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Posted: January 7, 2025

This year, two adventurous young lads at Kibble are setting their sights high, with ambitions to climb Scotland’s rugged hills and bens.

The idea to discover Scotland’s mountains was borne from a conversation at the dinner table on New Year’s Day. The idea was sparked following two of the children’s adventure, alongside staff, who climbed Ben A’an on Boxing Day. They were so excited on their return that the other children wanted to join in on future adventures too. No time like the present, with the steak pie dishes in the sink and the desserts being finished, team member Hayley checked the weather forecast for Conic Hill the following day and with blue skies promised, the resolutions were in motion.

With the alarm set early to make the most of daylight hours, the enthusiastic group set off for Balmaha to climb the scenic Conic Hill. The walkers were braced for all weathers, with woolly hats, scarves, gloves and waterproofs should the weather take an unexpected turn. There was great excitement as they made their way up the rocky terrain, greeted by fellow walkers wishing them a Happy New Year as they passed. Despite the sub-zero temperatures, they were welcomed by beautiful, bright blue skies to mark the beginning of a brand-new year.

As the group made their way towards the summit, they even stumbled across a herd of friendly cows. One of the children couldn’t quite believe it, excitedly shouting “are they really, real?”. They decided not to get too close though and keep their pace up the hill. After a few stop-offs to rest their legs, they began to see the peak which formed a shape they imagined was like the Grinch’s lair towering over Whoville. Conversations sparked as to whether the Grinch himself may appear once they reached the top, motivating the boys to keep going.

Reaching the Summit

Despite their weary legs, the walkers reached the Summit where they were met with breath-taking views across Loch Lomond and surrounding snow-clad hills. There was also snow on the summit, so the boys enjoyed throwing snowballs and building a snow man. After a quick picnic to recharge and refuel, they made their way back down the hill, and to the warmth of the car.

“I am so proud of the children for setting their intentions and then going for it, without hesitation! What a great way to kick start a new year and we’re excited to look at the map and mark out the year’s adventures, culminating in climbing the Cobbler. When it comes to ambition and determination, the sky is the limit for our boys!”

Hayley Clark, Kibble

Despite the cold weather, the boys were unphased and loved every moment of their day’s adventure. On the car journey home, they spoke of all of the exciting things that they saw and made plans to climb more hills throughout the year, before going camping in the summer and tackling the mighty Cobbler in Arrochar.

After the exertion of the day, the boys were shattered and fell asleep as soon as their heads touched the pillow. We’re sure their dreams were as big as the challenges they aspire to and we can’t wait to hear of their future endeavours discovering Scotland’s majestic mountains.

A huge well done to our young mountaineers!

Posted: December 23, 2024

Young people who attend Kibble’s Skills Academy opened their very own Christmas Shop.

Throughout December, young people set up their very own Christmas Shop from their education and training centre based in Hillington. The young entrepreneurs invited staff from across all Kibble to shop for thoughtfully handmade décor and gifts. There were Christmas wreaths, Christmas baubles, Christmas trees, chilli plants and more.

Head of The Skills Academy, Lisa and Principal Teacher, Tracey at the Christmas Shop.

The Christmas wreaths were all unique as each one was crafted by young people who had gathered foliage and willow to use.

There were real plotted Christmas Trees to decorate to make sure every space could have the traditional scent of Fir Tree.

The charming wooden ornaments feature a detailed scene of a snowy enchanted forest.

There were fun stocking fillers with colourful keyrings, pencils and party bags too.

At the academy, young people gain essential academic qualifications and have opportunities to take part in practical lessons and works experience opportunities. There is a focus on entrepreneurial skills too. The Christmas Shop is an example of young people innovatively applying their sustainability mindset with entrepreneurial spark.

The young entrepreneurs wanted to set-up a social enterprise during the festive season and decided to start a shop that had the unique selling point of one-of-a-kind gifts. Young learners spent time with Sustainability and Green Skills Coordinator, Joe to create individual Christmas wreaths, gathering willow to use as a wreath base and foliage for a vibrant forest green.

Wreath-making was enjoyed by all.

Each wreath was bespoke.

The end result was a series of very happy customers.

Employability and Tenancy Coordinator, Gillian.

Child and Youth Care Worker from the fostering team, Scott.

The Christmas Shop was a great success!

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Kibble young people fundraised £3,000 worth of food for the foodbank in Ferguslie, which is ran by Darkwood Crew community group.

Pupils from Kibble’s Goudie Academy fundraised over £1,500 through their Christmas Fayre in support of Darkwood Crew, a charity with the mission to help Ferguslie flourish. The Senior Leadership Team at Kibble were inspired by the dedication shown by the young fundraisers and agreed to match the amount raised to bring the final count to £3,000.

Executive Director, Neil McMillan described how impressed the entire Senior Leadership team were to hear of the fundraising efforts: “The motivation young people and staff have shown in helping others is outstanding.”

“Young people take the time to select which charity to fundraise for and knew their efforts had the potential to help the foodbank enormously. We are more than happy to get involved as we know our additional contribution is directly making a difference to families in need of extra support.”

As the final tally was confirmed, young people and their teachers went to Asda to select essential food items for families who need extra support before delivering it to Darkwood Crew.

Home Economics Teacher, Carol explains careful thought was given to what staple foods would make the biggest difference: “when going to Asda to buy the food we would donate, young people immediately mentioned chocolate selection boxes. Although a thoughtful idea, we helped young people understand we’re helping families who may be struggling to have a hot meal. Everyone was in full agreement we had to buy the essentials as families are entitled to a nutritious, healthy dinner.”

“It was extremely moving to see young people fully get behind the cause and work together to help others.”

Teacher, Carol and young people went shopping.

Everyone helped stock the shelves and cupboards.

Maths and Employability Teacher, Alicia was grateful for everyone involved. It was a big team effort to organise the Christmas Fayre and fundraise the significant total: “a big well done and thank you to all our young people, staff and teachers who helped to make lovely decorations, baked cakes, made posters or even served on a stall.”

Darkwood Crew Community Market operates every Thursday from 11am in the Tannahill Centre in Ferguslie. The powerful provision is entirely volunteer run by remarkable and compassionate individuals who gift their time to source essential food items and help families feel less anxious about their next meal.

Last Christmas, Darkwood Crew assisted 223 people at the market with a further 53 members receiving a Christmas Hamper on Christmas Eve to ensure they were catered for during the Christmas and New Year one-week shutdown.

Teacher, Alicia with Tannahill Facilities Manager, Christopher and Teacher, Carol.

Darkwood Crew Project Lead and Secretary, Terry was overwhelmed with Kibble’s generous contribution: “What an incredible support to our community market, thank you ever so much to everyone involved. The difference Kibble continues to make with their consistent fundraising efforts cannot be overstated. We are beyond grateful for Kibble’s support in helping some of the most marginalised community members.”

Tannahill Facilities Manager, Christopher found the support remarkable: “Kibble has helped fully stock our cupboards for the most demanding time of year. Christmas can put extra demands on families and now those struggling know they can access support.”

There was great effort put into helping Darkwood Crew. From organising the Christmas Fayre and planning fundraising activities to inviting the wider staff team who came ready to support. All the way through to looking at the fully stocked shelves and cupboards at the community market. By Kibble raising the significant amount, Darkwood Crew can confidently help families throughout Christmas.

Posted: December 20, 2024

Child and Youth Care Worker, Lesley brightens up Christmas time for everyone around her.

Since joining Kibble four years ago, Lesley has chosen to spend every Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Kibble, creating memories for young people who she has formed strong bonds with. The festive period has the power to bring overwhelming emotions to the forefront for some and Lesley takes the time to plan how the day can be enjoyed. Over the years, meaningful traditions have since been created due to Lesley’s compassionate energy and enthusiasm for making good memories during the demanding time of year.

Lesley with the festive Christmas tree.

Lesley’s preparations begin long before the 24^th December as she is determined to bring joyful moments while also offering space to those who wish to reflect and remember special people who are no longer with us.

The traditions involve Christmas Eve boxes, which include matching jammies to wear the night before waking up in the morning to a big breakfast and presents. Young people spend the day relaxing before having Christmas dinner and Lesley’s on-hand to prepare any special requests from young people – one being a wish for honey-glazed carrots. As well as the Christmas meals, a cheeseboard and snacks are fan-favourites too. The house has a large open plan kitchen and living area where young people are happy to be and help prepare the dinner and set the table.

Lesley and some young people want to remember past loved ones and will do so by lighting-up balloons together. The time of year can magnify feelings of grief and sadness therefore there must be the option to step away from the festivities when needed and have quiet time to reflect.

The house where Lesley is based, may pair up with another house and spend time together. The number of people in each house can differ depending on if young people are seeing family members. By getting together, there’s a bigger group to enjoy one another’s company.

Child and Youth Care Worker, Lesley and Acting Service Manager, John who bring Christmas magic to life for young people.

Lesley fully understands Christmas can mean different things to different people and encourages others to make it their own. Lesley has brought bespoke traditions to the house in the hope young people have memories they can hold on to and look back upon with happiness.

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John leads by example and puts young people first at every opportunity and his mindset does not waver during Christmas.

December is a busy time for everyone. There are added demands as time hurtles quickly towards the 25^th with pressures to have an idyllic day while emotions can feel largely heightened. However, John’s priority is motivating his colleagues into maintaining safety, stability and positivity. The adults work closely together to keep young people’s spirits up and make sure they’re looking forward to the holiday.

Child and Youth Care Worker, Lesley with Acting Service Manager, John with their tree.

The staff team consider how young people would prefer to spend Christmas Day, letting the kids know they are always there to be a sounding board to how they’re feeling. Within this particular house, there are bespoke traditions of Christmas Eve boxes, Christmas jammies and a breakfast with presents before preparing dinner. There is also the option to meet up with another house nearby to have a bigger gathering to eat and laugh altogether. In amongst the festivities, there is space to take a breather and have personal time to yourself. The hope is for people to enjoy the day, for it to be laid-back, go at a leisurely pace and be calm.

John now has to balance a leadership role with wanting to spend as much time as possible with young people and is determined to show young people and colleagues he’ll consistently be on-hand to listen, help and support, even during the busy period of Christmas.

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Hayley is based within one of our residential children’s houses at Forest View in Lochwinnoch. She cares for younger children between the ages of five and 12 and makes sure Christmas feels magical for them.

When you’re younger, Christmas time can be filled with wonder and enchantment and Hayley wholeheartedly believes in making December as special as possible for those at Forest View.

Hayley shares the month of December is a favourite of hers: “I love when the Christmas rush begins. We help children write their letters to Santa and see the joy on their faces each morning when they wake up to see what mischief the elf has been up to. One of the favourites, has been when the elves pinched some apples and dressed up as Ninja Turtles.

She describes the fun children have throughout Christmas time: “The children are enjoying trips to the panto, having breakfast with Santa and have went to Winter Wonderland at Valley View.”

It’s filled with sentimental memories: “The children love getting creative and have made their own stockings and decorations for the tree. We kept a handmade star made by one young person last Christmas and this year, he helped put up the tree and placed his star at the top.”

While there can be lots going on during the busy time of year, the wholesome traditions remain precious: “Christmas can be a difficult time of year for some people and we really try and make it as magical for the children as we can. We love to get the children involved in all the Christmas traditions from sprinkling the reindeer dust to leaving out a carrot, some milk and a cookie for Santa.”

For the past six years, Hayley has built her career at Kibble. She understands the job role is essential and comes with the requirement of being present at all times of the year and looks forward to December. Hayley embraces the opportunity to make lifelong memories for children and sees it as a privilege.

Ultimately, Hayley’s Christmas wish is for young people to be happy: “I love the feeling of knowing you are making a positive difference in a child’s life no matter how big or small that may be.”

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At every opportunity, Lindsay puts 100% effort into making sure young people she cares for feel happy, safe and optimistic.

Child and Youth Care Worker, Lindsay works within one of our residential children’s houses in Glasgow, supporting teenagers as they learn to become more independent. Lindsay’s enthusiasm for celebrating seasons, occasions and happy moments has encouraged young people to become more open-minded in creating their own festive traditions.

At Christmas time, Lindsay and the close-knit staff team carefully consider young people’s thoughts and feelings about the demanding time of year. The entire team try to prevent young people from becoming overwhelmed with decorations, emotional strain, hectic plans and disrupted routines. Amongst the noise of Christmas, young people are very much listened to and decide how to have fun.

Lindsay, prides herself on enthusiastically celebrating each small to big achievement. She is nicknamed, Mrs Christmas and has four trees in her own home. Her positive attitude paired with respecting the feelings of others has encouraged the teenagers to start their own traditions. By showing empathy, Lindsay has helped young people understand they can get involved with the merriment at their own pace and comfort level.

Lindsay is proud of young people for decorating the house together.

The excitement and dedication to creating happy moments has inspired young people to put up a Christmas tree in the living room and outdoor twinkling lights. Young people also decided on trips to the cinema, Irn-Bru Carnival and Glasgow Christmas Market. Memories have been made in the house with young people and adults spending time altogether.

Lindsay and young people put up a tree.

Outdoor lights make the house look festive.

Lindsay shares a further insight into the day-to-day life and how Christmas fits in: “My week usually involves motivating young people to achieve their goals. It can be to attend college, explore education options and learn to budget. Overall, help young people develop independence and capable of one day living themselves in their own house. Most of all, we try to have lots of fun. We cook new things to try, watch TV, play boardgames, there’s always music on and sometimes, there’s dancing around the living room. The house is lived in with plenty of laughter, Scottish sarcasm and humour.”

“On Christmas Day, there’s the option of a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and for those who prefer something different for dinner, we might splash out on a takeaway.”

“Over Christmas and New Year, we’re getting into cooking and baking and plan to make a homemade fabulous Ferrero Rocher cheesecake. Hopefully, young people are up for joining in with karaoke.”

As a Child and Youth Care Worker at Kibble, there is an understanding the job role is a career, which involves being on-hand at all times of the year: “Working in any care environment can involve working through the holidays. We have a great team who work together and create a plan for young people to have consistency and for adults to enjoy time at home too. Each one of us understands the importance of giving our young people a special day in a fun and loving environment.”

Lindsay would describe Christmas at Kibble as being special: “Christmas allows us all to bring out our inner child. There’s a thrill in the small things like decorating the tree, treating the kids to a little more than usual and planning day trips. The houses in our cul-de-sac always go to a great effort to decorate making it lovely to drive in at night. In the day time, we receive visits from our woodland friends including squirrels and deer. Just a few weeks ago, we took lovely photos of the animals in the snow. It’s such a cosy and peaceful place to be.”

Lindsay knew she wanted to make a difference to the lives of young people and particularly wanted to build a career at Kibble: “My decision to move to Kibble was to have a positive impact on the life of others. I wanted to help young people to achieve the education and life skills necessary for a positive future in adulthood. I researched Kibble and found the organisation had a range of support services for their young people and also invested in their employees too. Kibble help the staff team expand their knowledge, which allows us to strengthen our ability to do our job well and be the best we can be for the kids.”

“The training and development opportunities were a huge factor for me as I love to learn and push myself to excel. One thing many don’t know is that I applied to Kibble twice before I got the job. I was eager and knew I’d get there. The first time I applied, I didn’t reach the interview stage. I decided to not let it get me down and instead, gain a similar job role in care to increase my experience and build on my knowledge. Next time Kibble were recruiting, I was prepared and got the job! It all worked out in the end.”

Her focus has always been to bond with young people: “I find fulfilment in building relationships with young people across our houses. Each have unique personalities: some are natural born comedians; some are creative; and some are wonderfully gifted with other impressive talents.”

All throughout the year, Lindsay and her colleagues bring magic to the lives of young people by making sure the house is fun, safe and peaceful and somewhere, they can be themselves.

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Posted: December 5, 2024

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with plenty of festivities taking place across the different services and locations of Kibble. Read on to discover the magical calendar of events.

Mirin Academy’s Christmas Fayre

Mirin Academy’s Christmas Fayre was a massive success with LIVE music and colourful shopping stalls filled with sparkly Christmas decorations and delicious sweet treats.

Smiles All Round at the Staff Kids’ Christmas Party

An annual event that’s never to be missed! The Staff Kids’ Christmas Party has SANTA on the guestlist and everyone was in awe meeting Mr Claus and his helpers.

Kibble stepped into the spotlight with a hilarious adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

Titled Ebenezer Scrooge, talented Goudie Academy learners re-enacted the Dickens classic to invited audiences at Kibble’s Gannochy Theatre at the beginning of December, before taking it on the road.

The panto followed the story of the miserly Scrooge who despises Christmas and all that it entails. That is, until he is visited by three spirits at the chime of midnight on Christmas Eve – the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. By enabling him to observe past Christmases and the lives of those around him, including the plight of worker Miss Cratchit and son, Tiny Tim, Scrooge learns the kindness of humanity and the warmth of Christmas.

The cast took to the stage and brought the tale into modern times. The talented young people cleverly devised the script and even wrote the song lyrics. In true panto style, there was laughter, hearty singing and audience participation.

The performances at Kibble’s Gannochy Theatre were tremendous but the best show was at the Milldale Day Centre. The show travelled to Linwood to put on an event for the adults at Milldale who would now call themselves ‘theatregoers’ as they were in awe at the talented actors. There were massive smiles on everyone’s faces as the crowd were in awe with the characters, music and costumes.

It is unanimous that a standing ovation is well-deserved the cast and crew.

KidsOut

Kibble donated Over 70 Christmas presents. At our Corporate Headquarters in Finnieston, a KidsOut ‘Giving Tree’ was placed and decorated with gift tags – each one had a child’s name, age and a Christmas gift they’d love to receive. The gift tags were from families and children who, without help, would receive very little or nothing at all.

The thoughtful initiative resonated with us and from one charity to another, we had to get involved. On the final day, the remaining tags were fulfilled by Kibble. A total of 74 gifts were donated to KidsOut through their ‘Giving Tree’ project with 17 being directly from staff members themselves. The gifts included a colouring set, a football, a cuddly toy, a sports bag and we hope all bring smiles to the children.

As well as helping others and giving gifts, Kibble has also received donations and presents from thoughtful businesses and individuals who wanted to make sure young people we support have an extra surprise on Christmas Day.

All children deserve to have happy memories and feel special.

The Elves Have Been Causing Mischief

All across Kibble within our residential children’s houses, the elves have had plenty of fun. They’ve tried to shine shoes, turn the dishwasher into a car wash and hide candy cane sweeties for us to find.

Hear about Forest View’s Christmas Fayre

Kibble’s Christmas plans began with Forest View’s magical Christmas Fayre, which raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The primary school in Lochwinnoch organised a fantastic event with plenty of stalls and activities plus a raffle with sensational prizes.

Everyone arrived ready to shop for homemade crafts, Christmas decorations and garlands, jewellery, bookmarks and reindeer dust.

For the raffle, local businesses from Lochwinnoch and beyond got involved by donating valuable prizes. We were grateful to all for contributing to our fundraiser. Thank you to Lulu’s, The Village Barber Lochwinnoch, The Junction Café, The Three Churches, Shrubs to Suds, Leondaro’s, Starbucks, Company Shop in Renfrew, Empire Coaching and Macfarlane and Young Estate Agents.

Overall, great fun was had by all!

Festive Fun at Goudie Academy’s Christmas Fayre

Goudie Academy held a Christmas Fayre in support of Darkwood Crew who have the mission to help the area of Ferguslie flourish. The joyful event successfully raised over £1,500.

Secondary pupils and the staff team invited everyone from Kibble. The room was full of shopping stalls, games and raffles. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed finding stocking fillers and gifts as candles, personalised items and handmade decorations were for sale.

Prizes were won too! Well done to Principal Teacher, Amy who won ‘Guess the Teddy’s Name’ with the entry of ‘Coco’.

Crowds entered into the Christmas Fayre and could clearly see how much organisation had went into the event, creating an atmosphere that had everyone feeling merry.

The holiday season often brims with a packed calendar, leaving many feeling overwhelmed. Yet, joyful charitable events can bring perspective, reminding us of what truly matters and creating cherished memories that make it easy to agree—it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Additional Christmas News

Foodbank Now Fully Stocked by Kind-Hearted Young People.

Christmas Shop at The Skills Academy.

Let the staff team tell you about Christmas at Kibble. Meet Lindsay, Hayley, Lesley and John.

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Posted: December 4, 2024

Graffiti artist, David Knox visited The Skills Academy to help young artists craft their own style of street art.

Students with an interest in painting and decorating train with Skills Academy Instructor, Paul. The youngsters also have the opportunity to further develop their artistic abilities by joining valuable masterclasses with genuine professionals working within the industry. With help from David and Paul, the young aspiring artists redecorated their paint workshop with their own street art style.

At Kibble’s Skills Academy, young people are encouraged to bring their imagination to life and further develop their creative skills whether it is script-writing, music-making, video creation, building through their construction course or completing an art project. Across all subjects, young people paint outside the lines at our academy.

Students have shown great talent in street art and produced original artwork with a colourful urban style. Graffiti has become more and more popular with many aspiring artists taking inspiration from the contemporary works by Banksy.

Young people can design text, images and illustrations by hand using spray paint. The distinctive sketches stand out and is a form of self-expression. The time spent with Instructor, Paul and masterclass with graffiti artist, David has helped enhance young peoples’ overall creative talent.

Head of The Skills Academy, Lisa is certain young people will break down walls with their creative skills and was in awe at the transformation by young people. Lisa shared, “Young people have brightened up the place with their designs.”

The Skills Academy empowers young people to fulfil their potential and achieve. Through the academy, young people can enjoy learning about a subject they have an interest in and begin to optimistically look towards their future. Those who complete the Painting and Decoration course and accomplish an SCQF Level 4 in Construction Craft and Technician may consider entry into college or an apprenticeship. The future career possibilities are endless.

Posted: November 14, 2024

Young people became experts in the art of coffee-making as The Skills Academy held an industry-leading barista training session.

Cappuccino, americano, espresso and vanilla latte. All were among the popular coffee drinks crafted by young people using a commercial coffee-maker. Young people were extremely professional throughout the training session and each were awarded the ‘Barista Skills Course Completion Certificate’ to add to their CV and widen future employment opportunities.

Most importantly, the aspiring baristas received outstanding customer reviews with Principal Teacher, Tracey giving her coffee and customer service top marks.

All youngsters agreed the training was fun with one potential entrepreneur imagining his own coffee shop called, ‘Coffee Toffee’.

The Skills Academy has an ambitious plan to be Scotland’s leading education and training centre for young people. The external training is an example of the academy striving to form partnership with more genuine businesses to help prepare youngsters for the world of work.

The academy welcomed portable coffee bar and events company, Kart Coffee, which provide coffee bars for weddings and events, the company also offer barista training. The business is owned by Ryan who delivered the training to our young people.

Kart Coffee Owner, Ryan is 27-years-old with over 10 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. Young Ryan did not enjoy school and instead of continuing onto higher education, Ryan began working in cafes and restaurants from 16-years-old. The practical learning and connecting with people suited Ryan’s personality and he has since built a thriving career establishing his own coffee cart business.

As a young entrepreneur, Ryan showed young people what is possible when you find something you enjoy. His story has the potential to motivate young learners to believe in themselves and plan a brighter future.

The Skills Academy focuses on entrepreneurial skills and incorporates opportunities for young people to develop skills in business, finance, customer service and leadership.