Recently, we caught up with Jamie, a key facilitator from NE Youth, to hear about his experiences supporting young people through The Key. Jamie has been a facilitator for 6 years, during which he’s led numerous projects that have made a real difference in the lives of young people across the North East. NE Youth has been a valued partner for 9 years, delivering many KEY+ projects.

Jamie highlighted a couple of standout projects. One was Spice Up Youth Life, a youth club group he supported two days a week. The group quickly completed all three stages of the KEY+ Challenge, earning an award for commitment and dedication, and even went on to do an extra stage as part of KEY+ Changemakers. They went on trips to a cat café, Nando’s and York and finished with a community event to raise money for a defibrillator at the centre.

Seeing their growth and dedication was a proud moment for Jamie, so much so that Erin, one of the group members, now works at The Key on our Youth Advisory Board. He said that even though Erin was already quite confident, her time with The Key has boosted her independence, drive, and self-belief, making her a role model for her peers.

More recently, Jamie worked with the Studio West Bad Boys, winners of the KEY+ Inspirational Group of the Year award at this year’s Key Awards. Through the six-week Ready for Life project, the group tackled life skills such as money management, relationships, sexual health, and mental wellbeing. Initially disengaged, the young people became highly committed, participating in the KEY+ Challenge where they did foot golf and had some food at KFC. Their teachers noted a remarkable change in their behaviour, respect and maturity, showing how The Key can truly transform lives.

Jamie credits relationship-building as key to engagement with young people. “I went in knowing engagement would be challenging,” he said. “I cracked jokes, met them on their level, showing them I wasn’t in a position of power and giving them opportunities to do something different from school. We tailored sessions – 30 minutes of football, 30 minutes of work.”

What Jamie loves most is seeing groups work together as a team and witnessing young people’s progress from start to finish: “Nothing beats the sense of achievement on their faces.” He also shared how confidence growth is one of the most incredible transformations for young people taking part in the KEY+ Challenge: “young people who wouldn’t dream of speaking individually to panel members […] the teacher told me they were so confident and knew what they wanted and were determined.”

His advice to future facilitators? “Be patient with the young people.” “It’s all worthwhile – once they complete The Key, you see the incredible progress they’ve made.