KEY Project has announced with sadness the death of former chief executive Jean Burnside.
Jean served KEY for ten years before retiring in 2016 and played a fundamental role in laying the foundations for the organisation the charity has become known as today – a leading local provider of social care, delivering services that help local people flourish.
Included in her many achievements was the formation of KEY’s mediation service, to prevent the breakdown of relationships between parents and young people which remains the main cause of youth homelessness; the setting up of the charity’s first supported accommodation property, 5-bed Flavia House, a special place overlooking the sea at the sought after Lawe Top; and the move to a larger office space at Baring Street due to the organisation’s continued growth and expansion.
Ross Allen, Executive Lead at KEY Project, said: “Jean faced adversity with dignity and courage passionately advocating for social justice. She will be sorely missed by family, friends and colleagues but has left an incredible legacy.”
“We have passed on our condolences to her husband Ken and in the coming days and weeks, we will look at ways of honouring Jean’s significant contribution to KEY.”