Unbreakable Bonds

One of our residential units, North, looks after young people with challenging behaviour who need stability in their lives. A tremendous amount of effort is devoted to building and maintaining a bond between staff and young people. There are many ways this can be achieved, and one approach is to encourage teamwork. In September, staff and young people at North embarked on a five-a-side amateur football league at the Pitts in Paisley. Not only is this helping to build relationships, it's also increasing the fitness levels of the unit. Later in the year, again to strengthen connections, a Christmas treasure hunt took place, culminating in a well-earned bite to eat at The Experience.

It's not just relations between staff and young people that are important. A number of care staff and managers from North, South and Clyde units are attending the one year Family Therapy and Systematic Practice training course. This will enhance work with families, and further develop partnership working with other Kibble services such as the Specialist Intervention Services team.

Life Journeys

South unit, like North, supports young people with challenging behaviour who need security and balance in their lives. There were some great success stories throughout the year of young people that have thrived during their time at Kibble and in the unit.

One young person has been very busy working as a volunteer with Who Cares? Scotland and has recently enjoyed two month's work experience with a well-known international technology giant. With a keen interest in the arts, they are also involved with broadcasting at Sunny G, a radio station for Glasgow's Community. In July, the young person was selected to be Scotland's Creative Arts Ambassador by Young Scot.

The ultimate goal is to support young people as they continue their life journey. One person recently transitioned from South unit after a successful two year placement, to a community house back in his home locality.

Staff within the unit continue their own learning journey, with members of the team undertaking a course which will strengthen skills in working systemically with individuals and families. One colleague is also in the process of completing postgraduate study in child protection.

Leading The Way

The research work of the Specialist Intervention Services (SIS) team helps to ensure Kibble remains a sector lead in trauma-informed care. Recent research has shown over 76% of Kibble young people have been subjected to at least three or more traumatic experiences including physical abuse, neglect and exposure to domestic violence. The same research also highlighted 51% of the young people were likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder when based on the key worker's report of symptoms.

To meet the needs of young people, SIS has continued to provide trauma-informed assessment, formulation, consultancy and intervention. This includes the addition of Occupational Therapy and Art Therapy services. Importantly SIS has recently introduced Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, the first of its kind in residential care in Scotland. It has also trained managers and clinicians in the Neuro-Sequential Model of Therapeutics (Perry), and pilot assessments from this are informing care plans.

SIS has many plans for 2016, including a review of international trauma and attachment care models to help ensure Kibble continues to provide the best care possible.

State Of The Art

The Gannochy Trust Centre for Expressive Arts opened its doors on campus over five years ago and it's been a hub of creativity ever since. It offers the perfect venue for young people to develop and display their talents, while enjoying other benefits such as increased confidence and improved self-esteem.