About us
Who we are
Carlisle Key has supported young people in Carlisle since 2003. We provide immediate, practical and emotional support to young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Our support is relationship-based and long term. Young people do not need an appointment to access our drop-in centre and many continue receiving support for years while building independence, stability and confidence.
We believe support should feel human, safe and community-focused.
I now have my life back together
- Young person
OUR VISION
Creating long-term stability for young people in Cumbria
Our future goals include:
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Purchasing a permanent drop-in centre
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Expanding supported accomodation
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Improving wellbbeing and counselling support
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Strengthening young voice and lived experience involvement
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Building a stronger anti-racist and inclusive organisation
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Continuing immediate support for young people in crisis
After more than 20 years of working from rented spaces, we want young people to have a permanent place they can truly call their own.
What makes us different
Our impact
Last year at Carlisle Key
Every number represents a young person with a different story, challenge and future.
203
young people supported
16,496
support outcomes recorded
103
young people supported into suitable housing
45
young people supported into emergency accomodation
47
young people into education
47
young people into work
234
food parcels distributed
Safeguarding and values
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is central to all our work. We work closely with housing providers, social care, mental health services, schools, police and local agencies to support young people at risk.
Our team continues regular safeguarding training and works to improve practice through reflection, learning and partnership working.
Equality, diversity and inclusions
Carlisle Key is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and anti-oppressive environment for all young people.
We recognise the barriers faced by young people from different backgrounds and continue developing our anti-racist and inclusive practice through:
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Staff training
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Reflection sessions
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Community engagement
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Diverse trustee recruitment
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Partnership work
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Youth voice involvement
Meet the team
Diana Vlad
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Diana has been a community volunteer in Carlisle since 2016 and has also volunteered in Calais, France/Timisoara, Romania by supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Diana has finished her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology at University of Cumbria in 2015 and her MA in Sociology in 2019.
Diana started working for Carlisle Key in 2019 as Housing Support Officer and on the 1st of December 2023 has become the Chief Executive Officer of the charity.
Diana's overall goal is to continue the support for young people that are facing difficulties in Carlisle and to advocate for their rights.
Diana is developing projects that empower young people and brings the community together. Diana was born in Romania and came to England in 2012 where she continued her studies.
Ste Harkins
HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION MANAGER
Ste volunteered with Carlisle Key in 2018 and became our Homelessness Prevention Manager in November 2022. Ste previously coached Rugby in Carlisle for many years and has a great rapport with young people.
Elise Maxwell
STAFF MEMBER
I previously volunteered at Carlisle Key whilst undertaking my bachelor's degree in Psychology at The University of Cumbria in 2024. I found the work they did to be extremely fulfilling and it made me proud of be a volunteer at a charity that impacts so many young individuals in a positive way.
I have since begun a career at Carlisle Key and as an individual who loves to help others, I have took pleasure in helping individuals to improve their quality of life, their mental health and helping them to a find place in which they can call their own.
I hope to positively impact and help as many young individuals as possible whether that is through finding them housing and a safe space, helping them feel that they're supported, understood and heard when taking the next steps in their housing journey, or just building a connection with someone to help them feel that they have someone to turn to if times get tough, that is my goal.
Becky Fisher
STUDENT COUNSELLOR
I am a Student Counsellor at Carlisle Key, passionate about supporting young people to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Having experienced independent living support myself and faced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), I understand the importance of having the right guidance and encouragement during difficult times. These experiences inspire my commitment to giving back, helping young people build resilience, develop confidence, and create positive futures for themselves.
Pam Baker
VOLUNTEER
Pam has been volunteering at the drop-in service since September 2021 after retiring. Pam previously worked in training and assessment.
Ian Blythe
TRUSTEE
I spent more than 30 years in public service, holding senior leadership roles across Government Departments. Since retiring, I have remained active in my local community as a Parish Councillor and former Treasurer of a local charity.
As a Trustee of Carlisle Key, I am proud to support its work helping young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. I hope to use my experience in governance, strategic planning and organisational development to help strengthen the charity, support its staff and volunteers, build community partnerships and grow its positive impact across Cumbria.
Roger Dobson
TRUSTEE
Roger Dobson is a Cumberland Councillor and Chair of the Border, Fellside and North Carlisle Community Panel. He serves on the Cumbria Combined Authority Scrutiny Committee and is also Chair of both the Lord Carlisle Heritage Trail Campaign and the RAF100 Group Association.
Roger’s career spans more than forty years in human resource management, working both internationally and across the UK. He previously served as a Member of the Scottish Examination Board and maintained a long-standing partnership with the Outward Bound Trust, sponsoring young people to take part in development programmes.
Throughout his public and professional life, Roger has championed opportunities for young people. He believes that every young person should, at the very least, have a safe place to call home as they begin their journey into adulthood.
Iain McNee
SUPPORTED HOUSING MANAGER
Iain previously volunteered for Carlisle Key before being offered the Project and Outreach Worker position. On April 1st, 2019 Iain became the Operations Manager for Carlisle Key and is responsible for Key Housing on Compton Street in Carlisle city centre.
Previously Iain worked for the Coalition for the Homeless in New York City, working in welfare hotels and shelters in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan. Originally from Carlisle, Iain lived in New York for 29 years and is also a United States citizen. He has a lot of experience working with inner city youth through various Hip Hop companies he owned while living in Brooklyn.
Allie James
HOUSING SUPPORT OFFICER
Hi, I'm Allie!
I am a housing support officer for young people aged 18-25 who are experiencing homelessness.
I have, for the last 3 years, worked with young people of all ages through an apprenticeship in customer service and volunteering, and I found I loved doing it, so when Carlisle Key offered me the job... how could I refuse!
I know the value of having the same faces for support and what that can do for young people; I would like to be that constant for others when they have no one in their corner and be that friendly face.
Carolyn Hartley
COUNSELLOR
Hi, I'm Carolyn and the counsellor with Carlisle Key. Why not make an appointment and let's have a chat Tuesday or Thursday.
Jo Corbishley
STUDENT COUNSELLOR
I am currently completing my placement as a person-centred student counsellor at Carlisle Key while studying for an MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling at the University of Cumbria. My background is in education, coaching and volunteering with the Samaritans, and I hope to bring a calm, compassionate and supportive approach to the young people I work with.
I chose Carlisle Key because I believe every young person deserves to feel safe, heard and valued. I am inspired by the charity's commitment to supporting young people through some of the most difficult times in their lives, and I hope to help create a space where they can build confidence, explore their challenges and move towards a more positive future.
Kieran Byers
TRUSTEE
I became aware of the invaluable work of Carlisle Key in my previous employment working with vulnerable individuals in the UK benefit system. The work of Carlisle Key to tackle and prevent youth homelessness was regularly highlighted, and I referred young people in a range of housing crises to their door for support.
The vast number of young people that Carlisle Key would support each week opened my eyes to the local housing crisis for young people, and in 2025, when I moved into a new, separate career, I wanted to stay a part of this sector and continue to make a difference. I was encouraged to join the Board of Trustees, and I have become increasingly proud of the charity’s work in fighting against youth homelessness – especially our work on directly housing a number of young adults from a range of backgrounds.
I endeavour to provide my growing public sector experience and my current experiences as a local, young(ish) person living in the Carlisle area to the board.
Chris Wills
TRUSTEE
I have enjoyed successful careers in teaching, working for Local Government and with Central Government, and with the National Trust across the Lake District.
On behalf of Cumbria County Council I significantly contributed to a reduction in road casualties across Cumbria, and notably increased the number of people who regularly cycle and walk. This replicated similar results in the south of England.
My work in road safety and sustainable travel included pioneering cycle training for young people with disabilities. I have also worked closely with the international head injury charity Headway, and the premier helmet testing organisation the SNELL Foundation.
In 2024 I stood as the Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Whitehaven and Workington constituency.
As a Cumberland Councillor, and as a Parish Councillor, I am committed to public service, and I want to use my experience, skills and energy to serve you as an active member of Carlisle Key.
Pauline Colla
CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
I first became involved with Carlisle Key, or Carlisle Community Projects as it was then, in 2003, when a group I belong to helped with shoe boxes containing Christmas presents for young homeless people in Carlisle.
Over time I used to drop in and help at other times, and in 2016 I was asked to join the board of Trustees.
I have always been impressed by the way our organisation helps to prevent and remedy homelessness, while also creating a safe, comfortable and friendly space where everyone is made welcome and listened to in their own time.
Now, in 2026, I am still on the board of Trustees and have more involvement in dealing with our funders, which is interesting as it helps me learn more about their requirements and meet some of the people who generously support us.
It’s good to have new ideas coming in, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve working together with our hard working and dedicated team who give great support to our young people.
