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.”
Posted: December 10, 2021
Young people have developed their own innovations, tools and training resources as part of the Early Action System Change Renfrewshire partnership funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. With a focus on tackling coercive control and ultimately improving mental health and wellbeing, young people co-produced a number of different resources.
Find Out What Our Young People Created
A welcome video and wellbeing resource booklet for young people coming to Kibble was created by young people already at Kibble. The pack intended to empower young people to access support, feel able to share their thoughts with adults, knowing that they won’t get in trouble. Overall, the video and leaflet let young people know who to talk to and where to go to help combat any worries running through their mind. Reminding them, help is always on-hand.
Young people at Kibble knew they wanted to help their fellow young people feel more comfortable in asking for help. They were determined to introduce a new way of signposting others to the support available and offer reassurance that the adults surrounding them had the potential to be a listening ear.
“Our video and booklet will be titled ‘We Are Kibble’ and have a graffiti style and theme. It will let young people know where to go to access support and have information about staff.”
Young person
We are expecting the leaflet and video to be adapted for those out with Kibble to help direct more young people to the support available.
Watch The Video
“On behalf of our young people at Kibble, it has been an honour to work alongside so many significant organisations for this worthy cause.
“It’s important that the views and experiences of those who have faced such hurdles are listened to and considered when drawing solutions for the issues being addressed, and the progress made by each element of the project is meaningful, it will go a long way to improving the lives of young people across Renfrewshire and beyond.”
Jim Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer at Kibble
Find Out About the Exhibition
All resources produced by young activists from across Renfrewshire have been showcased through the Early System Change exhibition. The event, ‘It’s time for #ChangeUp’ celebrated the work created by and for young people in Renfrewshire. Everyone at Kibble is determined to be part of making necessary change, putting the ideas and suggestions of young people first and foremost in the quest. Kibble feature on the Change Up website.
“Letting young people lead feels much more effective. It is going to be more welcomed and make more of a difference.”
Youth worker
The “We Are Kibble” welcome booklet.
People viewing the exhibition. To the right, Briana Pegado.
Briana Pegado CoDirector We Are Here Scotland and Chair of YWCA.
The event was held from 8th December – 11th December, 10 am – 4 pm at YMCA Paisley.
Learn More About Early Action System Change
The initiative aims to identify and explore the root cause of inequality and use the findings to improve emotional wellbeing of young people by exploring the effects of coercive control in their relationships, while developing further ideas and solutions with their input.
Research and design charity, Dartington Service Design Lab are leading the Change Up event. Dr Catherine-Rose Stocks-Rankin, Scotland Director Designate of Dartington, said: “Working with a wide range of partners has allowed us to address the same issue from different perspectives. In this project we have put the perspective of young people and youth workers front and centre, and then worked across the third sector and public sector social work, education and health to share learning”.
“By collaboratively working together, we’ve co-designed valuable resources that make real change. This is what it takes to make system change happen – everyone needs to be involved in taking action. And we must put the voice of people with living experience at the heart of what we do.”
Dr Catherine-Rose Stocks-Rankin, Scotland Director Designate of Dartington
It’s time for adults to change up. The Early Action Systems Change project has designed supports and resources that will change the lives of young people. I’m proud to be from Renfrewshire and I’m proud of the young people and the third sector that has done this.”
John Trainer, Head of Child Care and Criminal Justice and Chief Social Work Officer at Renfrewshire Council
Posted: December 9, 2021
Forest View Residential marks its first anniversary with a day full of smiles. Throughout the year young people have made new friends and many happy memories.
It was up to the kids to decide how Forest View’s first year anniversary would be marked. The fantastic suggestions ranged from going swimming to visiting the cinema, while others made the adventurous choice to climb the Kilpatrick Hills. All agreed the birthday had to be acknowledged properly by filling the day with fun experiences, making it one to remember.
“It was a very important day for my friend, it was his one-year anniversary at Ness house and that is a big thing. We all enjoyed the cinema together and the movie was great.”
Young person
“I wanted to go swimming and the cinema because these are some of my favourite things to do with an adult. I wanted sausage from the chippie for my dinner because it is one of my favourite things to eat.”
Young person
“What a good day we had climbing hills.”
Young person
The decisive nature shown by the kids when planning their day truly demonstrates the growth in their self-confidence and self-esteem throughout the past year.
Although recent times have been unlike any other due to the global pandemic, it is important to celebrate positive milestones and create happy memories to reflect upon. It is often small moments that make bigger and brighter days.
Posted: December 1, 2021
Recently at Forest View, our primary aged campus in Lochwinnoch, children and adults took part in an adventurous Scavenger Hunt within the forest grounds.
The event was one of many activities set up by The Promise Group at Kibble, where among the fun, laughter and team-spirit, we also sought to ensure the voices of the children were heard around improving the life chances and opportunities for care experienced young people in Scotland.
We were delighted that all children took part with the support of adults where they eagerly made their way around six parrot stations to unearth lots of clues. There were muddy wellies, beaming faces, colourful parrots, great teamwork… and even turkeys and chickens making their voices heard in the background! After all the running around and searching for clues, it was time to go inside for a feast of hot dogs, burgers and hot chocolate. There was a real buzz around the table and the children shared what their favourite part of the day was:
“It was great meeting new friends”
“It was like one big family having fun and having hot dogs and burgers”.
“I loved all the clues and the hot dogs after it”.
“It was so much fun. I loved the parrots. They weren’t real though.”
The children’s scavenger hunt was aligned to the five-foundation set out in ‘The Pinky Promise’ including: Voice, Family, Care, People and Scaffolding. For all their great work and achievements, each of the children were given a certificate and gift.
The real reward of the day though was seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they sought out clues and worked together to solve the clues and make their way around the trail. From the excitement around the dinner table, it certainly was a day of fun and memories that will go on to help shape the pathway for Scotland’s future.
Posted: November 24, 2021
Kibble’s Staff-in-Training programme gave Sharon, 41 from Renfrew the opportunity to pursue her dream of working with children. She is now training to become a Child and Youth Care Worker with Kibble.
About Kibble’s Staff-in-Training Course
Through Kibble’s Staff-in-Training programme, individuals gain the qualifications and training needed to become a Child and Youth Care Worker. Over the course of 12-months, trainees earn a living wage while studying for an HNC in Social Services and participating in work experience. They are fully supported, receiving guidance and mentorship. An interview for a Child and Youth Care Worker job at Kibble is guaranteed upon completion.
If you have the ambition to lead a more fulfilling career, helping young people who need additional supports, our Staff-in-Training programme gives you that opportunity with the peace of mind of an income while learning on the job.
Find Out More from Sharon
Sharon moved on from her previous permanent position as a catering assistant for a Glasgow City Council school to join Kibble and re-train as a Child and Youth Care Worker. She has always enjoyed being around children.
She shared, “Since starting my placement, my mindset has totally changed. I’ve realised that I bring so many important personable skills to the role, and that is really what Kibble looks for.
“The most important skill I have is being able to just listen, plus the fact that I’m not judgmental, and I take people as I find them. My motherly instincts are also a real help, from encouraging the kids to tidy their bedrooms, to sense when someone isn’t feeling themselves and needs my attention – it’s the little things that make all the difference.
“My advice to anyone who is looking for a more fulfilling career and has a real passion to work with kids, would be to go for it and apply. I found it scary leaving a permanent position, but the support given by Kibble is immense.”
Donna, 35 from Glasgow’s East End decided to join Kibble and train to become a Child and Youth Care Worker.
About Kibble’s Staff-in-Training course
Our Staff-in-Training course provided Donna with the opportunity to gain an HNC in Social Services and included extensive training, personal mentoring as well as ongoing guidance and support from peers and professionals.
Find Out More from Donna
Donna has shared her experience of participating in Kibble’s Staff-in-Training course.
She explained, “The most important thing to me is that I’m able to connect with the young people and make a difference to their lives.
“I worked with a lot of young people and kids in the dance school so have some experience in getting the best out of young people even when it seems like an impossible task. However, the programme has allowed me to develop this and begin to understand on a deeper level the needs and psychology of those Kibble supports.
“Many young people in our care have had difficult starts in life and have experienced trauma so it’s crucial that they have a solid and trusted network of people around them who take the time to understand their perspective.
“My background of teaching dance means that I have loads of energy, so I’m always up and have a laugh with the young people which has helped in building meaningful connections with them.
“Aside from the fun and games, there’s a lot I bring to the role which you wouldn’t necessarily associate with this career, such as my knowledge of fitness and nutrition.
“It was nerve-wracking moving careers at the start, but the support I received from Kibble staff, and young people, has been really encouraging and reassured me that this was the best thing for me.”
On Friday 12 November as the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) drew to a close, young people at Kibble held their own special COP26 Conference just a few miles along the road.
The Kibble COP26 Conference was organised by senior pupils at Goudie Academy and was a platform to discuss with senior staff how we can champion climate change across Kibble.
The event took place at the Gannochy Centre for Expressive Arts and each of the invited guests were warmly welcomed with teas and coffee served in a reusable plastic mug with environmental designs handcrafted by pupils. On the day’s busy agenda were questions around reducing food waste, improved recycling, sustainable transport, renewable energy use and methods for energy reduction. The conference was the amalgamation of months of hard work by pupils who are actively working towards their Eco Schools Award. To commence the conference pupils played a poignant video they had created in the classroom which showed the impact of climate change on our world, and the actions of our young people to help in the fight against it. This included them proudly walking and waving banners in the COP26 Youth March alongside thousands of others making their voice heard.
Each young person had a set list of questions to ask staff and there was great energy and enthusiasm in the room as we discussed electric vehicles, composting food waste, solar energy and ideas to reduce food waste. One young person impressed us with his extremely in-depth knowledge of cars and how hybrid vehicles operate, whilst another shared a story of turning off all the appliances in her house… including even the fridge freezer! After the conference reached a close, we agreed that this would just be the start and we would meet monthly to agree actions and next steps to continue this momentum.
Before pupils excitedly headed off for lunch to chat about the event and their incredible achievements, they proudly showed staff their COP26 timeline with dates of world leaders’ arrivals, climate marches, press cuttings, photos and messages of hope for the future.
We look forward to coordinating our approach and making a difference to our planet at an individual, organisational, cultural and collective level with others across the globe. Together, we can make a difference!
Posted: November 11, 2021
Our pupils at Goudie Academy have marked Remembrance Day with their very own thoughtful creation and gifted it to the Erskine veterans.
Pupils and staff at Goudie Academy began Remembrance Day with a virtual assembly to reflect on the sad time in history. During the moving ceremony, pupils shared powerful poems they had written themselves.
Our young people were keen to commemorate the day in their own special way. Their determination to pay tribute led to the creation of a fitting piece of artwork.
Following inspiration from Paul Cummings, the artist who crafted the monumental Poppy installation at London Tower Bridge, our pupils made ceramic poppies from clay and displayed them on a large heart-shaped plaque. As an extremely thoughtful gesture, young people have chosen to gift the plaque to veterans at Erskine.
A gift to Erskine from young people of Kibble.
While delivering the gift to Erskine, people passing stopped to admire the plaque immediately.
To be gifted this special, handmade plaque from Kibble’s pupils is heart-warming beyond words. We will use it every year for our Remembrance Sunday Service.
Colin McPhail, Community Fundraiser at Erskine
We all worked together to make an inspirational gift for the veterans. The senior girls picked a heart shape for the plaque.
Goudie Academy Pupil
Posted: November 5, 2021
Kibble are recruiting for Nightshift Child and Youth Care Workers who will be responsible for the safety and wellbeing of our young people. Apply now if you have the drive to help others.
Existing Kibble Child and Youth Care Worker, Graeme has worked the nightshift for 15 years and has found the role so rewarding. Previously, Graeme was a nightshift forklift driver before starting a career working with children and young people at youth and football clubs. He then came across a vacancy at Kibble and hasn’t looked back.
It was his life experience and the skills he had learned as a parent that helped make him suitable for the nightshift job.
“I had life experience and a drive to help young people, which are some of the qualities Kibble look for in their staff. I’m very close with my own kids and think the skills you learn as a parent such as empathy, patience and the courage to do what’s right for the person you care for no matter what, are extremely valuable in this line of work.”
“I can’t praise Kibble highly enough as a charity, a social enterprise and as an employer.”
Graeme finds an important part of the role is to be a listening ear to young people.
“Everyone knows what it’s like to have thoughts and memories running through your head, making it hard to sleep. We are there to listen and comfort those in our care.”
Personally, Graeme finds the role rewarding and would encourage others to apply.
Visit Kibble’s dedicated recruitment website to keep up-to-date with our vacancies.
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