The Key

Charity Details

History and Activities

The origins of the Key Charity can be traced to 1970s Gateshead. A difficult time of transition for the North East as virtually its entire industrial economy either faced closure or an uncertain future. 1973 was the year Swan Hunter launched the World Unicorn; one of the largest and most important shipyards in the region producing one of the largest ships the Tyne had ever seen. Just 4 years later, however, the yard was nationalised and 16 years after that, closed for good. The future of the North-East was uncertain and it was difficult to see change as an opportunity. The Key Framework was launched by youth workers and academics to ensure a brighter future for young people in the North East. The charity was established to help young people see change as an opportunity and equip them with the right skills to achieve their full potential.

The Framework is a programme designed to support young people to get into education, employment or training and is the largest of its kind in the region. It works by allowing young people to work in teams to conceptualise and realised unique projects. Facilitated projects let young people know that they are valued, capable of realizing their goals and provides a space for self-discovery. Over the course of the project, the Framework focuses on 12 key skills development which range from decision making, problem-solving, communication, negotiation, time management and coping with stress. All of these skills aim to raise self-belief and raise ambitions.

The charity estimate that over the last 5 years they have helped 13,673 young people through 2,996 projects, which have benefited 139,879 members of the wider community. The charity has 6 full-time members of staff they are reliant upon the help of our extensive network of volunteers.

Vital Statistics (year to 31/05/2017) 

Website

https://www.thekeyuk.org/

References