Senior Practitioner Alistair is part of Kibble’s Early Years team, supporting care-experienced children aged 5-12 in one of our children’s residential houses. He cannot wait to see the young kids open their presents on Christmas morning.
Alistair is surrounded by caring people in his personal life as well as being kind-hearted himself. He and his partner share a strong belief in the importance of helping others, with jobs in the NHS and Kibble the pair often work Christmas Day. They both understand essential work is even more crucial during this time of year and Alistair considers it a privilege to play a role in the young lives around him.
Throughout the year Alistair makes sure the young kids he supports feel loved, listened to and safe in the knowledge that he is always there for them. Christmas is no different. Wonderful moments are shared and memories are made but really, it’s just another special time when the children feel happy, cared for and full of joy.
Alistair describes how the children’s eyes light up with wonder and delight at everything Christmassy. The red and green decorations, sparkly and twinkling lights and festive characters all have them in awe: “Seeing how excited the kids are in the lead up is always something that sticks with me.”
“Everyone gets involved in the festivities! Some dress up as Santa, his reindeers and the Grinch to surprise the children!”
Early December is when the fun activities start: “The magic begins with decorating our house, baking cakes, crafting, choosing gifts, and planning Christmas-themed days out together. We’ve been to the pantomime and visited Santa.”
There are certain traditions that are precious and turn little moments into big memories: “Christmas Eve is spent putting out reindeer dust, putting on Christmas pyjamas and watching a movie.”
Christmas Morning is extraordinary and full of joy: “I can’t wait to see the kids open their presents. We’ll play Christmas music and sit down together for dinner. Some of the children will see their families too.”
“The most important thing is making the day feel as relaxed and enjoyable as possible for the kids.”
Alistair never falters in remembering the kids come first always: “We recognise Christmas can be exciting but also overwhelming. We focus on reassurance, routines, listening, and giving young people choice so they can have a Christmas that suits them.”
“We keep things calm, pressure free, and going with the pace of what each young person can cope with.”
Alistair wouldn’t change his job at Kibble: “It really is a privilege to be part of making Christmas a positive experience for the young people and get to be involved in making amazing memories with the kids, especially at this time of year.”
Alistair’s example of bringing joy to every day special for the children is inspiring. We look to recruit similar people who share his kindness, commitment and love for supporting young people.
Join Alistair
Find purpose in helping young people thrive, whether you work with kids directly or in another essential role.
We’ve given towards important causes this month, recognising that Christmas is a time when communities need even more care and kindness.
As a charity, we understand ongoing support is essential throughout the year. However, it’s at this point specifically when inequalities and vulnerabilities can often be felt more deeply. Financial pressures, loneliness, health issues and other struggles affect people at all times, but when everyone seems to be celebrating, it can create a stark contrast for those experiencing difficulties.
Kibble’s mission is to transform lives, families and communities. As we reflect on the past year, we take pride in the accomplishments of young people, the dedication of our staff team and the difference made by our organisation. With these achievements in mind, we want to close the year doing all we can to uplift and empower people to face 2026 with hope and enthusiasm.
Motivated to help others far and wide in a real and lasting way, Kibble donated £15,000 to Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice. With a philosophy of adding life to days, the free-of-charge end-of-life care provides families with much-needed emotional and practical support. We felt privileged to be able to extend our support and help the hospice make a real impact in the communities spanning across South Glasgow and East Renfrewshire.
Furthermore, one of Kibble’s key priorities is to help as many young people as possible. Driven by this purpose, we were inspired to support a like-minded children’s charity and gift £5,000 to Cash for Kids Mission Christmas, supporting young people in Glasgow the West.
Our aim is to give young people a chance at life, and similarly, Cash for Kids want to protect childhoods too. Mission Christmas is their fundraising campaign that focuses on ensuring no child worries that Santa won’t come. Kibble fully believes in helping every child feel the wonder and excitement of Santa Claus, knowing that these winter memories can be long-lasting and feels humbled to support Mission Christmas.
The goodwill and joy of helping others has been clear to see across the entirety of Kibble. All across our locations, there are Christmas trees proudly standing tall, reminding us that the festive season is a time to be mindful of those around us. Staff joined a toy drive organised by Kids in Mind who provide wellbeing and mental health support to children that have escaped serious domestic violence. Young people of Kibble fundraised for Darkwood Crew, a local group dedicated to helping the area of Ferguslie flourish. Christmas Fayres were organised to raise funds for important charities and young people took part in a Santa Dash to give back.
Kibble has also been on the receiving end of thoughtfulness. Some organisations have chosen to add an extra surprise to the young people Kibble supports, including Specsavers in Paisley, who kindly contributed Christmas gifts.
Overall, Kibble exists to care and support others every day, but the spirit of Christmas motivates us to go further, encouraging us to broaden our reach and make an even greater impact.
Join us
If you’re motivated to be part of a compassionate and caring team, discover the careers at Kibble.
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.
Join Ruby
Find a new job to suit you! You can have a rewarding career at Kibble just like Ruby.
Jonathan is a Child and Youth Care Worker at Kibble who is spending Christmas Day helping young people create happy memories.
With a career in care spanning almost a decade and a birthday that falls on New Year’s Day, Jonathan’s preferred festive tradition is to be with the kids he supports on the 25th December and be with his own family and friends the following week.
Jonathan believes this time of year is to be around people who make you happy and to feel cosy and relaxed. Proudly taking on the persona of a Christmas elf from Santa’s toy workshop, Jonathan’s favourite thing to do is choose surprise gifts for under the tree. He makes sure the Christmas tunes are playing, helps young people decorate the house and puts a Christmas-themed fireplace video on the TV. Jonathan makes sure the two young people who live in the house get a warm welcome home when returning from college, work or being out with friends especially as the temperature outside gets frostier.
Within the house, the close-knit staff team have built genuine relationships with young people and Jonathan explains that the real magic is creating new memories together: “We have made our own traditions and routines here.”
Young people come first in any plans: “Christmas hasn’t always been a positive experience for the young people I support. I can try to introduce some music and movie highlights but I very much follow their lead to make sure they are as comfortable as possible. No expectations are set. Young people want a chilled and relaxed day.”
Jonathan describes the youngster’s ideal Christmas Day: “Young people want to be in their jammies and super-soft oodies. They’ve challenged me to a game of Mario Kart too. One young person has plans to go out in the afternoon but wants to return for a Chinese and Christmas movie with us. We had great fun doing this last year and young people want to repeat and make our chill day an annual celebration.”
Jonathan wouldn’t change his plans: “I love working Christmas! It’s a time for having fun together and I thoroughly enjoy the team I work with and the young people I support.”
“I make fun arrangements with my mum around my shifts. We normally swap presents and have a meal together on Christmas Eve then go for dinner again on Boxing Day to properly catch-up. I think my mum is secretly happy she doesn’t have to share her Chocolate with me on the big day.”
Jonathan sets an example of the type of person suited to a career at Kibble. He wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of care-experienced young people, seeing his role as more than a job. He fully understands the positive, long-lasting impact his time, effort and energy can have.
Join Jonathan
Discover how you can have a meaningful career at Kibble too.
A Child and Youth Care Worker for 23 years, Helen has worked at Kibble every Christmas Day since 2002.
Helen is part of Kibble’s Housing Support service. She is a consistent, familiar and friendly face to care-experienced young people who are about to live independently for the first time. She makes sure they settle into their new house, offering tips on how to cook, budget and keep the place clean. With Helen’s support, young people feel proud to call their new place their own.
Helen has a calming presence and nurturing nature, which naturally puts young people at ease. She gives them her undivided attention, taking the time to explain the reasoning of any decision or piece of advice given.
Helping others is where Helen finds purpose. She considers people’s feelings all-year-round and gives them a reason to smile every day. The busy festive season is no different and Helen’s thoughtfulness, kind spirit and warm personality thrives in December.
Helen explains her career at Kibble has never felt like work, even on Christmas Day: Over the years of being at Kibble, whether I have been in a residential children’s house or part of Housing Support visiting young adults in their own house, Christmas Day is another day I’m there for young people who need me.”
She wants to make the season special for everyone: “To me, there needs to be magic at Christmas. On the 24th December, there needs to be Christmas jammies, Christmas movies and the smell of Christmas dinner prep in the air.
“The next day begins with waking up to French toast before opening presents.”
Reflecting on the past, Helen believes the priority is to offer steady support at all times: “I remember one year, one young person being overwhelmed with the big emotions and high expectations that can come at Christmas time. However, I take the time to try and help them voice their feelings and dedicate time to talk things through and reassure them that together, we can find a solution that’ll make things better.”
As December 2025 approaches, Helen describes how she’ll be spending her 24th Christmas at Kibble: “This year, I’m supporting a young person who loves reading. She is always telling me about her latest new book. I’ll see her on Christmas Day to have breakfast, open presents and check on the turkey dinner plans.”
Helen goes above and beyond to be a constant in young people’s lives, being there for them during happy and challenging times, building trusting relationships and giving young people someone they can turn to.
A key responsibility of Helen’s essential job role is to guide young people when needed, but most importantly, she hopes to empower young people to feel confident in making their own positive and healthy choices. Sometimes life lessons are best learned first-hand and Helen is always there, not to say “I told you so” but to inspire resilience and help young people see they’re capable of creating a bright and fulfilling life.
Join Helen
You can have a fulfilling career at Kibble too. Find out more about working with us.
On Sunday 7th December a group of big-hearted little runners and adults at Kibble joined the mighty Glasgow Santa Dash.
An annual fundraising event to raise vital funds for Beatson Cancer Charity, the event attracts hundreds of participants of all generations, and all canine varieties, to join the fun!
The streets of Glasgow were a sea of red and white, as enthusiastic runners took off from Glasgow Green, running along the Clydeside and surrounding streets before returning to the park to cross the finish line. As well as hundreds of Santa’s, people joined in all sorts of costumes from turkeys to grinches… and even a heard of two-legged reindeer!
The atmosphere was truly electric, and all of the runners from Kibble really got into the festive spirit alongside the crowds of participants taking part.
Not only were we so proud of the children for completing the 5K challenge, but they only went and smashed their fundraising target! So far, their generosity has helped raise a phenomenal £450 to support those who have been affected by cancer.
Throughout the challenge, every time the children became tired and slowed down, they reminded themselves of those who were unwell and needed their help. This motivated them to keep going and push event further.
Making a Difference
As Nelson’s Monument came into view and the team crossed the finish line, there was much celebration on what had been achieved. To refuel after all that exertion, they made their way to the Christmas market and ordered delicious hot dogs all round.
Before making their way home one of the children wanted to go into a shop where he bought a man living on the street a nice warm lunch out of the goodness of his heart. He couldn’t bear to think of him being hungry. This goodwill gesture would have meant so much, and highlights what truly matters at this time of year – making a difference to others.
“It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
A huge well done to everyone who took part in the race, and for raising such an incredible amount for people and families affected by cancer.
The world is a little brighter with people like you.
Posted: December 10, 2025
On Friday 5th December, Goudie Academy held their annual charity Christmas Fayre, raising aphenomenal £1288 for local charity, Darkwood Crew.
But that was only just the start, as the exemplary efforts by the pupils were recognised as outstanding and prompted Kibble to once again match the donation, surpassing last year’s total and bringing this year’s contribution to £2576.
After months of hard work by students and staff, the stalls were bustling with an array of beautiful festive gifts, sweet treats, knitwear, Christmas decorations, holly wreaths and much more.
For those feeling lucky, there was a tombola and many a guest walked away gleefully with a jigsaw puzzle or sweetie tin under their arms. The busiest stall, as you may imagine, was the home-baking with cakes made by our legendary baker and HE teacher, Carol Keegan, with the help of pupils. It was a feast for both the eyes and the stomach, with scones, brownies, Danish pastries, lemon drizzle, iced ginger bread and much more.
Pupils proudly attended to the stalls, greeting guests and conveying the story behind how each item was lovingly crafted. There was a real buzz in the room and praise was running high for what pupils had collectively achieved.
But the part young people are most proud of, is that all of the money raised is supporting Darkwood Crew, who provide a number of local initiatives aimed at ‘helping Ferguslie flourish’. Among the many community projects they operate, the Darkwood Crew run a food bank supporting families struggling to put food on the table.
A huge well done to Goudie Academy on another phenomenal Christmas Fayre! The efforts will bring a little cheer to many local families who need a helping hand this Christmas.
Posted:
On Friday 21st November, there was a sprinkling of festive magic in the air at Forest View Primary as pupils and staff held their annual Christmas Fayre.
The very first event on Kibble’s bustling Christmas calendar, it certainly was a day to remember thanks to our busy little elves who worked hard to bring us all some festive cheer.
Children proudly welcomed guests, including parents / carers and staff, to showcase their handmade Christmas decorations, beautifully packaged aromatic winter scents, Christmas cards, pet accessories and more.
Perhaps the most sought-after gift, however, was the home-made honey produced specially by the busy honey bees on Forest View’s grounds with the help of the children. The honey jars and associated products, including wax melts and candles, were beautifully branded with a special logo designed by the children as part of their school project.
And, just like the product name suggested, everyone thought the honey products were ‘The Bees Knees’, buying multiple jars to gift friends and families.
Guests were also treated to delicious home baking and a warm cuppa! Special thanks to Cammie for from the catering team for making such a mouth-watering array of cakes from bounty bars and macaroons to empire biscuits and caramel shortcake.
A huge well done to children and staff at Forest View for putting on a really wonderful Christmas Fayre! All monies raised has been donated to Cash for Kids, a charity that does incredible work to support children and young people affected by poverty, illness, neglect or who have additional needs.
With this level of creativity, entrepreneurialism and cheer, we reckon Santa may be recruiting the children at Forest View to join his team of helpers at the North Pole this Christmas!
Posted: December 4, 2025
Our annual conference returned to Glasgow with record attendance and a special opening from a young person, making this year’s event our most impactful yet.
Welcome to Kibble’s Annual Conference
Kibble’s Annual Conference 2025 in partnership with Safehinge Primera invited those who share the aim of giving young people a chance at life, bringing together residential care, youth justice and education. All were encouraged to work alongside one another in a trauma-informed way and put young people at the centre of decision-making.
Opening the day was Kibble Executive Director Dan Johnson and young person Rachel who shared personal insight into how everyone’s role can shape young lives. She called for every child to be treated as an individual, emphasising how important it is to be listened to when navigating experiences, emotions and challenges that can feel overwhelming at times.
“You just kind of think that you’re a bad kid because everybody assumes you’re bad.” Young person
The authenticity resonated with attendees reminding everyone how powerful their role is in shaping the lives of young people.
“Hearing from Rachel at the start of the day was very grounding.” Attendee
The young person’s welcome set a positive and motivating tone for the entire day ahead.
Meet Our Speakers
Children and Young Person’s Commissioner Scotland (CYPCS) Nicola Killean chaired the event and introduced the Minister of Children and Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes as well as a host of powerful speakers and interactive workshops.
Minister of Children and Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes reinforced that collective action remains a priority, highlighting the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment, recognising by working together, real progress can be achieved.
“Together, we are building a system that puts children first, delivers on The Promise and ensures every child in Scotland has the chance to thrive.”
“The Kibble conference is a valuable opportunity to bring professionals together to share ideas, strengthen practice and inspire innovation in care. By listening to children, working in strong partnership, and delivering nurturing care, we can help to ensure every child grows up loved, safe and respected.” Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes
Supporting every child is no small feat and requires everyone to work towards the collective goal.
Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes
Expertly introduced by chairperson, CYPCS Nicola Killean, each keynote delivered messages that connected with attendees. The line-up included: care-experienced Rap Artist Ric Diaghe; Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Helen Minnis; Assistant Director for NSPCC Scotland Kirsty Aitken; and Foxgrove Service Manager Victoria McInulty. Every speaker brought compelling insights and a unique perspective.
Children and Young Person’s Commissioner Scotland, Nicola Killean
Ric Flo brought reflections to life through performance. He shared how his own experience of growing up in care inspired him to create music and encourage others to express themselves too. From performing at Glastonbury to delivering creative workshops across the UK using art to connect with young people.
He led the audience in a warm, heartfelt rendition of one of his songs, inviting everyone to join in singing the lyrics; “You need to be what you want to be, do what you want to do.”
Every person in the audience was moved by Ric explaining the impact positive relationships have on planting the seeds that can change the trajectory of young people’s lives.
“My foster carers hugged me from day one, they showed me love. Asked me “how was your day at school”, and checked in with me every day to ask how I was feeling. Without them I wouldn’t know how to show love”. Ric Flo
Rap Artist, Ric Flo
Professor Helen Minnis, University of Glasgow highlighted how to support care experienced young people through trauma and neurodivergence, helping them to thrive.
“Children who are sensitive to bad things, are also sensitive to good things.”
Helen’s message of optimism resounded throughout the entire room.
Professor Helen Minnis
Assistant Director for NSPCC Scotland, Kirsty Aitken demonstrated captivating story-telling, recounting her personal reasons for striving towards a trauma-sensitive approach when supporting young people.
Assistant Director for NSPCC Scotland, Kirsty Aitken
Service Managers Victoria McInulty and Helen Smith introduced Foxgrove, Scotland’s National Secure Adolescent Inpatient Service, explained that from the very beginning, the space has been shaped with a trauma-informed ethos at the centre. Trust, compassion, openness, acceptance and consistency form the foundation for Foxgrove being a trauma-informed space and place.
Service Managers, Victoria McInulty and Helen Smith
Introducing a Variety of Workshops
With a full schedule of sessions across the day, every attendee found valuable learning relevant to their role. Education, youth justice, residential care, trauma and mental health were some of the key themes covered in our packed programme.
Kibble led a workshop on Animal-assisted Play Therapy. Attendees heard directly about how the calming presence of animals has helped children and young people build confidence, regulate emotions, and engage in therapeutic relationships in ways that often weren’t possible before. Joined by a young person, attendees gained an authentic lived experience perspective.
“Workshops were excellent and allowed valued insight into young peoples lived experiences.” Attendee
Headline sponsor, Safehinge Primera announced their purpose is to design for good. They gave an intricate and in-depth look at how they innovatively create safer environments with doors and the wider settings, prioritising robustness while supporting therapeutic design.
Safehinge Digital Solutions Director, Elgar Finlay
Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ) presented the findings from the 2025 Secure Care Census, which had a 100% response thanks to young people and each of the secure providers in Scotland.
Renfrew High School sparked discussion on the power of effective de-escalation when working with dysregulated behaviour. Listeners were championed to “focus on good things and manage behaviour without shame” while remembering there can be “invisible backpacks” that cause unseen pressure. Enthusiastic discussion was had as everyone wanted to join in and find ways to help validate the feelings of young people, making sure they feel safe.
“Really interesting workshops, I wish I could’ve attended them all.” Attendee
Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health at Glasgow Caledonian University motivated the audience to use co-production as a vehicle for change in services, encouraging everyone to find fresh ways to let young people’s voices guide the way. Reminding us all: “co-production does not need to be formal, it can just be conversation”.
Who Cares? Scotland support care experienced people to have their voice heard and, in their workshop, motivated everyone in the room to always lead by example in showing young people they matter. Who Cares? Scotland emphasised that “independent advocacy is transformational”, reinforcing “young people’s rights are not optional”.
Our Hearings, Our Voice inspired lively audience participation and attendees shared ideas and solutions to the topics discussed with energy and enthusiasm. A standout point was supporting young people reach their future milestone of having the practical skills needed for independent living.
“Very inspiring workshops. Young people were part of the sessions I attended. It was empowering to have them be part of it and speak so well.” Attendee
It was a privilege to bring educators, practitioners, therapists, psychologists and many others who make a difference in the lives of young people together for collaboration and action.
Jim Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer of Kibble explains our unique position to host a large conference and bring together all who influence the lives of young people wanting us all to collectively follow a trauma-informed approach.
“We are committed to ensuring we can achieve positive outcomes for some of the most vulnerable children and we understand the true impact that collaboration can have on the services and support that we collectively offer young people.”
“Kibble’s Annual Conference reinforces our commitment to young people by ensuring collaboration and sharing best practice, is front of mind so we can collectively help those children and young people who need it most.”
Overall, the experience was designed to leave you inspired, motivated and carrying with you a new insight or perspective.
Be at the Next Kibble Annual Conference
Don’t miss out on joining us next time. Sign up now to get updates, hear from inspiring speakers or lead a discussion.
My name is Nisha Munogee and I’m a Social Worker for the Interventions for Vulnerable Youth project, better known as IVY.
I started in May 2023 after 7 years of working with adults in the criminal justice system, mainly within a mental health service for women. This involved a trauma-informed approach which has been invaluable in moving to IVY, where we work with complex young people who display high-risk behaviours. Many have experienced significant trauma.
The social work role in IVY provides unique and varied opportunities to work in a psychologically informed way. IVY is consultation based, and my job involves co-facilitating these meetings alongside an IVY Psychologist. We offer a space for the young person’s support teams to discuss the risks and needs involved in cases and to think about how to shape support plans going forward. We write an initial set of considerations arising from the consultation, as well as a fuller report which includes a risk assessment and a formulation to aid in a psychological understanding of the young person’s needs.
Often consultation will be enough for the team around the young person to think about how to go forward. It can be a valuable reflective space to aid multi-disciplinary working as well as give new perspectives on risks and needs. I know from experience of being a social worker in community teams that the role within councils is highly pressured and does not often allow for workers to have this kind of space to think therapeutically about things are going.
As an IVY Social Worker, consultations are always interesting and provide an opportunity to learn from the practice of Social Workers all over Scotland as well as being able to offer learning from my own experiences. We can also become involved on a longer-term basis if there is a need for specific work to be undertaken with the young person. This gives the role a balance of consultations, report writing, development, and direct contact with young people. Interventions can take the form of structured work around emotional regulation, trauma, developing coping strategies, and supporting young people who struggle with sexualised behaviour. We do this work with the system around the child in mind, which is essential for it to be meaningful.
There are challenges and barriers as in any organisation, but the flexible and creative set up of the service allows us to work in a holistic way with high-risk young people, centred around their needs, vulnerabilities, and strengths.
