News

Kibble Education and Care Centre collected two awards at the first annual Supplier Excellence Awards held by Scotland Excel, the centre of procurement expertise for the local government sector in Scotland.  Scotland Excel is a non-profit making organisation, funded by all 32 local authorities, and was established in 2008 to work collaboratively with members and suppliers to raise procurement standards, secure best value for customers and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector procurement in Scotland.

Kibble was successful in the Excellence in the Communities and Excellence in Innovation categories for our work in delivering secure care places for young people aged between 12 and 18. Our holistic approach integrates wider community services, including education, employment and training services, to improve the life chances of the young people in our care.

The Supplier Excellence Awards is the first programme of its kind in public procurement, and honours suppliers who demonstrate excellence through their participation in Scotland Excel’s national framework contracts which are worth nearly £700 million per annum.

James Gillespie, Head of Service – Safe Centre for Kibble said: “From the outset Kibble has always been a forward thinking organisation, continually striving to develop and adapt to meet the ever changing needs of the young people we serve.

“With deep roots in the local community, we are well aware of the importance of encouraging young people to actively engage and integrate with society.

“To have received not one but two awards, is recognition of Kibble’s commitment to the young people we support on a daily basis and the continued dedication of our staff.”

Councillor Mike Holmes, Convener of Scotland Excel and Depute Leader of Renfrewshire Council, added: “Kibble Education and Care Centre’s holistic and innovative approach demonstrates their commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable young people through education, work experience and support services tailored to their needs.”

A judging panel of 17 procurement experts, elected members and industry representatives from across Scotland were involved in shortlisting the finalists.

A total of 61 entries were received from suppliers across the UK. Of these, 29 finalists were shortlisted to compete in seven award categories, which recognised both small to medium sized (SME) and large businesses.

Over the past few months young people at Kibble have enjoyed working in partnership with Who Cares? Scotland on a number of very successful creative projects. The latest emotion fuelled performance premiered at the Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care’s 2015 Steps To Success conference at the Central Hotel in Glasgow earlier this month.

Based on the theme of ‘transitions’, Arts Development Officer Gavin Sinclair worked with performers Michael Fowler and Dylan Todd from Kibble, and young people from the drama group at Who Cares? Scotland to produce three diverse 15 minute plays about life in care.  Two had very positive outcomes and the final highlighted areas for improvement across the sector.

Andy Naylor, Service Manager at Kibble’s Clyde Intensive Support Unit said: “I found the piece absolutely moving. It reflected the emotional pain that can sometimes be invisible with young people and demonstrated that they cope, day-to-day, with this invisible pain. We must remember this as Child and Youth Care Workers and significant individuals in these young people’s lives. Validating and supporting appropriately is essential when responding to the presenting behaviours in the young person’s life space.”

The group of young actors worked tirelessly together in the weeks leading up to the premier and benefited from the coaching of Scottish actor Josh Whitelaw during rehearsals.  Their hard work paid off as they received a standing ovation at the end of the performance from a 300 strong audience.

Kibble’s contribution didn’t end there, on the second day of the conference Gavin Sinclair along with Who Cares? Scotland delivered a practical workshop on the same theme.  Young people were also in attendance to ensure their voice was being heard.  The exercises within the workshop were designed to look at the importance of a strong relationship and continuity of care, highlighting how uncomfortable unfamiliar situations can be, and demonstrating the ways in which feelings change during the process of transition.

Gavin explained: “I created drama and acting exercises that would be used with professional actors to stimulate feelings and emotions that replicate those of a young person in transition, similar to method acting. The delegates certainly reacted as I had planned and seemed to gain a lot from the workshop. It certainly got them thinking and talking. I was really pleased with how it went.”

Watch out for the next exciting instalment from this creative partnership!

2014 was another busy year for Kibble as we continued to strengthen our provision for the young people that use our service and it’s all documented in our latest Annual Review.  We celebrated milestone birthdays; Intensive Fostering Services and KibbleWorks, our collective of youth training and employment enterprises, reached the ripe old age of ten.  Kibble’s latest venture The Experience, a themed entertainment and events venue, also a social enterprise, opened its doors to the public for the first time.

We are always very proud of the achievements of our young people; and 2014 was no exception with many playing an active role in community life, and participating in charity and fundraising events.  We had two baton bearers in the Commonwealth Games, 66 pupils achieved 297 SQA units across 29 different subject areas, and caring pupils spent over 2000 hours volunteering at primary schools, care homes and community projects.

2015 is shaping up to be equally as exciting, as we commemorate 175 years since Miss Elizabeth Kibble wrote her Last Will and Testament, ultimately laying the foundations for Kibble.  The Experience continues to go from strength to strength and in addition to housing Scotland’s only electric indoor Go-karting Arena and The Academy restaurant, it now also offers Laser Experience, a giant Slot car track, a range of summer clubs, the Karting with a Conscience programme, and a variety of events and party spaces. It has just been awarded the prestigious 5 Star Quality Assurance grading from VisitScotland, presented to venues which they rate as exceptional. The Academy restaurant also received the VisitScotland Taste our Best award recognising a delicious menu using locally sourced, fresh seasonal produce.

During the summer Intensive Fostering Services will open Arran Villa Care Home in Largs. It will provide an early intervention service for up to five at risk children (age 5 – 12) who present challenging behaviour. Kibble will also continue to grow its school service for younger children with the addition of Garnock Lodge Primary School.

Read more about our 2014 highlights by downloading a copy of our annual review or contact Kibble on 0141 889 0044 for a paper copy.

Kibble welcomed young people from the Listen2Us Project in Dumfries, and Who Cares? Scotland as they put their collective heads together to craft some amazing sculptures.  The organisations met at the recent ‘Who Cares? Scotland Time to [act]: Care Can Be Phenomenal’ event and it became clear there was an abundance of artistic talent that needed to be explored further.

Kibble’s Arts Development Officer Gavin Sinclair explained: “When I met the Listen2Us Project group it was obvious that they were keen to be involved in the Care 2 Create event. We quickly organised a weekend class and it was a real success. It just shows what can be achieved when we just go for it. Well done to everyone involved.”

Young people spent the morning designing huge sculptures on the theme of ‘inspirations’.  Finished sculptures included a star, a hot air balloon and even Sponge Bob!  The impressive artwork will be displayed at the Care 2 Create event on the 18^th of June at BAad in Glasgow.  The group have also put their literacy ingenuity to the test and penned poems for the forthcoming event.

Care 2 Create is delivered in collaboration with Kibble, Who Cares? Scotland and various community partnerships.  It has helped over 50 young people to learn new skills, improve their confidence, engage in the arts and widen achievement.  The Care 2 Create event is free and will celebrate care experienced young people coming together through the creative arts.  The evening will showcase a diverse range of artistic talent and will include textiles, jewellery, painting, sculptures, murals and other visual arts mediums, live DJ sets, animation installations, free running, drumming and musical performances.

Although the event is free, you need to register to attend.  If you want an evening of guaranteed entertainment and inspiration, follow the link below to book your space.

Register now for Care 2 Create

Kibble creatives joined forces with Who Cares? Scotland to entertain delegates at the recent Time to [act]: Care Can Be Phenomenal event with an original play, ’Do You Want A Complaints Form, Son?’ Taking a humorous look at relationships in the care system, the play generated thought provoking discussion and raised questions for the audience to take back to their organisations.  Kibble’s Creative Arts Development Officer Gavin Sinclair, pupils Leanne McCormack and Michael Fowler, and the Who Cares? Scotland talent performed to a packed audience twice during the event and received rapturous applause.  One group of care professionals was so impressed they asked to use the script within their own organisation in Northern Ireland.

David Baird, Kibble’s Executive Director – Fostering and Community-based Services, was in attendance and commented: “The play was very well received with the audience unanimously rating it as very good/excellent.  I think it would be worth presenting it to care staff to help them reflect on how they could review the language they use and the structures that exist to make them less institutionalised and more child-centred.”

The event was organised by Who Cares? Scotland, with support from the Scottish Government, the Life Changes Trust, Renfrewshire Council, and University of The West of Scotland.  Delegates were given the opportunity to join workshops and share their views on the themes of rights, responsibilities, and relationships.  Speakers included representatives from Renfrewshire Council, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, NUS Scotland, and Alumni of Scottish Care Leavers. Contributor Laura Beveridge touched the hearts of the audience when she shared her experience of growing up in care.

It was a great opportunity for young people and professionals to network; we look forward to the next event!

Young people at Kibble played a key role in the production of a short film depicting life in the Safe Centre. Our Secure Services provide a nurturing and secure environment for young people (12-18) at risk of harming themselves or others. Jim Gillespie, Head of Service – Safe Centre, explained: “Young people are referred to Kibble at a point of crisis in their life and we aim to provide them with a sense of hope and aspiration.”

The feature was filmed by Newshot Productions and was produced/directed by Kibble’s Creative Arts Development Officer Gavin Sinclair.  In order to protect the privacy and confidentiality of Kibble young people, actors from the HNC Acting and Performance course at West College Scotland star in the film.  To ensure an accurate portrayal of Safe Centre life, young people gave the actors direction on what to say and how to convey their message.  Prior to filming, the actors were given a tour of the Centre and talked to young people and staff to gain insight into everyday life. The film captures the ethos of the Safe Centre and covers a vast range of topics such as aspirations and ambitions of young people, encouraging favourable behaviour, education, accommodation, social life, and making the transition from the Safe Centre to a positive destination.

The Safe Centre opened in 2007 and aims to instil in young people a sense of possibility, showing them their life can be very different from the life that led them to the Centre. Kibble’s Secure Services are integrated with all of Kibble’s other services, which means young people have a care plan that combines their education, access to our Specialist Intervention Services and if appropriate access to Employment and Training Services.

Check out the film below for a fascinating insight into Safe Centre life.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/puHLYfCD3l8?rel=0

Chief executive of Kibble Education and Care Centre, Graham Bell attended a special event at Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace of Blenheim Palace, on Wednesday 27^th May, to mark the 50^th anniversary of his living legacy – The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust (WCMT), and 50 years since his passing.

Graham went on his Churchill Travelling Fellowship in 2002 to America and Canada to research fostering, adoption and residential care of children.  Since then Kibble has launched its Intensive Fostering Services and improved its residential care services.

Over 1000 Fellows and their guests, from every decade since 1965 attended the day, which was hosted by the Duke of Marlborough’s sister – Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, who is herself a generational cousin of Sir Winston, and a member of the WCMT Advisory Council.

Members of the Churchill family, including Sir Winston’s grandson Jeremy Soames; and his great-grandson, Randolph, were also present; as well as many of the Trustees and Advisory Council from the WCMT.

Highlights of the day included presentations given by Fellows from 1968 to 2014, about how their Fellowship has shaped their lives and careers. Internationally acclaimed Churchill experts, including historian Sir David Cannedine, also gave talks.

The special day was rounded off with a spectacular Spitfire Display, followed by Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill and Randolph Churchill taking the salute at a Beating Retreat given by a marching band.

Graham said: “One of Kibble’s most recent employment training and job creation projects has been The Experience, a themed entertainment and events venue in the former Rolls Royce factory, in Hillington, which made the Merlin engines for Spitfire planes.  The transformation to youth employment, learning and leisure centre ensures the preservation of this iconic building.

“It was very moving to stand in the grounds of Blenheim Palace and watch the Spitfire fly-past.  The Merlin engines made in Hillington contributed significantly to the war effort and I am proud of this historic link.”

Fellows from the South West Association of the WCMT also presented Lady Henrietta with one of Britain’s rarest plants, the Plymouth pear tree, to be planted in the grounds of Blenheim Palace.

Since 1965, over 5000 British citizens have been awarded Churchill Fellowships, from over 100,000 applicants, to travel overseas to study areas of topical and personal interest. The knowledge and innovative ideas they bring back are widely shared, for the benefit of their profession, their community, and, in lots of cases, the nation. For many people a Churchill Fellowship proves transformational, and they go on to achieve great things – effecting positive change within society.

To mark its half century, The Trust has awarded a record number of 150 Travelling Fellowships in 2015 – investing over £1.3m in British citizens. This year’s Fellows will travel to 58 countries between them, across six continents, where they will carry out a wide range of projects. The average length of a Fellowship is 6 weeks.

Many events are being held throughout the year to celebrate Sir Winston’s life and legacy.

“It is fitting to hold our 50^th anniversary event at Blenheim Palace, and to come together with hundreds of Fellows from across the past 5 decades, to celebrate the life of this great leader. Sir Winston’s legacy lives on through our Fellows – individuals who, like him, have vision, leadership, a passion with a purpose, and a commitment to help their fellow citizens” says Jamie Balfour, Director General of The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust.

For further information please contact:
The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust on 020 7799 1660
www.wcmt.org.uk

Churchill 2015

‘Churchill 2015’ is a unique international celebration of the life and legacy of Sir Winston Churchill, fifty years after his death. Churchill-related activity will take place around the world to commemorate his achievements, to highlight his vibrant existing legacy, to promote a range of educational opportunities and to bring his life and work to new audiences. Churchill 2015 follows three main themes: Commemoration, to mark this important anniversary appropriately; Education, to engage and inspire future generations; and Legacy, to highlight, develop and enhance the existing work of Churchill organisations in delivering programmes focusing on leadership, debate and public speaking. Churchill 2015 is being led by an alliance of those charities and institutions with an interest in the life or legacy of Sir Winston. For a list of partners and planned activity see www.churchillcentral.com

Over the past decade KibbleWorks has grown and developed into a vibrant collective of social enterprises.  It remains true to its original purpose of providing tailored employability support for young people (16-25) facing barriers to employment. The ethos of KibbleWorks was recently captured on film; highlighting the range of opportunities available and giving a first-hand account of the KibbleWorks experience from the perspective of young people.

Eileen Cummings, Director of Education and Youth Training, explained: “We offer opportunities to improve employability skills, acquire vocational qualifications and gain experience in a real working environment.”

Young people can upskill and improve their job prospects through an integrated programme of vocational training and work placements. Opportunities are varied and include leisure and hospitality, horticulture, warehousing, auto engineering, mechanical engineering, business administration, joinery and construction, recycling, bike maintenance, picture framing, promotional goods design and production, and pest control. KibbleWorks is accredited to offer City and Guilds and SQA qualifications and in addition to embarking on training to support their chosen area of work, young employees are also encouraged to undertake employability and personal progress awards through these awarding bodies.

Mark Robertson, Education and Youth Training Manager said:  “Young people come here and put in a day’s work.  It’s not simply work experience, we like to look at the whole programme where young people get qualifications and this is treated as a realistic working opportunity.”

The recent launch of OsKar’s new look showroom proved a resounding success as they welcomed over 100 visitors on the first day. Members of the public were joined by community groups and local businesses, all keen to see the revamp and check-out the latest bargains.

OsKar’s is part of the KibbleWorks group of social enterprises; providing opportunities for young people facing barriers to employment by increasing their skillset and ultimately job prospects. Collecting and refurbishing unwanted furniture, OsKar’s then sell the goods in their showroom for a fraction of the original cost. Safety is paramount and all white goods are PAT tested by trained team members. They also provide a range of property maintenance services for individuals and organisations and regularly undertake house clearances, painting and decorating, and gardening.

Alison Organ, project officer for the re-use, repair and recycling charity, Community Resources Network Scotland said: “It’s the first time I have been to OsKar’s to see the recycling and up-cycling of goods that’s going on here. It’s brilliant as there’s a great variety and quality of goods here.

“It feeds into everything we are trying to achieve by creating a circular economy and OsKar’s also gives young people the chance of jobs and employment training.”

OsKar’s manager, Karen Gilligan said: “It’s very heartening for our staff to see such a great interest being taken in what we are achieving here.”

If you’d like to find out what’s causing such a stir, it’s time to take a trip to OsKar’s. Based at 55 Clark Street, Paisley, they’re open weekdays 9am – 4.30pm. Alternatively, for more information log on to www.oskars.org.uk or contact Karen Gilligan on 0141 847 6626.