On Christmas Day, find Kibble Kitchen Assistant Ruby singing Christmas songs while helping to prepare a traditional Christmas feast. The excitement feels much the same as any other time of year, thanks to a cheerful, nurturing team that consistently creates a warm and welcoming place to be.
Ruby works alongside a Cook and a Catering Trainer in one of Kibble’s professional kitchens. She assists with recipes and meal preparation, keeps supplies well-stocked and preps ingredients. In amongst chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, mixing, seasoning and garnishing, the crew have created a close-knit team dedicated to feeding their colleagues and young people.
The busy working kitchen is also the base for where some young people gain their catering qualifications. They gain hands-on experience, enjoying the fast pace and teamwork. Many youngsters show an interest in food and nutrition and are motivated to make personal healthy choices that can keep them active and fit. With everyone willing to help, the atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making each day seem to fly by.
When picturing Christmas Day at Kibble, Ruby can’t wait: “Christmas Day at Kibble is a wonderful atmosphere. Everybody is in high spirits and chatting away. Of course, food has a massive part to play.”
“The morning will start with rolls filled with sausages and potato scones. Followed by a traditional Christmas dinner. For dessert, it’s Black Forest Gateau. A fan favourite dinner with the kids is usually Steak Pie but for the 25th they’ve requested a turkey dinner.”
“In the kitchen, we’ve insisted on homemade stuffing, refusing anything shop-bought as we want it to be filling and full of flavour.”
“There will be buffet food too with crisps, crackers and cheese and bits and bobs that can be snacked on.”
The build-up is fun too: “Early December is when we get the Christmas tunes on and have sing-a-long while we work.”
“Myself and young people who are here studying professional cookery have been busy making Christmas lunch for some of the corporate staff teams including the maintenance team. It feels great to have a purpose and make everyone feel festive.”
“We try to teach young people as much as possible. Cooking good, nutritious food for yourself is such an important life skill that is so valuable.”
Reflecting on her time at Kibble, Ruby remembers her best Christmas Day yet: “One of the staff teams who look after young people decided to decorate a room into fancy restaurant for Christmas Day. They wanted the kids to feel as if they were going out somewhere truly special for dinner.”
“Tablecloths, props and artwork transformed the space into a top-notch venue. The kids got dressed up in heels and their best dresses.”
“It was amazing to see the kids so happy at what can sometimes be a challenging time. No matter what job you do at Kibble, we all must remember we’re on the same team and here for the kids.”
The idea of working towards the bigger picture of making care-experienced young people’s lives brighter is something Ruby lives by. Her outgoing and caring personality gives Ruby the ability to uplift anyone she meets. Full of confidence, she looks out for everyone around her and brings positivity and cheer.
As soon as you step into the kitchen, Ruby, Carol and Laura will immediately offer you a sandwich, biscuit or tea. It’s clear to see how well they all work together as a team.
Ruby’s teammates feel lucky to be around someone like her: “Ruby goes over and above and lifts everyone’s spirits”
In return, Ruby is grateful to spend day after day with her colleagues: “I love working with such talented colleagues. We make a great team. We bake fantastic sticky toffee puddings, support young students and make sure every day is a positive experience.”
As Kibble opens new services and aims to help even more young people, it is essential that any new recruits share and uphold Ruby’s commitment and mindset to always put the kids first.
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