In a world where young voices are too often overlooked, Youth Action Unlocked is flipping the script.

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.

Powered by young people and fuelled by The Key, young people won’t just talk about change, they'll lead it with their very own social impact projects.

When young people are empowered, incredible things happen.

The Power of Participation

Beginning with a one-day social action hack – a collaborative, high-energy event where young people connect, explore shared challenges, and start developing solutions.

Using The Key’s proven, youth-led five-step model, young people will Think → Plan → Pitch → Do → Review, turning their ideas into reality.

Each group has the opportunity to receive up to £1,000 in funding to bring their ideas to life, supported by local facilitators and community networks. But, the journey doesn’t end there as in November, the groups will return for a celebration and showcase during #iwillWeek, sharing the real impact of their work.

Hear about Youth Action Unlocked in more detail!

This programme kicks off with an inspiring one-day hack event. Young people from across the region will come together to:

  • Connect with young people from different areas and organisations
  • Explore key social issues affecting their communities
  • Create a youth-led project idea
  • Pitch their idea to a panel of supporters

This day is all about brainstorming, teamwork, and ambition. Groups will be supported by facilitators, funders, and The Key team as they develop project ideas designed to drive meaningful change.

From here, it’s over to the young people to do the work – delivering their projects throughout the summer and autumn, with guidance and support along the way.

After months of planning, doing, and reflecting, groups return for a final event to celebrate their work and share their impact.

The showcase gives young people the platform to:

  • Reflect on their journey and what they’ve learned
  • Present their achievements to peers, funders, and community leaders
  • Inspire others to believe in youth-led social action

It’s not just about celebration – it’s a powerful moment of recognition, connection, and momentum-building for the future.

Why it Matters

This isn’t just another youth programme. It’s a movement for change, designed by young people. It creates space for unheard voices, builds bridges, and inspires everyone – funders, facilitators, and young people – to believe in the power of collective youth action.

Whether you’re a young person looking to make a difference, or a youth worker keen to find out more, Youth Action Unlocked is a chance to do something big.

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