communication and teamwork skills, learned the importance of collaboration, and discovered that her ideas have the power to create real change. Read more about her journey here.

As part of Sunderland Youth Action Unlocked, the Hendon group created care packages for mums in their community, filled with everyday essentials for families facing financial hardship. Along the way, the young people developed confidence, teamwork and communication skills while discovering the positive difference they can make when they come together to support others.

On Thursday 9th of July, we rolled out the red carpet for The Key Awards 2026. It was another big year with over 200 people in attendance to celebrate the inspirational achievements of young people, KEY+ Facilitators and the wider Key Community.

Young people from Southwick Neighbourhood Youth Project took part in Sunderland Youth Action Unlocked with a simple goal: to bring their community together. Through planning and delivering a colour run event and a park clean up, the group created an event that encouraged local people, families and organisations to connect while promoting a cleaner and more welcoming community space.