Volunteers Week: Celebrating David Key, Volunteer Mentor and Founder Patron
Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our communities. They give their time, energy, and passion to causes that matter, and in doing so, they create real and lasting change. Volunteering can be a rewarding way to give back, build confidence, develop skills, and feel connected. Volunteers are not just supporters they’re mentors, trustees, and change-makers.
This Volunteers Week, we caught up with one of our amazing volunteers: David Key, Mentor, brand visionary, and Founder Patron of 224 Youth Zone.
David has been volunteering with Youth Moves and 224 for over six years, offering his time as a mentor and supporting our young people through creative collaboration.
Alongside his team at Lucent Agency, David helped co-create the vibrant branding for 224 Youth Zone, working directly with our Young People’s Development Group to ensure their ideas shaped the identity of the space. From the bold and colourful logo to the creative hoardings wrapped around the construction site, his work has left a legacy that will be seen and felt by generations to come.
We caught up with David to find out more about what volunteering means to him:
What made you want to volunteer as a mentor?
“I saw a local news piece about mentors working with young people. It really inspired me, I saw the difference it was making to their lives and wanted to see if I could offer something too. I found Youth Moves and got in touch… and here we are, six years later, still loving every minute. I’ve met such an inspiring and diverse group of young people.
On the marketing side, we fell in love with the work 224 was doing from day one. We knew we wanted to do more so we offered our help and got stuck into something incredibly rewarding.”
What does being a Founder Patron mean to you?
“It means a lot. 224 Youth Zone plays a vital role in a part of the city that’s been historically underserved. Young people here deserve better access to opportunities, support, and a place to simply be.
We play a small part in that, but we’re proud to help however we can.”
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
“Spending time with such a wide range of personalities. Hopefully offering some guidance, a listening ear, or a new perspective and learning loads from them in return! I always know that 224 is there to support us both.”
Why do you think 224 Youth Zone is important for young people in South Bristol?
“Simple, there’s nothing else like it. It’s a space for young people to feel safe, empowered, and inspired. A place where they can chase dreams, have fun, and be themselves.”
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
“Do it. Honestly, it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. That might sound like a cliché but there just aren’t enough of us right now, and the demand is huge.
224 makes it easy to get started. They give you the tools, confidence, and support to make a difference and to enjoy yourself while you do it. You’ll learn so much, about yourself, the team, and most of all, the young people you work with.”
On behalf of everyone at Youth Moves and 224, and all the young people you’ve worked with, thank you, David. Your time, creativity, and dedication have been invaluable.
A huge thank you as well to all our incredible volunteers especially the young people who support us in delivering sessions week in, week out. Your energy, ideas, and commitment are what make our work possible. And to our Young People’s Development Group, thank you for your vision, leadership, and for steering 224 Youth Zone forward every step of the way. We’re so proud of all you do.
And finally thank you to our board of Trustees who are also all volunteers!