At the age of ten, Rory is already following his dream to become an art teacher having recently discovered his love and aptitude for art. As a day pupil at Forest View Primary School, Rory has been inspired by his art teacher and he spends hours sketching and painting to create fantastic, imaginative pieces. He entered an art competition through trampoline park ‘Flip Out’ and was awarded first place across the whole of Glasgow.
Rory has attended school at Kibble for three years, following difficulties engaging in mainstream education. He had experienced trauma in his life and as a result had low confidence and anxiety which led to him to fall behind at school. Rory has thrived at Kibble, not only in his education, but in his confidence and ability to overcome his anxieties. He has achieved his Trinity Arts Award at Discovery Level, and as part of this award he proudly stood in front of teachers to deliver a presentation on his work.
For Rory, writing was an activity he actively avoided. However, by introducing the Talk for Writing teaching method in class, Rory has been able to express his creative flair through his writing. After returning from a visit to a museum, Rory was so excited he wrote a six-page account of his trip. He is also a fan of reading, and among his favourite books are Harry Potter, and anything by Roald Dahl including Esio Trot which features a pet tortoise called Alfie.
But a friendly tortoise doesn’t only feature in the storybook, Rory also enjoys visits from ‘Monster the tortoise’. In fact, several animals visit Forest View including miniature ponies, dogs, a lizard and chickens. Spending time with the animals has brought significant benefits for Rory – he loves reading stories to them and this has really helped to develop his confidence and self-esteem.
Every day Rory is growing in confidence and ability. He’s a joy to be around, a joy to teach and brings so much joy through his art.
^ Name changed to protect identity of young person.
Posted:
Daniel is a young man who overcame an unsettled period to embark on a career as a military paratrooper. On completion of his rigorous training, Daniel hopes to be honoured with his red beret – a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Daniel’s time at Kibble was a turning point in his life. His teenage years were difficult, and he got caught up with the wrong crowd and became involved in offending behaviour. He was placed in Kibble’s Safe Centre and this gave him the space to get his life back on track. While at Kibble he pursued his love of sport, joining the school football team, as well as swimming and playing pool. Daniel also attended KibbleWorks and gained his Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), with the initial aim to follow in the footsteps of his dad.
Daniel’s mother Lynda explained: “When Daniel returned home, he was a different lad altogether and a joy to live with. He was my Daniel and I had him back to how he used to be”. After leaving Kibble, Daniel began working with his dad before going to college to study brickwork. However, it wasn’t long before he decided he wanted to join the army. Lynda’s emotions were mixed, however she realised that this was his dream and she would support him all the way. Daniel recently completed the first part of his training where he passed with flying colours and is now undertaking 26 weeks training to join the paratroopers.
Lynda shared her story with us to say thank you to staff “for all the time and consideration you have towards the children”. She hopes Daniel’s story will inspire other young people to fulfil their ambitions.
Posted:
When two teenage brothers came to Kibble, it was their first experience of living away from home. Facing difficult family circumstances, the transition to living with a foster family was never going to be easy, however with the right support the boys were able to turn their lives around. Both boys are settled in their foster family, they are growing in trust and confidence, and making significant progress in their education.
Billy, now aged 14 and his younger brother James (age 13), were the first children to be supported by Kibble’s Shared Living foster care service which combines family living with close support from practitioners in the home. The loss of the boys’ father had a profound effect on the family, including their mum who experienced poor mental health. Both boys became involved in anti-social behaviour and were falling behind in their education because they were not attending school. To keep them safe and offer stability, they were placed in temporary foster care.
The road ahead was not easy as the boys learned to adapt to life in another family. They regularly gravitated back to their community and spent most of their time on the streets. But in time, foster carers David and Suzanne gradually helped them to feel that they were safe and belonged, and eventually a bond was formed as the emotional barriers came down. Both boys were closely supported by a therapeutic practitioner, who also worked with their mum and foster carers. Collectively, they worked through emotions and behaviours and found ways to understand each other.
Fast forward six months and life is very different. Billy attends KibbleWorks each day and is gaining skills and qualifications. He’s currently applying for college to follow a career in welding. James is doing well at school and has been gaining experience in greenkeeping and mechanics.
Posted: November 27, 2020
Henry Hepburn visited our Forest View campus in Lochwinnoch last year where he discovered a newfound appreciation for the ability of animals and pets to keep children calm. At Forest View, children have the opportunity to interact with dogs, tortoises and ponies, which help our young people build relationships and control their emotions. Read Henry’s full article for TES Scotland.
About Our Forest View Campus
The children’s residential houses and adjoining therapeutic primary school at Forest View in Lochwinnoch, provide a safe, welcoming place for children who may have experienced trauma from a young age. The entire Forest View campus was designed to be trauma-informed from the very beginning. Part of the approach involved making animals a crucial and permanent feature of the campus due to the profound impact they can have on vulnerable children.
At the Core of Forest View
The in-depth article for TES Scotland, which was written by Henry Hepburn, explains the crucial advantages quality time with pets has on our young children, along with a full description about our therapeutic school, which follows the Curriculum for Excellence. The feature confirms that forming relationships is at the very core of Forest View – relationships between staff and the importance of working together effectively as well as with the children and the bonds children form with animals.
Why Animals Are A Permanent Feature at Forest View
Animals can play a number of key roles in the learning and development of our young children.
Animals Are Non-judgemental
Animals live in the present and are non-judgmental, they do not carry baggage over from a previous day. Children find that animals treat them well consistently.
Animals Encourage Empathy and Reduce Restlessness
Children may settle more easily when animals are in the room as the children realise the impact loud noises can have on the animals. Children agree to “use their quiet voices” to make the animals feel at ease.
Animals Heighten Self-Awareness
Children want to keep animals safe and in-turn, this helps children gain awareness of their own personal safety as well. For example, when taking animals out a walk, children look ahead to check it is safe on behalf of the animals and for themselves, rather than running along with limited attention to their surroundings.
Animals Help with Literacy and Maths
Motivating children to read to a dog has seen astounding literacy progress. The tranquillity of the dog has helped the children to relax while reading and find enjoyment in story-telling and books.
Meanwhile, for maths, children have calculated the weight and length of ponies. Children have the actual mammals in front of them; instead of only imagining abstract calculations.
Animals Show the Power of Caring and Nurturing
By welcoming animals to Forest View all the time, children do not have a sanitised view of animals. Rather than seeing an animal occasionally and thinking “oh the animal is so shiny and clean”, children understand the full picture of what it is like to care for animals and look after them, realising the commitment involved to keep them clean and happy.
Overall, the presence of animals and the relationships formed with them, have made children see Forest View as a magical place. The pets include dogs, Buzz and Skip and a tortoise named Monster. There are plenty of hens – one was named Kimmy K due to her rather large derriere. Our pet collection is very loved at the Forest View campus.
To enquire about placements at Forest View, please contact Kibble on 0141 889 0044, or email referrals@kibble.org.
Posted: November 23, 2020
Fostering is perhaps the oldest and most widely understood model of care. However, for Kibble and its 160-year history in being a specialist provider for at-risk children and young people, the addition of Intensive Fostering Services is relatively new, beginning in 2004.
About Our Fostering Services
Established in 2004, our Intensive Fostering Services (IFS) were set up to provide foster placements for children and young people aged five and above. We support children and young people with complex needs, often expressed through challenging behaviours.
For the past 16 years IFS has continued to grow and we now have 18 team members supporting young people and foster carers.
Full Co-operation Across Kibble
By being an integral part of Kibble, IFS can offer young people direct access to our other services if needed. This fully integrated way of working helps build positive futures for young people with complex social, emotional and educational needs.
The IFS team works closely with all services at Kibble meaning young people who are in foster care, as well as foster carers, have the same opportunities and support networks as those in a residential care setting.
Exciting Developments for Our Fostering Services
The year 2021 will see significant progress as we look to expand our offering to other parts of central Scotland. Our new offices in Paisley and Hamilton will allow us to deliver our specialist model of foster care in an increased number of locations, helping even more young people.
A Day in The Life of a Foster Family Placement Supervisor
Nicole Potter, Foster Family Placement Supervisor, described some of the responsibilities the small, friendly team have:
Every day is completely different – whether it is supporting a foster carer or going out on an activity with a young person. We want to give young people the love and care that prepares them for the next stage of their care journey and to be there to support the foster carers should they require it.
Nicole continues: “Many of our staff members start their day by visiting the office to collect whatever they need to provide outreach support to their young people. The support offered to young people is provided within their homes, schools, and communities.
At the end of the day staff will return to the office to provide an overview and complete various tasks to ensure their work is being effectively recorded, allowing for reflection”.
Discover photos from fun days out at the beach, fundraising for a good cause with the Kiltwalk and a summer evening BBQ.
The Path to Success
The success of IFS and Kibble relies on our dedicated staff and exceptional carers. Kibble invests heavily in providing staff and carers with training opportunities and fully encourages innovation within its practice. The further development of IFS will be full of challenges, but will have the objective of helping Kibble achieve their longstanding mission of helping as many young people as possible get a chance at life.
#KibbleInspires
Throughout our 160-year history, Kibble has put the needs of young people first by providing integrated and innovative services. Our dedicated staff, whatever role they have within the Kibble family, are essential to making this happen. We are all frontline workers, determined every day to improve the lives of young people.
The #KibbleInspires series looks at some of the services that make up the Kibble family and highlights the roles that they play in ensuring that we can provide the best care and education for young people across Scotland.
Posted: November 11, 2020
Throughout our 160 year history, Kibble has put the needs of young people first by providing integrated and innovative services. Our dedicated staff, whatever role they have in the Kibble family, are essential to making this happen. We are all frontline workers, determined every day to improve the lives of young people.
The #KibbleInspires series looks at some of the services that make up the Kibble family, and highlights the roles that they play in ensuring that we can provide the best care and education for young people across Scotland.
Kibble’s ICT Team
Whether at work or home, technology has changed the way we live our lives. We have come to rely on it for much of what we do, and Kibble is no different.
So how does an organisation like Kibble, with hundreds of young people and staff, use ICT to provide sector-leading care and education?
ICT is critical to much of what Kibble does. As part of our culture of innovation, we have recognised and embraced digital technology from the dawn of the internet age. This means that whether it is for staff tools, educational purposes, communications for young people, or business continuity, the team is ready for anything.
A hugely important part of the job is being approachable. The expert team of six are familiar faces across Kibble’s multiple locations, and if a staff member or young person is unsure about something technical, they can speak to the team and get a fast resolution.
Just as important as the front-facing work with young people and staff is the huge amount that goes on in the background. From installing and maintaining core infrastructure, networks, servers, and backups, there’s a huge amount required to keep Kibble operating and providing the care and education that our young people rely on.
With over 80 years’ worth of expertise in their field, you might think there is nothing new for the team to tackle. But in a world where technology changes daily, a big emphasis is put on continuous professional development ensuring that Kibble can meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
There is no such thing as a typical day. Recently, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, our ICT team helped put their skills into facilitating our organisational response.
This new way of life for Kibble has included increasing the number of people working remotely, therefore the team stepped up to provide remote and secure access to support home working. In addition, to ensure young people stayed connected with friends and family, where face-to-face visits were restricted, the ICT team ensured that the technology was in place to retain these important connections. Perhaps one of the most momentous moments of achievement in the last few months has been stretching our purpose-built Wi-Fi to broadcast a virtual fashion show exhibiting the work of our young people.
There is no doubt that ICT is an important part of the Kibble family. Our ability as an organisation to make a difference in the lives of young people relies on new and innovative technology. Combined with the other services we provide, we can give young people a chance they deserve in life.
Posted: October 30, 2020
Our Forest View campus in Lochwinnoch provides nurturing accommodation for children with experience of trauma. There are two individual houses, Ness and Tay, which sit adjacent to our therapeutic primary school. The beautiful forest landscape with its acres of trees, rugged landscapes and wildlife provide a backdrop for this trauma-informed, child-centred provision.
About Kibble
Kibble supports at risk children and young people (aged 5-26) across the UK. Many of the young people we care for have experienced significant trauma in their lives and Kibble offers dedicated care and support to help them move forward. This includes residential and community support, as well as dedicated schools and wellbeing services.
The Location
Our research showed that nature was a key element when implementing a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment. The forest setting in Lochwinnoch provided the perfect location as it would not only draw in the natural landscape but was in easy reach of the local village and community where the children could engage in local groups and activities.
Watch Our Video
Our Clinical Director Dan Johnson explains how we have created a therapeutic and trauma-informed environment at Forest View.
Importance of Interiors
When creating Forest View, the interiors were a key component. Early in the design process we sought to create interiors that would draw the outdoors in, using elements of nature, space and light to support young people’s physical and mental health.
The term “trauma-informed design” is a concept that is beginning to gain momentum as architects and interior designers work to integrate the principles of trauma-informed care into their practices. It explores ideas for built environments that support the tenets of trauma-informed care.
We set a goal to create spaces that were welcoming, demonstrate a safe environment, and provide some degree of privacy. Recognising that the physical environment has an impact on attitude, mood, and behaviour, and that there is a strong link between our physiological state, our emotional state, and the physical environment.
How To Create A Trauma-Informed Environment?
Colour Scheme
To begin, an important factor to consider is the use of colour throughout the interior. Cool colours such as blue, green, purple are known to have a calming effect; lighter-coloured rooms are perceived as more open, less crowded and described as more “spatially available”, providing the feeling of a safer and more calming space. The avoidance of deeply hued warm colours including red, orange and yellow helps to discourage negative emotions.
Furniture
The type of furniture available, as well as the layout, has an important role in creating a peaceful, calming environment. In conjunction with light-colours, an open space with clear sightlines and few barriers can further increase the sense of safety. The arrangement of furniture needs to be considered as it will affect personal feelings related to the sense of safety, perceived crowdedness, and perceived relationship to staff members. For example, is a communitive or authoritative dynamic being encouraged? Seating should be arranged to increase socialisation, and by using natural materials and colours, we increase connection to nature and a develop sense of calm.
Rooms bright with natural light appear less crowded too.
At Forest View Primary School, the classrooms have floor to ceiling windows which double up as bi-folding doors to let the natural light sweep through. The classroom rocking chairs let pupils release any additional energy.
Plants, Flowers and Greenery
The use of plants can be decorative and recent research shows settings which include vegetation reduce stress, promote peace, tranquillity, enhanced self-esteem, and a sense of mastery of the environment.
The initial interior design plan for our entrance is filled with greenery and a welcoming sign. The décor is made of natural wood and oak, which complements the nature outside and conveys a warm welcome.
Art
Art is an important element. It adds visual interest and can create a visual distraction that alleviates stress, improves mood, comfort and satisfaction.
A support network has been formed to offer guidance, advice, activities and friendship to care leavers; and we have adapted the model to be safe during the pandemic. The help available is extensive and ranges from mental health support from qualified counsellors, regular video calls, social distancing walks, as well as providing assistance in the areas of housing and welfare, further education and more.
Computer Says Yes
Project Connect-19 ensure all young people have the technology in place to partake in the online sessions. By making online access available, young people can connect, even during an intense lockdown situation.
Online Cooking Classes
A popular activity has been virtual cooking and baking classes. Project Connect-19 delivers a box of ingredients to young people who in turn, join the online tutorial and create a meal and dessert themselves.
Mid-week has been titled Wok Wednesday as stir fry is becoming a crowd pleaser.
The dessert recipes are becoming more and more challenging transitioning from cupcakes to delicious Nutella Cheesecake.
Since the project began, the self-confidence of young people has grown massively as they have learned to cook their own meals from scratch.
Hear from Young People Themselves
Get Involved
If you’re a young care leaver who would like to know more, or if you are enquiring on behalf of a young person, make an enquiry by reaching our to project manager, Sandra Guiney.
Email Sandra.guiney@kibble.org or call 07773 176 728.
Posted: October 16, 2020
Rhiannan began her career at Kibble through our Trainee Programme, and has since progressed to a full-time Child and Youth Care Worker. When she discovered the opportunities Kibble provide children and young people, she knew she wanted to be part of the team.
What did you do before Kibble?
Before joining Kibble as a Trainee Child and Youth Care Worker, I was at university studying Criminology while working part-time in retail.
How long have you worked at Kibble?
I have worked at Kibble for over two years now. I started on the Trainee Programme before successfully applying to become a permanent annualised member of staff.
What made you want to work for Kibble?
Truthfully, I did not know a lot about Kibble before I applied, but one of my friends had worked here previously. When she told me about the opportunities Kibble provide to children and young people, I immediately decided I wanted to be part of the organisation.
Applying to the Trainee Programme seemed like a good opportunity to gain experience while being supported within the new role.
Can you give us an overview of your role at Kibble? What area do you work in?
I work in the Safe Centre within Islay House. The Safe Centre provides a safe, secure environment for young people at a point of crisis who require an intensive level of care, education and support to help them through a challenging time. The young people here need support, guidance and consistent care.
At the Safe Centre, the safety and wellbeing of the young people is our number one priority. We provide routine and structure each day, while bringing fun and laughter.
What is the best thing about working at Kibble? Tell us one thing you love about your job?
I love working at Kibble due to the close bonds I have made between the young people and my colleagues. We all rely on each other and the relationships that are formed are something I really admire.
Can you share a defining moment or story about your time at Kibble?
Personally, a highlight for me is seeing the young people progress to a point where they move on from the Safe Centre. It is great to be a part of that process and very rewarding to see the amazing things the young people go on to achieve.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Kibble?
Apply! You will not regret it. The trainee programme is a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills, while being supported in your new role.
Please complete the following statement using one word – “Kibble Inspires…”
#KibbleInspires opportunities.
Apply now to Kibble’s Child and Youth Care Worker Trainee Programme. Don’t miss out, closing date Monday 19th October 2020 at 12 noon.
Posted: October 7, 2020
On Monday 5 October The Secure Care Pathway and Standards were launched, mapping out what children and young people can expect should they come into secure care. Co -produced and co-designed by young people with experience of secure care and the wider care system, the standards map the journey before, during, and after secure care, exploring how that should look and feel at each of these stages.
Young people and staff at Kibble were integral to the development of the new standards alongside other Scottish secure care providers, local government and the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ). When implemented, the new standards will deliver a consistent, unified approach to caring for this vulnerable group in all council areas across Scotland.
Minister for Children and Young People Maree Todd said:
“Going into care is distressing. Some children will not be able to show their feelings or to talk about what they are going through. That is why it is important that we have systems in place that make transitions less traumatic.
“The standards are fully co-produced by young people living in secure care and those with care experience and are written from the child’s perspective to ensure young people’s voices are heard, their rights are adhered to and they are treated with respect.
“The standards reinforce our commitment to the Scottish Government’s Getting it Right for Every Child policy, supporting the incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the important asks of the Independent Care Review, Promise published earlier this year. Above all our young people must feel safe, loved and cared for in a compassionate nurturing environment.”
Beth-Anne Logan, a care experienced young person who has been involved in developing the standards said:
“Growing up in secure care, we wish we had a tool such as the standards to help us know our rights and what to expect off the people caring for us as secure can be a scary place sometimes – especially when you first move in there. These standards should be a beacon of hope and we should all be striving for the best care possible for Scotland’s children.”
According to Sinclair Soutar, Executive Director of Secure and Specialist Services at Kibble:
“The new standards are a key milestone in the transformational change agenda. Secure care today looks completely different to what it did ten years ago, and I fully expect it to look very different in the years ahead. With the commitment of all services/agencies involved in the implementation of the new standards, I think we will see a lot of positive changes.”
“At Kibble, we have been actively reviewing and implementing changes to our policies and practice since the beginning of this journey and we will continue to progress this in line with the new standards. Our therapeutic, trauma-informed care implementation is just one piece of the jigsaw. We’ve created forums and a range of opportunities for young people to share their voice and to tell us what changes they would like to see happen.”
