The Kibble Centre in Paisley is today one of Scotland's largest and most thriving social enterprises, blending our strong social mission with best business practice, while strengthening our community roots and involvement. Working with young people who have a complex mix of social, emotional, educational and behavioural problems, we are pioneering social enterprise to deliver high quality and sustainable services for the public benefit. Kibble has developed a reputation for social innovation underscored by awards recognising achievements in professional practice, staff development, business and enterprise, equality and a strong track record of collaborative and partnership working. Kibble was founded in 1857 by a charitable bequest from Miss Elizabeth Kibble who came from a wealthy Paisley textile family. In her last will and testament of 1840 she laid down that the money be used to “found and endow in Paisley an Institution for the purpose of reclaiming youthful offenders against the laws.” Almost 150 years later we are still working to this same original charitable mission, but the 21st century presents a different set of challenges and requires new ways of working. Although still based on our original site, the old dormitories and low staff ratios have long gone. Today our bright spacious campus houses small residential units, day units, educational and recreational facilities. Our continuum of services incorporates community outreach programmes, residential care, social welfare, full secondary education, throughcare and aftercare, intensive fostering, and secure care. These services are sold to local authorities across Scotland and the north of England and shown below:-
These direct services are complemented and supported by:
The young people at Kibble are in the care of their respective local authority and the majority are referred through the Children's Hearing System. Since 1996 Kibble has been developing increasingly specialised services and now offers expertise in working with young people who have a history of failed and disrupted placements elsewhere. In addition they pose a huge risk to themselves and their local community. Local authorities rarely have the resources or expertise to provide these specialist services, and take placements at Kibble on a “spot purchase” basis.