For the Bilton Bros, the KEY+ Challenge became much more than completing three projects. It was an opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills and create positive experiences for the people around them.
Across all three stages of KEY+, the group chose projects that would bring people together and improve their local community. From organising a Christmas celebration to transforming an outdoor community space and delivering a community fun day, each project gave the group the chance to take ownership of their ideas and see the difference they could make.
Stage 1: Bringing Everyone Together at Christmas
For their Stage 1 project, the group wanted to create something that everyone at their centre could enjoy. They decided to organise a Christmas party, complete with a DJ, buffet, games, prizes and festive treats, giving their peers the chance to celebrate together.
Planning the event meant taking responsibility for every detail. The group carefully managed their budget, organised food and entertainment, purchased decorations and prizes and allocated roles based on each person’s interests so everyone had ownership of part of the event.
The project was a huge success! Reflecting on the experience, Robbie said: “I loved the Christmas party, and we all did very well organising it, and was really happy we got the funding as the panel was very proud. It was a good day and really enjoyed it.”
Nathan enjoyed seeing everything come together: “I liked everything about it, including the disco, the disco was the best, it was my favourite part. Me, Rhys and Robbie have planned it since the first week of December, I thought it was amazing. Everyone was invited and enjoyed it. we were really proud of ourselves. During the party we had lots of fun.”
For Rhys, the planning process was just as rewarding as the event itself: “I loved planning the Christmas party for everyone. Me, Nathan and Robbie had planned this in a few weeks. We also had to get the food, supplies and prizes the week before. Everyone invited enjoyed it, we were proud of ourselves, we needed to show our plan to The Key.”
Stage 2: Transforming the Heart of the Community
After successfully completing Stage 1, the group wanted to leave a lasting impact on their local community.
For Stage 2, they transformed an outdoor area at their community centre into a welcoming space where local people could relax, spend time together and feel part of their community.
The project involved much more than simply decorating the space. The young people worked alongside skilled professionals to learn practical techniques including sanding wood, spray painting and construction. They also added colourful decorations, hanging flowers, lighting and other finishing touches to create a space that felt warm, inviting and accessible for everyone.
Along the way, the group discovered new interests and developed valuable skills.
Rhys reflected: “I really really enjoyed this project, as I was able to be creative and learn how to spray paint and how to sand wood down, and also make a happy comfortable space for people to use.”
“I have become less shy in talking to others like key and the community”
Nathan enjoyed using his creativity throughout the project: “I enjoyed this project as I got to use my big brain to come up with ideas, I liked doing the spray painting and hanging the flower vines, I was very happy with the hard work I put in and learnt.”
Robbie also valued learning new skills while improving the community space: “I liked doing this project and learning new skills, I found the spray painting good, and making the community area more warm and welcoming.”
Stage 3: A Community Fun Day for Everyone
By Stage 3, the group had grown in confidence and were ready to take on their biggest project yet.
They organised a community fun day designed to bring local families together for a day of activities, competitions and entertainment. From booking a magician and reptile show to organising football activities, chess tournaments, raffles and prizes, the group planned every aspect of the event themselves.
The fun day gave families the opportunity to spend quality time together while strengthening community connections and creating positive memories.
Looking back on the full KEY+ journey, each member reflected on how much they had developed, saying KEY+ had helped them by:
Nathan: “It has helped me become more confident and more capable doing stuff that I haven't done before by myself.”
Rhys: “KEY+ has helped me with my responsibilities and me as a person. I can take more stress now and i have more energy and motivation to do work.”
Robbie: “working as part of a group and learning to get things done.”
Across all three stages, the Bilton Bros demonstrated what can happen when young people are trusted to lead. By taking ownership of their ideas, solving problems together and creating opportunities for others, they didn’t just improve their community – they also discovered new skills, built confidence and proved to themselves what they were capable of.
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The Key