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Posted: January 20, 2026

As a Child and Youth Care Worker, Niamh feels a great sense of purpose and everyday she looks forward to going to work knowing she is making a difference.

Niamh’s dream since being a little girl was to help people. Through Kibble’s Career Start training programme her wish has come true! Niamh is now a qualified Child and Youth Worker who is highly dedicated to supporting care-experienced children and young people to thrive.

Hear from Niamh About Her Career In Care

In Niamh’s eyes, her responsibility is to create happy childhoods for the youngsters in her care: “Growing up in care can be life changing, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. If young people have caring adults around them, young people can realise their full potential and achieve amazing things with their lives.”

“The aim is to give them a childhood full of love. I want young people to look back on their time here and think “they really believed in me”.”

Compassion guides Niamh as she tries to champion young people to be the best version of themselves.

Niamh fully understands the impact she has in shaping young lives in the work she does each day within one of our children’s residential houses: “In my role, I offer constant support to young people. I listen to them and give advice when needed. We go outside and play and I go in goals when playing football. We often end the day watching a good movie too.

“I would describe our house as somewhere you walk into and immediately feel the warmth of a happy home.”

“Ideally, I want young people to feel lighter after spending time with us and start to feel empowered to make healthy choices and good decisions in their own lives.”

Niamh is truly motivated to making those around her feel settled and comfortable.

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Niamh Share What Her Responsibilities Include

Teamwork is one of the main things Niamh enjoys most about the Child and Youth Care Worker job role. Her upbeat and friendly personality makes her a joy to be around and she works well alongside everyone involved in the children’s lives.

Niamh is entrusted with promoting the Promise amongst the team. Her enthusiasm boosts overall morale as she helps her fellow youth workers realise how much the values of the Promise are embedded in the daily routine.

It’s important to reflect on how we support care-experienced young people to feel loved, respected and safe and Niamh actively starts relevant group discussions: “I have found ways to show the house how the Promise is linked into everything that we naturally do. I have evidenced all our memories in our ‘Promise folder’ with plenty of photos. There is also family feedback as we encourage positive family relationships and are in frequent contact, sharing good news.”

Niamh uses props to pose questions to staff members, prompting them to think about their actions: “I use cards – an example of the card and what it’d say would be – “my family are involved in all decisions of my life”. I would hand out different cards to the staff team and ask how we achieve this for our young people. The answers come straightaway, as I say the team do this every day.”

Questions are also put to young people: “I catch-up with young people with specific questions and I take their answers to the team meetings, and we, as a team, learn from the responses.

Young people are the priority and their wellbeing and needs are central to all decisions from the moment they arrive: “I maintain the ‘welcome pack’ which can be given to a new young person before they arrive, this has pictures of the house and the staff. It gives them an insight into what to expect and what it’s like here.”

“I showcase all of our young people’s achievements and keep a note of what goals have been fulfilled successfully. We want young people to see what they can accomplish, realise their own potential and build confidence in themselves.”

When we take time to get together and think things through, it reminds us that even small efforts can have a significant impact.

A great addition to the children’s residential house is a Houseparent. This is a new job role focused on making the space feel welcoming while providing healthy home-cooked meals and snacks.

Niamh is grateful to have Houseparent Paulina as part of the team: “We have a Houseparent called Paulina. She cooks our lunch and dinner and is part of what really makes our house a home.”

“Paulina has a wonderful relationship with the young people and we all adore her.”

Kibble exists to give young people a chance at life, which can only happen if everyone brings the energy, dedication and understanding required to work toward the shared aim.

Niamh is a shining example of how one person’s actions can inspire hope in others. She is exactly the kind of Child and Youth Care Worker our young people and fellow colleagues deserve to be around. The determination to make a positive difference is exactly what we look for to be part of Kibble.

Join Niamh

Find out how you can start a new job and achieve meaningful change for children and families alongside Niamh.

Why Work with Kibble?

Posted: January 16, 2026

A creative young person has developed her potential at The Skills Academy. She pursued the opportunity to apply her interest in art and design to painting and decorating.

The Skills Academy is our education and training centre that exists to help young people achieve qualifications, complete work experience and one day enter the world of work. There are plenty of subjects to pick from, giving young people the chance to spend time channelling their genuine interests into valuable skills. Painting and decorating, mechanics, horticulture and garden and more are all options.

An imaginative and creatively minded young person decided to enrol in the academy’s painting and decorating course. Quickly picking up advanced surface treatments, detailed brushwork and intricate decorative finishes, she is truly enjoying channelling her passion for design into learning a professional skill.

She is feeling more and more confident after each lesson and practical project. As time passes, she is beginning to picture the livelihood she could possibly have if she continues to develop her painting and decorating techniques.

Within the academy’s painting and decorating workshop, young people work closely with the Painting and Decorating Instructor and learn by transforming spaces themselves. From beginning to end, young people prepare surfaces and try different painting and decorating techniques while carefully using and maintaining the relevant equipment and prioritising safety. With a strong foundation in painting skills, the learners can explore endless creative possibilities.

Posted: January 8, 2026

Trainee Child and Youth Care Worker Kyle rang in the New Year by playing bagpipes across Kibble’s Paisley campus, delighting young people and adults.

Kyle is gaining the necessary qualifications, skills and experience to become a Child and Youth Care Worker through Kibble’s Career Start Training Programme. Over 12-months, Kyle earns while spending time in one of our residential children’s houses alongside a mentor and working towards an HNC in Social Services. Upon completion, he is guaranteed an interview to continue his career at Kibble.

An essential element of the apprenticeship-inspired programme involves being based inside one of our houses, acting as a helping hand to the permanent staff team who support care-experienced young people.

Kyle got involved in youth care as he wanted to pursue a career that gave him purpose. He was drawn to the idea of helping young people lead positive and healthy lifestyles.

The genuine motivation to do work that mattered has strengthened Kyle’s commitment to learning new skills and thrive in the Career Start apprenticeship-inspired programme. He immediately slotted in to the house and got involved in the day-to-day routines of the house, quickly building warm positive relationships with young people and the adults he worked alongside.

Kyle was determined to bring happy childhood memories to youngsters and already as a Trainee he has created a Hogmanay those around him will always remember. The sound carried through the campus and included: Flower of Scotland, Scotland the Brave, The Rowan Tree, Green Hills of Tyrol, Lochanside, and The Battles O’er.

Every shift of Kyle’s is different, often with time spent in the house with young people and adults or taking youngsters out. Also, paperwork is essential. For New Year’s Eve, the team wanted the evening to feel calm, prioritising time together over big celebrations. The plan was to relax, be together and make wholesome memories. Kyle’s personal hobby of bagpiping added fun, energy and liveliness!

Young people were curious to hear Kyle play with one saying: “I was looking forward to hearing Kyle play and what the bagpipes would sound like. At first they seemed a bit loud but they actually made me feel happy and I couldn’t help smiling.”

Kyle had a natural talent for music and the experience has led him to encourage youngsters to pursue activities they enjoy: “Hobbies are such an important thing and essential to building self-esteem. It shows young people that although challenging moments arise when learning something new, it’s worth it when you can get past that period.”

Kyle has been playing the bagpipes for 12 years and understands first-hand how learning about something you have a genuine interest in can build self-confidence and enjoyment. Kyle’s belief of encouraging young people to reach their full potential makes him exceptionally well-suited for a career as a Child and Youth Care Worker.

Kyle is on-track to qualify as a Child and Youth Care Worker in the summer and intends to interview for us. If successful, there’s potential for Kyle’s bagpiping to be a Kibble Hogmanay tradition.

Kyle is up for his bagpiping becoming an annual event in the calendar: “I always enjoy these types of things and knowing it can bring so much joy makes it even more worth it, so here’s hoping I’ll get the chance to do it again!”.

Join Kyle

We’re in-search of people like Kyle who would like to change careers and bring their own life experience, hobbies and talents to mentor care-experienced young people as a Child and Youth Care Worker.

Find out more about our Career Start Training Programme and follow a similar path to Kyle.

Learn more about Career Start in Child and Youth Care

Posted: December 23, 2025

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.

Why Work With Kibble?

Posted:

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.

Why Work With Kibble?

Posted: December 22, 2025

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 25^th 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.

Why Work With Kibble?

Posted: December 19, 2025

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 25^th 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.

Why Work With Kibble?

Posted: December 18, 2025

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 24^th 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 24^th 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.

Why Work With Kibble?

Posted: December 11, 2025

On Sunday 7^th 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 5^th December, Goudie Academy held their annual charity Christmas Fayre, raising a phenomenal £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.