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 7,000 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 7,000 people across the county each year.
Our supported housing schemes in Preston and Chorley provide safe accommodation and support young people and adults at risk of homelessness.
Inn2 in Preston provides accommodation for 6 care leavers aged 18 and over. Key has also successfully registered with OFSTED to meet the new requirements outlined in the Supported Accommodation Regulations and Quality Standards.
We help people who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse and violence. We manage the women's refuges in South Ribble and Chorley. We hold Women’s Aid Accreditation for our domestic abuse services.
We provide critical tenancy support to those at risk of losing their home. We are also now offering counselling at our homeless schemes.
The centre supports more than 700 people living in Broadfield, Leyland. The Base’s community shop and café provide good quality food for a small fee, and anyone from the community can join.
Real stories
Meet Rob
I've been living here for a year and have had lots of help from my support workers to live independently. I can't wait to move into my own place now.
I was 16 when I found myself rough sleeping on benches in the local park. My mum and me had a big row one day, and I had left and moved in with my auntie. I felt bad, though, because my auntie had enough going on with her own family, and so I told her I was going to stay with a friend. The truth was I had nowhere to go, so I slept rough for a couple of weeks in the local park.
Someone reported me sleeping there, and I was encouraged to come and stay at a supported housing scheme for young people run by Key. I’ve been here a year now, and I get help from my support workers. They arrange my prescriptions as I have a medical condition and help me budget.
Since moving here, I am in touch with my mum on and off. She sometimes brings me food, or I will call and see her. It’s her birthday today, so I’m going to buy her a candle or something tomorrow, when I get paid. I’m actually working on a placement at the moment clearing void properties, getting rid of furniture, for a local housing association.
'I really like it. Everyone is nice to me, and it keeps me occupied. The work has given me a routine instead of staying in bed all day. When this ends, I want to get an apprenticeship. Key has said they will help me find future opportunities. I’m also looking forward to moving.' Rob
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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.
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