Kibble Admin

Posted: April 30, 2024

Discover Chloe’s career journey from applying to work at Kibble through to joining Kibble’s Further Study Programme and gaining her Business and Administration SVQ Level 3.

Upon leaving school, Chloe was unsure at what her next step would be. However, she knew she enjoyed being busy, completing tasks diligently while also meeting new people and helping others. Chloe applied to become an Administrator at Kibble, knowing the days would be quick due to the size of the charity and the fact it would be fulfilling to play a role in ensuring young people were well-cared for.

Since joining Kibble’s hard-working Administrative team in 2022, Chloe has become a valuable team player, carrying out all responsibilities involved in running a round-the-clock business. Her friendly and approachable nature is recognised by colleagues, visitors and young people. All are happy to work alongside Chloe.

As Chloe approached her second year of working at Kibble, she began to plan for the future and decided she’d like to progress her career but still remain in her job – Chloe was happy at Kibble but was determined to establish a longer-term career hopefully within the organisation. Luckily, Kibble prioritises learning and development for all staff and Chloe was the ideal candidate.

Kibble’s Further Study Programme welcomes applications from all employees hoping to complete new qualifications in fields of study relating to their job at Kibble. The continued learning helps the entire workforce carryout their responsibilities to the best of their ability.

Through Further Study, Chloe received funding to complete a recognised qualification in Business and Administration.

“It is not often there is an opportunity to study and earn at the same time and I am very grateful for the opportunity to gain a qualification while remaining in a job I enjoy. I would recommend Kibble’s Further Study programme to my colleagues.”

“Although it was a time commitment to work and study at the same time, I received great support from the team I work with here at Kibble. I studied a little bit each day and before I knew it, the 9 months were complete and I had qualified!”

Kibble’s Further Study Programme is now open for applications from ambitious employees, like-minded to Chloe and who are ready for the chance to grow alongside the ever-evolving charity.

Join us in our aim to help as many young people as possible.

Find out more about Working with Kibble

Posted: April 29, 2024

Kibble’s Skills Academy held an Open Day. Visitors were introduced to the staff team, completed a tour of the bespoke workshop areas and got involved in an interactive panel session with young people.

The Open Day welcomed local businesses, colleges and universities, Social Enterprise Academy and The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework to experience The Skills Academy for themselves. All were impressed by the vast size of the academy and the breadth of the courses and workshops held for young people. The ambitious masterplan to revolutionise The Skills Academy into Scotland’s leading education and training centre was shared and those in the audience were encouraged to “Be Part of the Future”.

Organisations were made aware of the opportunities to join in and help young learners gain the confidence and skills required to believe in themselves and start work. Already, businesses including St Mirren and Ryder Architecture are working alongside the academy to offer apprenticeship-inspired roles and work experience placements for young people to learn within a real-life thriving business.

A highlight of the event was the interactive panel session with young people. The best people to describe The Skills Academy are those who attend the centre. Three young people shared their own personal involvement with the academy.

One young person is developing skills in catering and helped prepare the buffet lunch for the Open Day. Their expertise is also a valuable part of the team who organise the catering for St Mirren’s match day hospitality. However, their overall life goal is to become a pilot and the academy’s support with these aspirations has led to a workshop with Leading Edge Training Centre near Glasgow Airport.

Another young person who’s sense of humour made everyone laugh is determined to be an interior designer. Currently, completing qualifications in Painting and Decorating, the aspiring-designer has helped redecorate areas in St Mirren’s SMISA stadium.

The candid and straight-forward young person shared their honest belief at the impact the academy has had on them:

“If it wasn’t for The Skills Academy, I wouldn’t have got any qualifications.”

The powerful comment emphasises the importance of The Skills Academy and the demand to create a supportive educational environment that can tailor learning styles to those who want to build a rewarding career based on fields of study that genuinely interest them.

The third young person confidently spoke to the room as if talking amongst friends. Although open-minded about the future, The Skills Academy has given a true understanding of the various options available. Currently studying mechanics and helping Instructor Ross manage the large fleet of Kibble vehicles, the overall plan is to go into engineering. Through the academy’s business partnerships, a work placement with Ryder Architecture is planned for the summer.

An audience member asked, ‘what has been the greatest experience at The Skills Academy?’ and the mechanic-apprentice replied:

“It’s not just one great opportunity The Skills Academy has given us, instead it’s lots of different opportunities. We’ve had the chance to discover different industries, which has let us see what we prefer and enjoy.”

The three young people on the panel exemplified what The Skills Academy stands for. Each one displays confidence and enthusiastically discusses their future plans. The motivation showed by young people at The Skills Academy Open Day assured everyone in the room that the young generation has the potential to positively change the world.

The entire staff team including Kibble CEO, Jim; Director of Corporate Services, Mark; Head Teacher, Leona; Head of The Skills Academy, Lisa; Education Manager, Tracey and Employability Coordinator, Gillian were extremely proud of the young people for participating in the panel.

Posted: April 26, 2024

We’re pleased to announce the opening of Lunderston House, Kibble’s latest Residential Children’s House, set in the charming coastal village of Inverkip.

Lunderston House offers beautiful four-bedroom accommodation for children and young people from the age of five onwards. The house is warm, welcoming and modern in style, creating a child-friendly home that has been sensitively designed to meet the needs of young people with experience of trauma and/or adversity.

Making a House a Home

Lunderston House has been designed in-line with Kibble’s Therapeutic, Trauma-informed Model. Echoed across all our services, this ensures all aspects of young people’s care, from the nature inspired interiors, large landscaped gardens, skilled staff team and seamless integration with other services, promotes an environment where young people are safe.

The rhythms and routines at Lunderston House are typical of traditional family-living, with a comfortable and modern living room, large open-plan kitchen and dining room to prepare and enjoy mealtimes together, sizable bedrooms with en-suite facilities and walk in showers and a large garden to explore and enjoy hours of play. There are spaces to play computer games, watch films or curl up on the sofa with a book and a hot chocolate. On the children’s request, there is a dedicated arts and crafts area complete with colouring in books, kinetic sand, craft kits and lots of games.

Lunderston House is a large, impressive bungalow surrounded by rolling fields and stunning hillside views. Children can enjoy countryside walks and get to know their inquisitive equestrian neighbours in the nearby paddock.

Anchored in the Community

On our doorstep is the scenic Lunderston Bay, with its sandy beaches, abundant wildlife, coffee shop and rugged coastal paths. The perfect spot of a picnic. The house is also close to Kip Marina – a great spot to watch the sunsets over the firth of Clyde, enjoy a boat trip and maybe even catch a glimpse of the friendly dolphins! Inverkip is renowned for its welcoming community, hosting regular events, recreational and sporting activities. The children who stay at Lunderston House are encouraged to enjoy all that the community has to offer, taking part in drama classes, football camps and clubs to meet new friends.

To enquire about residential places at Lunderson House, please contact 0141 889 0044 or email referrals@kibble.org.

Photo Gallery

Posted: April 23, 2024

Talented young people wrote and directed their own powerful play to tell others, ‘you are not alone’.

Kibble Project Coordinator, Paige helped mentor young people throughout the script-writing process as part of the Delivering Equally Safe Programme. The project is funded by Scottish Government and managed by Inspiring Scotland with the overall aim to supports the prevention and eradication of violence against women and girls.

Together with funders and partners including I Am Me, Police Scotland and West College Scotland, the material will become part of the online resources taught to stop child exploitation. By co-producing educational resources with pupils, the impact will be greater as it incorporates the point-of-view from young people.

Kibble CEO, Jim Gillespie, shared: “Creative projects like this enable young people to explore and convey their emotions, whilst developing confidence and self-belief. A great initiative to be involved in and we’re thrilled to share resources, working together to support and educate others.”

Titled as ‘Trouble’, the play was brought to life and performed West College Scotland HND Acting students.

West College Scotland’s Curriculum Quality Leader for Drama, Dance, and Music, Gillian Desjacques, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating: “It’s been immensely rewarding to witness the dedication and creativity of our students as they address such crucial issues through the power of performance. Collaborating with Kibble on this project has been a privilege, and I’m thrilled to see the positive impact it will have in raising awareness and supporting young people across Scotland.”

Posted: April 5, 2024

Pupils from Goudie Academy held their own music gig and impressed the crowd with cover songs and original tracks.

Young people formed a band called ‘The Kosmonauts’ who confidently took to the stage to showcase their talent. A total of six songs was performed LIVE to a full crowd.

A young band member shared how much fun was had, exclaiming how appreciative they were to everyone who had come along to watch ‘The Kosmonauts’: “I wish it had been longer, it went by really fast. I enjoyed playing all the songs with ‘Teenage Kicks’ being the best because we’d practiced that the most. I liked that everyone came to support us.”

Kibble’s Senior Funding Officer, Angela, attended and shared her awe at young peoples’ confidence and talent: “As soon as ‘The Kosmonauts’ walked onto the stage they acted like a professional band. The lead singer welcomed the us all straight away with a big “Hello, Paisley!” and asked if we wanted another song.”

At Kibble, there are many talented young people who thoroughly enjoy playing instruments, singing and song-writing. Through the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative programme administered by Creative Scotland, the young musicians at Kibble received greater access to music-making through a range of fun workshops.

Prior to hosting their own music gig, young people of Kibble joined music workshops three-times-a-week. Everyone with an interest in music was invited to get involved – whether it was people with existing music-making skills, those who liked to sing or preferred to write their own song lyrics.

Each workshop was different. Some involved playing different instruments including drums, keyboard, guitar. Others were about the digital composition of music in the studio. All activities were designed for young people to experience what’s involved in building a career within the music industry.

As part of the Sounds Right Project, young people created their own record label, recorded themselves in the studio and produced a music video as well as host their own music gig. The performance demonstrated how valuable the music project has been in helping young people develop their skills that the funding is set to continue. Look out for ‘The Kosmonauts’ who are sure to have their name in lights.

Posted:

Goudie Academy pupils have opportunities to find a hobby or further develop a talent through out-of-school learning. Some pupils may select rock-climbing whereas others may spend the time getting involved with animal rights – which is what one young person has chosen to do.

At only thirteen years-old, one young pupil is certain their future involves helping animals. Their free-time is spent at the farm at Finlaystone Country Park with The Ark on the Clyde, a not-for-profit organisation dedicating to enhancing lives with animals and education.

The young person recently helped save baby lambs from an auctioneer. Instead, the lambs were taken to their new home at Finlaystone.

The young animal rights activist describes to us how the baby lambs are settling in: “I have always loved animals with my favourite being dogs, particularly a husky. My favourite thing to do is to spend time at Finlaystone Country Park and help at their farm where they have sheep, goats, guinea pigs and more. There are ducklings – one is called, Kiwi as it is brown and furry.”

“I helped the farm save twin lambs from an auction. We named them Evan and Oreo. Evan, the lamb, initially refused to eat. He was weak and moving very little. I held the lamb and comforted him by putting my head against his head and tried to help feed him. Evan began to trust me and realised I was friendly, he even started to follow me around. Now, Evan runs around and is playful – he has plenty of other sheep as pals.”

“A lot of work goes into caring for lambs as we need to pick them up and double-check they are all healthy and well – the main thing to look out for is a limp or if there are any injuries that need any antibiotic spray.”

“I visit the lambs and other animals up to three times a week and have learned so much about what is involved in looking after pets. I would love to get a job at the farm but I am now aware of all the tasks that need to be done and know it would be harder work than school.”

Posted: April 4, 2024

Kibble is looking for volunteers to organise fun activities for young people aged 5-12 years old at the Forest View Campus in Lochwinnoch. If you’re an enthusiastic, outgoing and friendly individual, apply now.

About the Volunteering Opportunity

You can volunteer with us and help deliver a programme of outdoor, after school and school holiday activities at our children’s residential houses in Lochwinnoch. Whether you have a skill to share through your own hobby and talent, or if you’re happy to be on-hand to help the existing team, you can join in with the fun.

Currently young people enjoy gymnastics, football as well as arts and crafts. Everyone thoroughly looks forward to spending time together and there’s lots of laughter as we play and learn. Young people have discovered new activities to enjoy. We’re hoping to further increase the number of choices for young people with help from fun volunteers like yourself. What game, activity, sport or outing would you suggest?

The schedule of events is part of Kibble’s Strengthening Minds project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, which aims to support the wellbeing of children and connect them to their local community.

Why Volunteer at Kibble?

This is an incredible volunteering opportunity in Lochwinnoch as you’ll have the privilege of playing a part in a child’s life. You will be responsible for helping young people discover new hobbies and encourage them to take part in Lochwinnoch’s community festivals and local fayres. It is a rewarding role where you will see young people grow in self-esteem and self-confidence.

Young people have thoroughly enjoyed trying new hobbies.

Apply now to Volunteer

If you are interested in getting involved or would like to find out more, please email: communications@kibble.org.

Visit our Volunteering Page

News You May Find Interesting

Say Hello to Our New Volunteers at Kibble | Introducing the individuals who have gifted us their time. Learn more.

Discover Forest View’s Summer Adventures | Find out how we spent the summer. Read the full story.

Forest View Took Part in Saving Energy Day | Let’s discuss the impact of energy use on our environment. Visit our news.

Posted: April 3, 2024

The Skills Academy Open Day

Date and time: Friday 26^th April, 10am – 12.30pm (Arrival from 9.30am)
Venue: The Skills Academy, Montrose Avenue, Hillington Park, Glasgow

You’re invited to experience what The Skills Academy has to offer. Visit Kibble’s education and training centre run in partnership with St Mirren Football Club where young people attend to gain qualifications, complete practical projects and achieve work placements. The experience ultimately helps strengthen their employability skills. The modern facilities include dedicated in-house and corporate training areas too.

About The Open Day

The Skill’s Academy Open Day is a chance for local business owners and existing partners to visit, as well as young people who are thinking of enrolling and staff members from Kibble who have not yet had the chance to see inside the academy for themselves. The impressive space has bespoke workshop areas including an operational car mechanics garage, a large commercial catering kitchen, classrooms, offices and meeting space. There are a vast range of subject choices available to young people with a dedicated team on-hand to help fulfil career development goals.

Learn about The Skills Academy

Local businesses can become a Skills Academy Business Partner

You can meet The Skills Academy team

About The Skills Academy

Kibble understands the need for education programmes to reflect the demands of today’s fast-paced world. The Skills Academy has developed a varied curriculum to motivate young people and encourage entrepreneurial spark, a sound understanding of finance and problem-solving skills. Further qualifications, apprenticeships and work placements are all possible through The Skills Academy. Our priority is to equip young people with confidence and self-belief, all to help them access the resources and tools to find and sustain employment in a job role they thoroughly enjoy.

Join us on Friday 26^th April for a fun day. Hear direct from our young people, explore the different qualifications and work placements available and learn about our social enterprises. You’ll also enjoy a delicious buffet by our own established catering team.

Click here to RSVP

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Posted: March 20, 2024

All school pupils are invited to attend our careers event in Hillington, Glasgow.

The Skills Academy is Kibble’s education and training centre, which supports young people gain the skills, qualifications and experience necessary to find and sustain employment. The varied curriculum, supportive learning environment and focus on entrepreneurship helps young learners to build illustrious careers. The academy’s annual Industry Day is an important date in our calendar. The careers event introduces school pupils to potential future employers.

📍 Industry Day at The Skills Academy, Hillington, Glasgow
📅 Thursday 18^th April, 10am – 12pm

If you are a school interested in arranging for your pupils to attend, please email: communications@kibble.org

Recommended News

Discover more about last year’s Industry Day careers event.

Young people attending the academy built a sweet cart.

Students decorated St Mirren’s first-team changing room.

Posted: February 14, 2024

To mark the end of Children’s Mental Health Week 2024, pupils at Forest View Primary held a special fundraiser and raised a whopping £234 for mental health charity, Place2Be.

The pupils and teachers did an incredible job in putting on a bustling Fundraising Fayre complete with a home baking stall, nail bar, temporary tattoo parlour, wellbeing gifts, customised tote bags and much more. What’s more, each of the stalls were managed by the children who greeted all who attended with a friendly smile and handled the money and change – young entrepreneurs in the making!

Education Manager Elizabeth McDonagh commented:

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who made it to the Forest View Fayre this morning. It was so lovely to welcome you and we are all really appreciative of you taking time out of your busy schedules to attend. The children loved the experience of it all!

“Well done to all the adults and children for their creativity and efforts. There was a lovely atmosphere when I popped up and everyone appeared to be having a really nice time.” Deborah Burke, Service Manager.

A lovely way to kick-start the weekend and a great amount of money which will go towards supporting children’s mental health across the UK. Well done team Forest View, we are all very proud of you!