The KEY+ Challenge
The KEY+ Challenge is our flagship youth‑led skills development programme, empowering young people to realise their potential, grow in confidence and lead their own projects. Built on more than 30 years of experience, it gives young people real responsibility, real decision‑making power and real opportunities to see their ideas come to life.
A short introduction to KEY+
We work collaboratively to ensure young people have access to the KEY+ Challenge. KEY+ gives young people the chance to explore what matters to them, shape their own ideas, and bring them to life. Through practical decision‑making, problem‑solving, and teamwork, young people experience real ownership - supported by adults who believe in their potential and guide without taking over.
Its scaffolded, three‑stage approach gives young people enough structure to build their confidence step by step, gradually taking on more responsibility as they grow in belief. It’s an empowering process that builds confidence through doing.
Watch this short view to learn more about KEY+.
About the KEY+ Challenge
KEY+ Challenge uses our proven five-step KEY+ model — Think, Plan, Pitch, Do and Review — to help young people turn ideas into action. Following these trusted steps, young people move through three progressively challenging stages.
- Stage one - Kickstart skills: Young people get to grips with the programme, build early confidence and try out their first youth-led idea.
- Stage two - Exceed expectations: They take on more ambitious projects, strengthening teamwork, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Stage three - Youth impact: Young people lead enterprise or social action projects that make a positive difference in their school, organisation or community.
- Plus, after completing the three stages, young people can continue their development through bespoke opportunities, volunteering or work experience.
Transitioning through the stages sees young people build their confidence, grow as individuals, and recognise the positive impact they can make in society.
This Structure doesn't just develop skills - it builds belief. Each stage is designed to meet the three conditions of self-determination: Autonomy (choosing the idea), Competence (building and applying skills), and Relatedness (working as a team and connecting with community).
The Five-Step KEY+ Model
At each stage, young people work through the same simple, empowering structure:
- Think - Explore interests, issues and motivations.
- Plan - Shape ideas into practical project plans, including budget and resources.
- Pitch - Share their idea with a supportive panel of volunteers.
- Do - Lead the delivery of their project from start to finish/
- Review - Reflect on what they achieved and learned
Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, the model meets young people’s psychological needs of:
- Autonomy - making meaningful decisions
- Competence - building and applying skills
- Connection - working with others, including peers and community
This approach builds motivation, resilience and belief.
Skills young people develop
Through KEY+ Challenge, young people develop 12 Key Skills across three areas that support personal and social growth:
Self-Skills: make decisions, manage stress and tension, assess performance, understand strengths and development areas
Relationship Skills: communicate with others, negotiate and resolve disagreements, work with people in positions of power, build supportive peer relationships
Task Skills: plan time and energy, solve problems, manage money and resources, see responsibilities through
These skills help young people build a growth mindset and recognise that they can achieve more than they imagined.
The impact it makes
KEY+ Challenge helps young people:
- Build confidence to try new things
- Develop resilience when faced with challenges
- Take ownership and shape their world
- Strengthen supportive relationships and networks
- Feel genuine pride in their ideas and achievements
KEY+ Challenge doesn’t just develop skills — it builds belief.
Find out more below...
Success Stories
Every year, young people achieve great things through KEY+. Here's just a few stories showcasing the impact of our unique programme...
