Key2 Support

Key2 has a very clear and strong ethos and draws from a range of theories or model of care and support. What really matters most to us is each individual client’s needs and preferences. We start from there and these needs and preferences remain at the centre of our work.

We understand the reasons why some of our service users have challenging traits and behaviours – this is entirely normal for the groups we work with. This allows us to absorb the challenges clients present and help them through difficult situations, then move things onto more positive ground. We’re good at looking beyond problems to help and encourage clients to identify and address the underlying reasons.

We put just as much effort and care into choosing and equipping our local bases as we do Key2’s homes. In each area, we create a multi-purpose facility that’s not just an office, but also offers a secure, welcoming place for clients, where they can get the companionship, advice and help they need. We aim for a warm and personal feel, wherever we’re working with young people.

At Key2 we have a designated member of staff at each of our bases, who’s ready to listen to and respond to clients’ needs in a safe, managed way – even if someone just needs to let off steam. Whenever a young person comes to see us, they’ll have our attention and heartfelt concern, alongside something to eat and drink and expert care to help them sort out their problems.

You won’t find terse, institutional notices about rules and sanctions in our local bases. We offer a homely environment, where clients can get sanctuary if they need it and will never feel unwanted or rejected.

Our work with young, unaccompanied people seeking asylum demands the very highest levels of care and expertise. Developing relationships with clients who are often lonely, frightened and disorientated (sometimes in a second language) puts every part of our service to the test. It can be tough for both clients and support workers alike. Our success with this client group is testament to our ability to understand and cater for people’s individual needs and make them feel listened to and cared for. We facilitate support for young people by working closely with Leaving Care Teams and other agencies (for example, education providers, the Youth Offending Service, Police and drug services).

Key2 homes

All Key2 homes provide high quality, fully-furnished accommodation, including white goods, television and fully inclusive utilities.  Finding the right home is the foundation for each young person’s future stability and opportunities. 

Key2 homes are deliberately dispersed to avoid concentrating young people with complex needs in particular areas. Most of our clients live in self-contained, independent flats, but we can offer shared accommodation, if this is appropriate. It’s almost impossible to find the perfect house for a particular client, but we weigh up the pros and cons of each property very carefully. We recognise that our choices have far-reaching effects for our clients, neighbours and our service. Above all, we make sure that each home ‘feels’ right and will be a secure base from which to provide support.

Because of the way Key2 is set up and operates, we can act quickly and flexibly to take advantage of properties becoming available and the local housing market conditions in each area. When the right opportunity comes up, we’re prepared to take some risks and do all we can to secure it as part of our property portfolio. Similarly, if somewhere doesn’t work out for a young person, we’re willing to help them move – sometimes more than once – to find the right home environment.

When a young person moves into a Key2 flat, they’ll find it fully equipped in a fresh, attractive and practical way. We want it to feel like home straight away, so we take care of the details like ensuring they have a food and homecare starter pack. Because many of our clients have had unhappy histories in different homes, we want them to feel respected and cared for, from the moment they walk through the front door. We believe that this first impression is an essential part of building positive relationships and engagement with each client from day one.

People living near to Key2 homes can make all the difference to our work and our clients’ quality of life. It’s understandable that neighbours may feel some concern about being next door to sometimes vulnerable young people living independently for the first time. So, we make it our business to contact and explain Key2 and its service to neighbours as soon as possible. We want people living near our homes to also feel respected and cared for – and reassured that they can call on us anytime with concerns or problems, no matter how small. We have simple, accessible systems to log and respond to any complaints or issues raised by neighbours.

Local bases

In every area we operate we set up a local base for staff to work from. This provides a secure venue where young people can come and meet staff and feel safe.