We offer emotional health and wellbeing support in schools for children aged 4 to 18. This includes therapeutic support, counselling, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Our experienced employees provide support for families with children with autism or showing autistic traits while awaiting diagnosis. In response to requests, we have also introduced peer support groups for families with children with autism.
Each year Key Unlocking Futures helps 10,000 people across Lancashire achieve their potential.
Through our charity, Key Unlocking Futures (Key), we support people across Lancashire, helping them build a brighter future for themselves and their families. We help people find a home, improve their health and wellbeing, connect with community members, and stay safe. We provide services to over 10,000 people across the county each year.
Our supported housing schemes in Preston provide safe accommodation and support young care leavers and adults at risk of homelessness.
Our advice services for young people in South Ribble and Chorley help young people in housing crisis to achieve positive solutions. This works hand in hand with our Family Futures project that focuses on bringing families together using a combination of family therapy and mediation.
We provide tenancy support to Progress Housing tenants to help people sustain their tenancy and thrive in their home.
The centre supports more than 1400 people living in Broadfield, Leyland. The base is at the heart of the community, providing support that local people have identified they want and need.
Real stories
Meet Hannah
I first came to Key back in March. I am 18 and had temporarily been put in a hotel because I had nowhere to go. I was told that Key would be able to help.
Things hadn't been good at home for a long time. My dad is alcohol dependent and when he is drunk he feels that everyone else is below him. He often yelled in my face and made me cry. My mum has struggled a lot with her mental health and never helped the situation. I had also been abused, and I felt that my family should have protected me. One night it just all blew up and it was too much – I had to leave.
I have autism and also, emotional instability and have struggled a lot with my own mental health. Living in such a toxic place wasn't possible anymore.
Without Key I wouldn't have had my own flat. Carole helped me with my Selectmove, setting up an account and supporting me with bidding. She was so patient. I kept getting logged out and losing my password. This is just me and one of the types of things I find difficult.
I had help with setting up my bills and getting furniture for my flat. Carole is still helping me until I get settled. I like that she is very straightforward – she says it like it is. For me this is better than someone making suggestions. If people suggest things to me it makes it easy for me to ignore them. I knew I had to do my part in things, that we would do things together rather than Carole doing everything for me.
Carole doesn't look mainstream, and I liked this because I thought it meant she was more likely to get me, as I am not mainstream either. I am usually scared to speak to people and will just ignore the phone, but Carole made me feel comfortable. I like that I can message Key and that we can chat on the phone. This made me feel more connected and it was much easier for me than having to go into Key. Sometimes it was nice to actually meet, but it took the pressure off by being able to do either.
Having my own place and knowing I have someone who understands me has made all the difference. I finally feel safe and like I can start building the life I want.
Stock image used to protect identities
Real stories
Meet Sarah
Sarah’s journey through Key’s refuge services highlights the impact of compassionate support on survivors of domestic abuse.
After enduring years of emotional and physical trauma, Sarah found refuge at Clare House, where Key provided safe accommodation and comprehensive domestic abuse services.
Reflecting on her experience, Sarah describes a big change in herself. "I’ve just come back from the gym where I’ve been doing deadlifts! I am so much stronger now, both mentally and physically. My abuser always said I was weak, but I was brought up with three brothers; I am anything but weak.”
The refuge became a sanctuary where Sarah and her children found safety and support. "I cannot put into words just how much of a positive impact the refuge has had on my life, on my children’s lives, and on the lives around me.
The team at the refuge would listen without judgment and wouldn’t patronise; they were genuine. I recognise now that they were motherly and caring. I’ve come such a long way, and I’ve changed so much. I am a better communicator, and my mind is much healthier. I’m able to counsel those around me.
I’ve been able to share what I have learned, helping to empower other women."
Through Key’s support, Sarah has rebuilt her life and become an advocate for change in her community.
Stock image used to protect identities