KEY is a small local charity based in South Tyneside. They uprovide advice, support and accommodation to young people aged 16 to 25 who are experiencing hardship and / or threatened with homeless.

Helping prevent homelessness:

• Offering advice and guidance

• Mediating between young people and their parents.

• Peer education involving ex homeless young people going into schools to talk about their experiences.

Supporting young people with independent living

• Giving out emergency food packs

• 2 designated support officers for young people managing their first tenancy

• Flavia House – Shared supported accommodation for up to 5 young people

• Strickland House – Shared supported accommodation for up to 4 young people

• Workshops on cooking healthy meals on a low budget, managing money.

• Advice on find employment and training.

It was set up in 1992 by volunteers from several local churches that came together after a homeless young man died on the streets in winter. KEY has grown steadily since then and now employs 10 workers (full & part-time) and 15 volunteers. We directly support and advise up to 100 young people each year.