Kibble Admin

Posted: July 28, 2023

Kibble students from The Skills Academy, who have the ambition to build a career in construction, are completing renovation projects across St Mirren with the progress being noticed and praised by first team manager, Stephen Robinson.

The Skills Academy is our education and training centre with locations in Hillington as well as St Mirren’s SMISA Stadium and Training Complex. Young people gain qualifications and practical skills within subjects they enjoy. Overall, our hope is to strengthen employability skills and help them to develop a fulfilling career.

Students have shown great enthusiasm and determination in developing trade skills through The Skills Academy by choosing to gain SCQF Level 4 qualifications in Painting and Decorating, and Construction Craft and Technician.

As part of the coursework young people have gained experience in the real-life business setting of St Mirren, learning from professional trainer, Craig Dunn. The young apprentices have been a key support in maintaining the stadium and training ground to the stringent health and safety standards. The main developments at the Training Complex have included renovating St Mirren’s first team gym floor and changing room floor. The large-scale projects had to be completed in a timely manner and fit in with the busy football fixtures and strict training schedule.

One young person excelled in renovating replacing changing room floor with the experience contributing to their joinery unit. Education Manager, Tracey Jardine commented on how much the student’s confidence grew from the opportunity to showcase their skillset.

Great attention to detail was essential while working and pace and all students involved exceeded expectations. The vast improvement and craftmanship was noticed immediately with first team manager, Stephen Robinson praising the quality of the complete refurbishment.

Younger pupils have seen the transformations that have been a result of the expertise learned by the older Skills Academy students who are completing their construction qualifications, which has inspired more youngsters to follow suit and explore a similar career path.

Jim Gillespie, Chief Executive, Kibble said: “We partnered with St Mirren to be able to offer young people the opportunity to develop their skillset and gain valuable qualifications while learning in a real-life business setting.

“To see students enthusiastically want to be involved with real project developments and give thought into their career prospects and plan for future is extremely motivating. The work Kibble does makes a huge difference to the lives of young people and we will continue to grow and achieve our vision of giving young people a chance at life.”

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Posted: July 25, 2023

From 4^th – 9^th June, a group of young seafarers took to Scotland’s scenic waters for a life-changing voyage with Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) Scotland.

Aboard the Alba Adventurer sailboat, five young people, staff and crew set sail from James Watt Dock Marina on a four-day voyage around Scotland’s rugged coastline. Sailing around the west coast, the 18-strong crew took in the breath-taking sights of Loch Tay, Largs, Tarbert, Oban and the Kyles of Bute.

Following months of preparation and anticipation, young people at Kibble alongside staff teams took part in raft-building sessions, learning about teamwork and safety, before trying their hand at sailing a small boat. But, whilst they were prepared for the sail, nothing could prepare them for the experiences they encountered on board the vessel, learning new life skills, developing friendships, discovering opportunities and learning more about themselves. The four days were all about fresh sea air, good fun, laughter, music and friendship – the perfect anecdote to end the school term.

All Hands-on Deck

As soon as the sails were hoisted up on day one, it was all hands-on deck as the crew got to work on navigating the waters, reading a map, learning the knots and doing all necessary safety checks as the vessel made its way under the setting sun. Between the sightseeing, there was a lot to be done and everyone helped to steer the boat, prepare meals, clean, make beds and work the sails. All young people on the voyage were praised for their commitment, listening to all safety instructions and enthusiastically rolling up their sleeves with every task. One young person commented:

“This is the best experience of my life since coming into care at the age of 12”.

By day, the crew navigated their way round coastal towns and islands. On one of the days, the boat anchored at Largs where everyone disembarked for a BBQ on the beach in the glorious sunshine. Evenings were spent enjoying delicious, healthy meals and on the second night there was a disco on the deck with great music and lots of dancing. It’s fair to say the adults couldn’t keep up with the sleek Tik Tok inspired moves of the younger crew! This night proved to be one of the highlights and was an opportunity for everyone to let their hair down after a busy day sailing.

On another sunny evening as the temperature gauge hit record highs, the crew anchored at the coastal village of Tarbert and enjoyed fresh fish and chips on the banks of beautiful Loch Fyne. As the sun set on another long day of fresh air and exploration, it was time for bed. Back on board the boat and under the night stars, stories were read aloud, and everyone was tucked up in their cabin beds and rocked to sleep by the gentle waves.

Everyone who took part in the sail agreed it was a life-changing experience and one they would never forget. One young person commented:

“If you get the chance to do the Ocean Youth Trust voyage, I can’t recommend it any more highly! We got to see so many places, I even got to see Bute and never thought I would ever get the chance to see that in my life”. Young Person, Kibble

Life-Changing Experience

For one young person, this voyage was to mark the start of a significant life-changing opportunity. Recognised for her attitude, commitment, knowledge and willingness to take on every task with enthusiasm, she was selected to join the Ocean Youth Trust crew in Spain as part of their foreign exchange programme. Through the programme, the young person will join the crew this summer as they welcome students from countries across Europe. This was an incredible achievement, with only five in 100 young people across the UK being selected for the programme. With their energy, skills and enthusiasm we have no doubt they will excel in this opportunity and enjoy meeting new people whilst experiencing different places and cultures.

All young people who took part in the OYT voyage showed incredible commitment and we are so proud of what they have achieved and will go on to achieve with their new-found skills. As well as learning life skills through sailing, young people also received awards including an ‘Introduction to Sailing’ award and SVQF awards in leadership and communication. Jim Gillespie, CEO at Kibble commented:

“The Ocean Youth Trust Scotland voyages provide exceptional opportunities for young people at Kibble. With such an immersive experience, it’s a chance for young people to step away from the pace of everyday life and embrace the elements whilst gaining life experience, forming friendships and growing in self-confidence.

For many young people, this type of experience is very unknown, but that’s what makes the trip even more valuable. Every year we see young people returning from the voyage feeling inspired, energised and with their minds open to future possibilities. It really is life-changing for all involved.” Jim Gillespie, Kibble

As the sun sets on another Ocean Youth Trust adventure, the skills, experiences and opportunities gained will last a lifetime. We’d like to thank Ocean Youth Trust for making our voyage so special and for opening up incredible opportunities for young people. And of course, to our hearty young sailors at Kibble, a huge well done and congratulations on all you have achieved and will go on to achieve as you steer towards your future horizon. The world is waiting!

Posted: July 19, 2023

Talented Kibble students from The Skills Academy built a sweetie cart for all to enjoy at our fun school events.

Our education and training centre, The Skills Academy gives school leavers the chance to discover subjects and topics they find interesting and receive the support and resources needed to gain qualifications in their chosen field. We want young people to know they have potential to achieve and build a career they enjoy.

Aspiring joiners are amongst the class of 2023, and they are always keen to challenge themselves with a new construction project. The students working towards their SCQF Level 4 in Construction Craft and Technician have methodically designed and built a custom-made party prop.

The unique, sought-after sweet stand is now a fun feature at our school events. The progress of the project has been inspiring – from young people confidently saying it was possible to build, to now seeing the sweet cart being proudly displayed at our parties and presentations with adults and young people surrounding it and creating their pick and mix. The sweet cart has gone to our recent Promise event and school prom.

We cannot wait to see the next creation complete by the talented students.

Posted: July 5, 2023

In the month of June, Kibble’s Safe Space to Talk service held afternoon teas dedicated to health and wellbeing. Across the two events, parents and carers, and Kibble staff, were warmly invited for a cuppa, cake and a chat. It was an opportunity for everyone to take some time out, learn more about the Safe Space service, enjoy a wellbeing treatment or take part in arts and crafts activities.

The afternoon teas were a real success, with opportunities for parents and carers to share photos and meet with some of the wider team in a relaxed setting. Everyone who came along also received a wellbeing pack with face masks, creams, herbal teas and lavender bags to support relaxation.

The events are part of a number of sessions the Safe Space to Talk service are running over the summer period, with plans to run a series of information workshops and sessions for Kibble staff. These will focus on sharing knowledge and insights on a range of therapies and interventions offered by the Specialist Intervention Services team. This is aligned to our Therapeutic, Trauma-Informed Practice model ensuring staff are skilled and supported.

Safe Space to Talk

Often referred to simply as ‘Safe Space’, the services were established during the pandemic to support Kibble staff who needed a safe, confidential space to talk with an in-house team of therapeutic practitioners and councillors. The service proved to be so successful that it remains in place to this day and is free to access for all staff working across the organisation.

Posted: June 29, 2023

All were invited to Kibble’s Pride Picnic for celebrations, discussions and fun. There were opportunities for catch-ups, presentations, music, food and face-painting. As we came together to mark Pride month and all we had learned about tolerance and equality, we applauded the progress made so far, however, acknowledged there is still work to be done.

One creative young person stood up and slowly rolled out a list of countries unaccepting of the LGBTQI+ communities. The moment was extremely moving as each one of us fell silent in the stark realisation that so many people live in a reality where they have no support to be themselves.

In contrast, across Kibble, everyone is welcome – young people, teachers, colleagues and families can be themselves. Happy, positive events are extremely important to bring us together, help us feel like we belong, safe in the knowledge we are amongst friends.

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Kibble’s Goudie Academy took part in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) by The Wood Foundation with pupils advocating for their chosen charity to receive a grant of £3K.

Meet The Pupils

The YPI involved young people working in groups to research a social cause important to them before creating and delivering a presentation to a group of judges. The judging panel awarded one winning team the fulfilling prize of gifting their selected charity a grant of £3K.

Meet The Charities

This year, five groups reached the final with their carefully crafted and well-researched presentations. The finalist charities who were represented included: Beatson, Make a Wish, SISCO, Turning Point Scotland and SAMH.

Pupils had met with the charities, asking questions and gaining an insight into the important life-changing impact each one has on people’s daily lives.

The interviews between pupils and charities were essential for the young presenters to share and convey the genuine, monumental difference their charity makes in the world to the esteemed judges.

Meet the Judges

The judging panel consisted of members from Kibble’s Education Management Team as well as Education Sub-Committee members and Kibble Board Members. Each judge listened intently to young people explain the need for their charity, the valuable work carried out by the charity and what it means to those affected to have the charity’s help, support and encouragement. After much deliberation, the judges announced the winning charity for 2023 was SISCO who received the £3,000 grant.

Norrie McKay, Kibble Education Sub- Committee member, shared, “It was a privilege to hear from you all. It was an inspiring event. The pupils showed great courage and commitment and I hope they are able to engage further with their chosen charities.”

Norrie’s fellow Sub-Committee member, Varri Steel, commented, “It was wonderful experience, and it was clear to see the young people got a lot out of the experience.”

About the Winning Charity

Sustainable Interventions Supporting Change Outside (SISCO) is helping to build a bridge between prison and the community by offering ways of recovery to individuals caught up in a cycle of addiction. SISCO’s powerful work involves many activities including: delivering health and well-being sessions, mentor sessions, hill walks, park walks, daily phone support, signposting to other services and pathways to education. Thank you to SISCO for your hard-work, determination, and dedication to supporting your community.

Posted: June 28, 2023

On Friday 23^rd June, Young people at Kibble’s Safe Centre enjoyed an end of term Fun Day and celebration of Pride month complete with inflatables, a summer DJ set, colourful face painting and bucket loads of fun!

The outdoor sports pitch took on a colourful fun-park theme, as young people challenged staff on the large inflatable games, joined in the DJ Mixing and had rainbow flags painted on their faces. Even the rain didn’t stop play!

It was a day of celebration as the school term at Mirin Academy draws to a close, and an opportunity to promote diversity, inclusion and belonging. One young person draped the Pride flag over their shoulders and confidently stepped up to sing karaoke beautifully, with songs from Christina Aguilera and Gloria Gaynor.

The event marks the beginning of a jam-packed summer activity and events programme at the Safe Centre, with activities including bubble football, arts and crafts, dance classes and health and wellbeing activities.

Posted: June 27, 2023

On Thursday 15^th June, in front of a packed-out room of delegates working across the youth justice sector, a quietly confident Nova Patterson of Kibble co-chaired the day’s events alongside fellow co-chair Ranald McTaggart of the National Youth Justice Advisory Group (NYJAG).

This was a significant engagement for Nova, who at the age of 16, held the room like they were a regular speaker on the conference circuit. The overall theme of the 2-day conference was the Children’s Care and Justice Bill, with day two’s focus on children’s rights, the impact of the Bill on children’s rights, and sessions exploring the National Bairns’ Hoose model and international research showing alternatives to secure care. Nova’s role on the day was to link the sessions together by introducing the speakers, their experience and overview of the session which Nova did effortlessly.

For Nova, being asked to co-chair the event was a real honour, and one that they did not take lightly. Nova took time to rehearse the script, considering all aspects from their pace, tone and presentation style. They listened intently to the proceedings of the day, engaging in conversations with delegates from across the world who are actively working to improve the rights of children and young people in justice settings.

Having graduated from Kibble’s Goudie Academy just weeks before, and proudly celebrating with friends and teachers at the school prom, Nova is wasting no time in making her mark on the world. With Nova’s drive and ambition, the world is their oyster, and we can’t wait to see what Nova goes onto achieve next.

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On Friday 23^rd June, the Gannochy Centre for Expressive Arts was the backdrop for ‘Kibble Keeps The Promise’, a celebratory event marking all that we have achieved, and continue to achieve, to keep Scotland’s Promise to care experienced young people.

The event was led by Kibble’s Promise Development Lead, Natalie Cowan, who shared Scotland’s collective ambition and updated young people and staff teams on all the incredible work happening every day across our services. Principally, Natalie described the ways that young people’s voices were being heard to impact the change they want to see. For many young people at Kibble, this was in opening up greater opportunities for friendships, more trips, being listened to and the importance of relationships. Language was high on the day’s agenda, with young people getting involved in the creation of a language dictionary aimed at eradicating the use of stigmatising language. The publication ‘Words Matter – Let’s Change the Patter’ is due to be published in the coming weeks, with design being led by from a talented young person.

Relationships Matter

Audiences enjoyed a thought-provoking performance from the drama group and interactive presentations were led by young people and staff teams on how their houses were keeping The Promise. All spoke of the importance of relationships, ensuring young people felt heard, loved and respected. Stories were shared of young people’s achievements and experiences with Ocean Youth Trust, Duke of Edinburgh Award, work experience opportunities, weekend adventures and summer holiday plans. One young person excitedly spoke of the Duke of Edinburgh Award as being one of the best experiences of their life! They shared:

Also on the agenda were staff teams sharing the ways in which their practice has been shaped in line with The Promise and our therapeutic, trauma-informed practice model. This places the young person at the centre and combines a range of elements that work together to provide the right support, at the right time, for young people with experience of trauma. Insights were shared on how young people are supported to manage big emotions, and ways to help them open up and talk about their feelings. This included using sensory toys such as ‘worry monsters’ where young people can store their emotions in the toy which they can then talk through with an adult. We heard of the ways relationships were nurtured, the pride and admiration shown between young people and staff teams, and the jokes and typical rhythms and routines within the houses. Kibble is a place where children feel loved, respected and included. One young person shared:

“Before coming to Kibble, I lived in ten different places. Kibble is the best place I’ve lived and the one where I feel happiest. When I found the courage to come out, everyone supported and accepted me and at the school prom I wore a dress and thought people would make fun of me, but it was the exact opposite – so many people told me I looked beautiful.” Young Person, Kibble

The grand finale of the event, and the one that sparked much hilarity across the room was The Promise Rap. Young people and the staff teams at South and North Houses donned their finest hip-hop attire and found their inner Jay-Z to recreate the iconic Beastie Boys hit ‘Fight for Your Right’ in a video that wouldn’t look out of place on MTV.

The Largest Room in the World is the Room for Improvement

In the words of this infamous quote and reiterated at the event is that we should continually strive to do things better. There is phenomenal work being done across Kibble and we can look towards 2030 with hope and pride at what we have achieved; but there is always scope for change.

Kibble is committed to continuing our work to Keep The Promise, working alongside and for young people to ensure their voices are heard, and to collaborate with others across the sector to help Scotland become a nation where children grow up to feel safe, loved and supported.

Posted: June 9, 2023

Volunteers Week has given us the opportunity to thank our kind and caring volunteers who gift Kibble their precious time. Throughout 2023, we have welcomed 10 new volunteers across our organisation.

It is a great commitment to volunteer with Kibble. Although we do not ask for specific qualifications or experience, the voluntary role does require mandatory specialist training involving online and classroom-based courses. Kibble must ensure all volunteers are trained to the highest standard, understand the overall mission, vision and values as well as possess a genuine drive to make a difference to the lives of children and young people. Volunteers receive full support from Kibble’s staff team as there is great respect and appreciation for their voluntary efforts.

“Beginning to volunteer with Kibble was straightforward as they kept in regular contact with me and explained everything clearly. Joan was warm and welcoming from day one.

“I enjoyed the training courses, and I had plenty of time to complete them. My first onsite visit was great, I was put at ease, all the staff chatted to me, I asked questions, and I was given a tour.”

In return for the donation of time, volunteers gain a great sense of pride in helping others, it is a rewarding and fulfilling experience leading to a sense of purpose, gratitude, and happiness. Volunteers further develop skills and discover new talents – learning to listen and consider other people’s feelings, encouraging those who need extra support to believe in themselves.

“To me, every child deserves love, respect, and the opportunity for a bright future. If I can be part of helping a young person to get the most from life then I’d be hugely rewarded.”

Among the 10 new volunteers are University students studying psychology. By spending time within Kibble’s Specialist Intervention Services (SIS) team, their learning continues in a practical setting. Many volunteers want to wholeheartedly join in and have fun with children and young people, becoming a helping hand to the staff team and being part of the exciting activities and experiences.

“The staff have been really encouraging and I now feel I can take the lead on doing activities I enjoy, such as baking. It’s great when young people show enthusiasm for joining in.”

One volunteer has been inspired by their time at Kibble to change their career and qualify as a Child and Youth Care Worker through our Career Start training programme, confirming that creating new friendships with Kibble’s dedicated staff team and brilliant children and young can be life.

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