KEY+ Updates

Young people from across Sunderland came together through Youth Action Unlocked to tackle the issue of school absence and disengagement from education. Through collaboration, leadership, and lived experience, the group showed how young voices can play a powerful role in reimagining education and supporting young people not in employment or education.

Join The Key's team of #GNR26 heroes and make a difference to young North East lives!

This blog shares 12 inspirational KEY+ project ideas from across Stages 1-3 to help groups kick-start their KEY+ journey in 2026. From creative team-building activities to community action, enterprise projects and large-scale events, these examples show how young people can build confidence, develop key skills and make a positive impact through projects that matter to them.

From making Halloween "boo baskets" to performing their own educational production and creating Christmas hampers for their community, this group of young women have shown remarkable creativity, teamwork and compassion. Read about their journey through the KEY+ Challenge here!

We’re excited to launch our Youth Advisory Board and are looking for passionate young people to join! Find out more here.

Newcastle has been recognised as a City of Social Action during #iwill Week, and The Key is proud to join organisations across the region in celebrating the incredible youth-led projects driving this achievement. Find out more here!

This Volunteer Day, we're saying thank you to all of our volunteers for the work that they do. We are also spotlighting Jeanette, one of The Key's dedicated VPMs, who returned to the UK after 12 years in Australia and chose to support young people through The Key and the KEY+ Challenge. Read about Jeanette's time as a VPM so far and how to volunteer as a VPM for The Key.

The Chaos Co-ordinators - a newly formed group from South Tyneside - came together for the first time at Youth Action Unlocked: The Hack, where they chose to tackle social isolation by creating an intergenerational community event. Their project showed the power of youth-led action: young people using their voices, shaping their communities, and proving that when they're trusted with responsibility, they can create real, lasting impact.

The Unity in the Community fund is a unique opportunity for young people aged 11-25 to lead projects that bring their communities together. From events and workshops to creative campaigns and local initiatives, this fund supports youth-led ideas that celebrate diversity, and you don't have to be a Key Partner to get involved! Find out more in this blog.

Valerie has been a facilitator of The Key for over 25 years, dedicating her time to supporting young people through the KEY+ Challenge with Gateshead Youth Council. From helping groups like #JellyBeans grow from their very first project to guiding them through major achievements like Gateshead Youth Can, Valerie has witnessed countless transformations in confidence, skills, and leadership. Read about Valerie's time as a facilitator here!