News Archives - Page 12 of 32 - Kibble: Specialist services & support for young people facing adversity
Posted: March 7, 2022

In celebration of this year’s Festival of Care, which promotes the achievements of care experienced people, our schools held an immersive and interactive art exhibition on Thursday 3th March aligned to this year’s theme ‘Tending the Light’.

Yesterday our sports hall was the backdrop for the illuminous arts exhibition, featuring a variety of art installations proudly created by over 60 young people from Forest View Primary, Goudie Academy and Mirin Academy. The exhibition was the amalgamation of a month of preparations by pupils and the expressive arts department, with artwork created in the classroom and evening workshops. The project was coordinated alongside Who Cares? Scotland and local artist, Dawn Hair, of RIG Arts.

According to Who Cares? Scotland, this year’s powerful theme ‘Tending the Light’ asked what it takes for us to Tend the Light and keep the beacons burning brightly for Care Experienced people across Scotland? What is the light that we are tending? Is it the light of The Promise, the light of love and care, of doing things differently? Is it tending our own light, making sure it burns brightly so it can be seen by those who need it? Is it the light of our Care Experienced people, nurturing their own inner beacons, supporting them to shine brightly?

Among the installations included lighthouses of various scales symbolising the guiding light that draws boats at sea to safe harbour, a colourful light feature created from recycled plastic, a light projection display, electrifying music, an illuminated Kibble logo composed of vibrant bottle tops and buttons as well as a projector casting shadows in red, green and blue – perfect for photo opportunities and a chance for young people to practice their gymnastic prowess! Of course, every opportunity is a chance to learn and achieve, and the exhibition forms part of young people’s national qualifications and wider achievement awards.

The exhibition was a resounding success and welcomed pupils from each school to come and see their artwork come to life. Kibble staff attended in their allocated times and to say there was high praise for the pupils was an understatement. We’re incredibly proud of what pupils have achieved and once again this demonstrates the incredible talent and creative imagination of young people across Kibble.

“So impressed! The imagination, creativity and colour has blown me away. Everyone involved should be so proud”. Jemma from Who Cares? Scotland

Outstanding! And showed lots of talent”. Dan

“Such colourful light houses – I loved them all”. Anon

Posted: February 10, 2022

Pupils collaborated with Kibble’s design team to create crests for Forest View Primary School and the secondary schools within our Open Campus and Safe Centre. Both pupils and staff are extremely proud of the completed designs.

Forest View Primary School

School pupils enthusiastically shared their ideas for a school crest and fully cooperated with the design team to bring the finished design to life.

“In our Forest View school crest, we need to include the animals. I would like to see Monster the tortoise in the design.”

Forest View pupil

Goudie Academy and Mirin Academy

Kibble’s secondary schools were named by young people. All agreed upon ‘Goudie Academy’ for the school on-campus and ‘Mirin Academy’ for the Safe Centre before beginning to think about what the school crests would look like.

Young people produced various sketches to illustrate the school values and culture. Kibble’s design team were challenged with narrowing the talented drawings down to three options for each school. The selected designs were transformed into digital format for young people to vote and decide the winners.

“We are very happy with the crest designs which will be a lasting legacy for Kibble.”

Executive Director, Audrey

The Skills Academy

Kibble’s Education and Training Centre based in Hillington has its own logo. Find out more about The Skills Academy.

Posted: February 1, 2022

Young people’s outstanding artwork that was created throughout the past year has been designed into a calendar for 2022.

Art can encourage self-expression and creativity. Kibble’s regular school projects aim to instil confidence and a sense of achievement within young people. We are sure you agree the calendar for 2022, designed by young people’s drawings, is a work of art.

Take a Look

Discover the magnificent masterpieces created by talented young people at Kibble. Each month of the year showcases a unique, custom illustration with plenty of colours.

Posted: January 26, 2022

Are you looking for a rewarding job role? Sign-up for our job alerts and be the first to hear about vacancies at Kibble.

About Kibble

Kibble, the leading children’s organisation is committed to giving young people a chance at life. At Kibble, we empower young people through care, education and support. Our services range from residential care to education and training young people through The Skills Academy and more. For over 160 years we have supported young people to manage past trauma, giving them consistent love and care, an inspiring education, and the therapeutic supports to help them achieve their best.

There Is a Job Role to Suit You

At Kibble, we recruit for a range of jobs including roles in care, teaching, psychology, management positions and more.

Careers in care
Psychologist and therapist roles
Education and teaching jobs
Work in a supportive role from HR to ICT

Employee Benefits

Enjoy a free Prolife Gym Membership
Undertake further study, funded by Kibble
Huge discount for Puddle Lane

We offer excellent employee conditions
We have a dedicated Learning and Development team
There are plenty of reasons to Work for Kibble

As a national child and youth care organisation, Kibble has a dedicated team of staff exceeding 600 employees who help ensure young people receive the highest quality of care. Together, we strive to go above and beyond for young people and aim to create positive experiences each day. In return, each employee deserves time to focus on their own health, wellbeing and professional development. Find out more about the extensive employee conditions, benefits and rewards by visiting Why Work for Kibble?

Join Us

“It is an exciting time to begin a rewarding career with Kibble as we set out to grow and expand our services further; contributing to the enhancement of our already high standards. Working for Kibble means belonging and being part of a team that helps bring positive life experiences to young people, no matter what service you work in.”

Chief Executive Officer, Jim Gillespie

“At Kibble, we’re fully prepared to help young people grow in the right direction and guide them to keep up a positive attitude and make plans for their future.”

Child and Youth Care Worker, Mark
Posted: December 31, 2021

Find out about the various care worker vacancies that are now open for applications. There are opportunities to work at our Paisley campus or across the community within our warm and welcoming residential houses. Join the dedicated staff team at Kibble, who provide the highest quality of care and support to young people, 24/7, 365 days a year.  

We are looking for experienced Child and Youth Care Workers to fill the essential roles of Nightshift and Dayshift care workers, as well as people with life experience for Sessional Child and Youth Care Workers.


Discover More About the Various Care Jobs Available

As a Child and Youth Care Worker, you will spend time with children and young people, develop their trust and form genuine friendships. It is a rewarding, fulfilling role.

At Kibble, we’re fully prepared to help young people grow in the right direction and guide them to keep up a positive attitude and make plans for their future.

Child and Youth Care Worker, Mark

Nightshift Child and Youth Care Worker Vacancies

  • Job reference: 000227
  • Closing date: 10/01/2022
  • Salary: £23,946 – £34,198 per annum (SCP 23 – 35) dependent on qualifications and experience
  • Employment type: Permanent
  • Services: Care – Residential
  • Hours per week: 37 hours per week worked on a shift basis

Supported by Kibble’s Night Service Managers you will work across Kibble’s Residential and Community Based Services.  You will have responsibility for the safety and well-being of our young people throughout the night.  This can be a vulnerable time for our young people and as such you will have the skills and abilities to be able to support our young people through times of crisis.


Days | Child and Youth Care Worker

  • Job reference: 000226
  • Closing date: 10/01/2022
  • Salary: £25,641.58 – £36,318.84 per annum (SCP 23 – 35) dependent on qualifications and experience
  • Employment type: Permanent
  • Services: Care – Residential
  • Hours per week: 37 hours per week, worked over a combination of early and back shifts (plus two weekends in four) Plus, contractual overtime where applicable

Apply now if you are an experienced Child and Youth Care Worker who has previously been responsible for the care and development of children and young people. The role requires kind, enthusiastic and understanding individuals who can apply knowledge and skill to relate to young people.


Sessional Child and Youth Care Worker

  • Job reference: 000228
  • Closing date: 10/01/2022
  • Salary: £10.46 per hour (SCP16)
  • Employment type: Permanent
  • Services: Care – Residential
  • Hours per week: Variable (Day, Evening and Night Shifts)

People may not realise they have the skills to become a Child and Youth Care Worker. The sessional role is suitable for those with life experience, those with the drive to make a positive difference in a child’s life and an ambition to help young people feel seen and listened to.

Through a strong friendship I have built with a quiet, introverted young person, I have since encouraged them to enjoy swimming, exercise in the outdoor football pitches and get involved in the regular cook nights.

Previous trainee Child and Youth Care Worker Emma

If you are a caring, kind individual with a drive to help children and young people we want to hear from you.

Find Out More

Posted: December 24, 2021

The elves returned to visit us for Christmas 2021. Look at some of the mischief they’ve caused throughout December.

Every morning, the kids enjoyed waking up to see what the elves have been up to. A letter from the North Pole landed on the doorstep, it explained Santa’s elves were prone to being silly. However, the elves were also very kind and brought items of food for the children to collect and donate to those in need. There’s plenty of fun to be had while also helping others and spreading lots of Christmas cheer.

Look at what mischief the elves got up

The elves are certainly back with a bang.

Gotta keep toasty this cold morning.

The elves have been up to “snow” good.

Who is always tired at breakfast?

Where have the elves been hiding?

They’ve challenged us to a colouring competition.

SNOWBALL FIGHT!

It’s an obstacle course.

All aboard the Elf Express.

Let’s twist again.

It’s time for hot chocolate while we wait for Santa to arrive…

Posted:

Once again, children and young people across Kibble were invited to take part in our annual Christmas card competition where the winning design would be used for this year’s E-card.

To say competition was fierce was an understatement and each of the unique designs included Christmas trees, jolly snowmen, angels with messages of peace and even Santa’s Sleigh flying over Kibble! 


There were three very deserving winners who each collected a gift voucher for their amazing efforts. Our judges in education had a very difficult job awarding the prizes against a set list of artistic criteria. It could be argued that all the entries were of a winning standard!


Each of the excited winners received gift vouchers, but it has to be said that the biggest prize of all was seeing the boys faces light up when they came into the classroom to collect their prizes. They had the biggest and brightest smiles and were so happy that they had been recognised as winners.


A huge well done to all our future Picasso’s who took part in the competition – the Christmas cards have been met with huge praise to all those who received one. A great achievement for all our talented young people who never fail to amaze and inspire us every day.

Watch Our Video Showcase

View Our Gallery

Posted: December 22, 2021

Throughout the month of December, pupils at Goudie Academy and Forest View Primary have been taking part in Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness to support those who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.

With every act of kindness, good work and behaviour in the classroom, pupils collected ‘Golden Tickets’ which were then exchanged for a Christmas gift for a homeless person. Among the gifts that have been provided included warm clothing, hats, scarves, socks and festive treats.

Alongside the thoughtful gifts, pupils also made handmade Christmas cards to bring a little joy this season.

We’d like to thank Social Bite for collecting and distributing the gifts that will help make Christmas a little easier for those without a home and for all their great work.

Well done to all our pupils whose acts of kindness have gone on to make a difference to others who need a helping hand this Christmas.

Posted: December 17, 2021

On the night of Wednesday 15th December, the feeling of Christmas was in the air as Kibble’s campus was transformed into a festive winter wonderland for the annual Festive Lights Competition.

Festive judges made their way around the houses and were dazzled by street dancing Santa’s, a nativity performance, festive light projections, colourful Christmas trees and sparkling fairy lights that stretched as far as the eye could see. Children and young people worked together in their houses to compete for the most festive, funniest and handmade decorations. It’s fair to say judges had plenty of laughs along the way!

Of course, all the young people were all winners in our eyes and the greatest present was seeing the excitement around campus as we count down the days until Santa comes to town.

Even with the latest challenges set by the pandemic, we’re determined to keep spirits high over the festive period. In the coming days children and young people will be holding special Christmas craft fayres with beautiful handmade gifts, there will be visits to see Santa and various trips to the Pantomime, ice skating, Christmas Markets and much more.

And to add to the excitement, one senior phase pupil at Goudie Academy has been working with teachers to bring us Kibble Aid – a take on the iconic 80’s Live Aid concert. This will be an amalgamation of young people and staff’s singing and dancing talents captured in a video which will be screened across Kibble on Monday 21 December.

The idea for Kibble Aid was born after listening to Christmas songs on the car radio and our talented pupil set to bring his vision to life. Amid the fun, laughter and on some occasions questionable singing by Kibble staff (you know who you are), there is an important message at the centre. This was to recognise the mental health challenges faced by care experienced young people throughout the pandemic. We are all immensely proud of his work, achievements and enthusiasm to bring people together, albeit by virtual means, to celebrate being a part of the Kibble family and all the love that it brings.

We ho, ho hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Posted: December 16, 2021

We’re delighted to announce that our CEO, Jim Gillespie, has been awarded Regional Director of the year for Glasgow and the West at the Institute of Director (IoD) Awards on 9th December.

Jim was recognised for his strength of leadership throughout the pandemic, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and our 695 staff. Under his direction, our charity ensured the continuation of vital 24/7 services, whilst maintaining pace in developments to meet the needs of young people in our care.

Announcing the award, judges recognised the significant investment made throughout 2020 into Kibble services and the commitment to supporting young people and staff.

Areas of investment during this period included:

  • The opening of Bute – a specialist residential care house for young people with complex mental health needs
  • The opening of Ness and Tay – two new therapeutic residential houses for younger children
  • A new primary year’s campus in Lochwinnoch
  • A new fostering hub at Hamilton
  • The opening of Puddle Lane, an innovative early learning and childcare nursery
  • Significant refurbishment across Kibble’s campus in Paisley

Jim Gillespie said: “I was very pleased to accept the award on behalf of the extraordinarily dedicated and capable team at Kibble. Covid-19 has brought significant challenges for all those who work in our sector.

“The fact that our charity has maintained exceptionally high standards whilst expanding the range of crucial services we provide, underlines the selfless dedication of everyone in our team.”