Kibble Admin

Posted: October 31, 2023

So far, Halloween 2023 has been extremely busy for Kibble. Beware, great fun ahead. Read on to discover what we’ve been up to this spooky season from putting up decorations everywhere to creating sculptures for Paisley’s Halloween Festival and hosting our own Halloween Disco.

Look at Our Halloween House Décor

Each house has transformed into a spectacular Halloween haunt with young people showcasing their personality and imagination through ‘spook-tacular’ displays of spider webs, pumpkins and ceiling decorations.

Kibble’s official Spooky House Competition is set for Wednesday 1st November where the judges will be on the look out for

Scariest Design
Funniest Design
Most Creative Design

Artwork by Kibble Pupils Featured in Paisley’s Halloween Festival

Pupils at Goudie Academy and Forest View created magnificent sculptures for the Paisley Halloween Festival’s Trail Zone. Young people took part in creative workshops with visual artist, Tim Parfitt and used their skills and imagination to design artwork for the festival’s walk-through experience. The theme was decadent décor and pupils handmade the chilling, ghostly, clear-like figures.

Halloween Disco

This weekend’s Halloween Disco was great fun with young people and adults joining in and dressing up in costumes. The disco lights and DJ set got everyone on the dancefloor.

Kibble goes all out for Halloween with more and have plenty of treats still planned. Look out for more photos coming soon.

Posted: October 20, 2023

Kibble’s Career Start training programme gave Paul the chance to begin an entirely new career at 32.

Previously a fork lift driver, Paul had the ambition to find a job role that involved him helping others. He wanted a more fulfilling career and was prepared to develop existing skills to make it a reality. He had looked up to guidance teachers while at school himself and was motivated to learn how he could do something similar. An avid sports fan and team player, Paul knew he was outgoing, enthusiastic and active. He believed he could relate to young people and bring laugher and fun into their lives.

Paul shared, “When I found out about Kibble’s Career Start training programme, the opportunity was too good not to try.

“It has been 10 months into the year-long training course and I am so happy I made the decision to join.”

I’d 100% recommend Career Start to anyone keen to start a new career helping other people. Through Kibble you really can make a difference in the world.

“The academic side of the course and gaining a HNC in Social Care was daunting. However, one day a week is dedicated to spending time in the classroom with Kibble’s experienced trainers plus we have a study day to reflect on what has been taught.

“The trainee role is practice-based with a work placement so I’d say the theory-side is enlightening. It is good to understand the reasoning behind why we do what we do.

“The best thing about working at Kibble is seeing the difference in a young person between meeting them for the first time and as they spend more time with us, seeing their confidence grow and their full personality come out.

“Three traits you need to become a trainee are transparency, honestly and communication. Be yourself and if you say you’re going to do something, follow-through as that’s the best way for young people to trust you. By building trust, young people are more likely to listen to you and take onboard your explanations, advice and friendship.”

Learn More About Career Start

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Through the Scottish Book Trust, Forest View experienced the magic of a storybook session. A creator and storyteller inspired children to enjoy reading and writing.

Forest View in Lochwinnoch has two children’s residential houses and a therapeutic primary school for those aged 5-12-years-old who have experienced trauma and adversity. The adults at Forest View love and care for the children and support them to move forwards. At Forest View, happy childhood memories are made, and imagination is brought to life through adventure and play.

Children were captivated by the recent story-telling session. A range of interesting stories were told about the world around us. Together we moved through the chapters with props to bring the words to life.

The feeling of textiles can help us understand what certain adjectives describe and the thrill of using a parachute can illustrate a scene in our minds. For example, the movement of the parachute replicated the motion of crashing waves, helping us imagine the ocean.

The sessions were held inside and outdoors in the garden and made everyone realise the fun of storytelling.

Learn More About Our Early Years’ Service

Posted: October 16, 2023

Kibble invited Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to share with young people the importance of safe driving.

Young people listened intently to the qualified firefighters about road safety. The firefighters explained that as well as fires, they respond to road traffic collisions. It is their responsibility to rescue people and possibly carry out lifesaving first aid. Young people gained an insight and understanding of why driving safely is essential.

Young people discussed with firefighters what factors could impact driving from distractions to bad weather. Young people agreed on the recommended safety advice and understood the importance of following driving laws and guidance as the alternative consequences can be serious.

Kibble and Scottish Fire and Rescue worked alongside one another to provide valuable learning resources designed for young people. By collaborating and partnering with helpful organisations, we can enhance learning experiences for young people and include different perspectives to encourage interaction and insight.

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Jura, one of the houses within our Safe Centre, held a Sports Day. The healthy competition got everyone outside and active.

When it is dry weather outside with bright, blue skies it’s important to get outdoors as the fresh air can help our minds switch-off. The chance to clear our thoughts by spending time in natural light – whether exercising or relaxing is an essential part of any daily routine.

The adults within Jura always encourage young people to share how they would like to spend their time. The adults enthusiastically and wholeheartedly join in with the fun activities and games as spending time all together can create great laughs and happy memories. Young people decided to set-up a Sports Day and had great fun challenging one another and the adults around them.

“Kids had a brilliant time – taking part in a Kirby Championship, wheelbarrow race and handstand competition.”
Rhiannon, Service Manager

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Bryan joined Kibble 17 years ago to teach construction to young people who were interested in learning trade skills. Throughout his career at Kibble, he has held several job titles from Social Enterprise Coordinator to Construction Supervisor before reaching his goal of becoming a qualified, full-time teacher. Read on to discover Bryan’s journey of developing a rewarding career with Kibble.

We recruit for ambitious individuals and in return for the high level of commitment, promise job applicants the opportunity to establish at rewarding career at Kibble.

An example of an inspiring career story can be told by Bryan. Kibble matched the motivation of Bryan by supporting him in gaining further qualifications while working at Kibble. Qualification achieved spanned from an HNC and SVQ in Social Care to multiple Learning and Development Awards as well as the Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE). The TQFE was completed through distance learning from Aberdeen University over 9 months part time, one evening per week plus study time.

Bryan shared, “Kibble has been incredibly supportive, with their backing and the help of some fantastic colleagues, I graduated in July 2022 and began teaching at Kibble full-time.

“The qualification has given me an increased confidence in my practice. It is incredibly rewarding to be part of young people’s journey and I hope to do so for many years to come.

“By completing Further Study, I am far better equipped to deliver quality education to the students of Kibble in a style that suits their individual needs.

“I aim to continue my learning and hoping to commence a Master’s in Education or Inclusive Education later this year.”

It is the drive and determination shown by people like Bryan that has contributed to the overall growth of Kibble and our ability to help more young people with the right support at the right time, helping to give them a chance at life.

‘Why work for Kibble?’ may be a question you ask, and the answer is – work with us as we are determined to provide you with personal and professional development opportunities for you to be the best you can be.

Visit Vacancies

Posted: October 2, 2023

Meet Child and Youth Care Worker, Kerryanne who completed a Master’s degree in Child Protection, while working, funded by Kibble.

Kerryanne joined Kibble 15 years ago when she was only 22 with a mission to keep young people safe. Currently, she is based within our community services, supporting care-experienced young people thrive and move towards independent living, helping prepare them for handling the responsibilities that come with maintaining a home.

As soon as Kerryanne began at Kibble as a sessional Child and Youth Care Worker, acting as a helping hand during weekends and evenings, her enthusiasm to contribute to giving young people a chance at life was clear. She demonstrated kindness, compassion and dedication, which led her to gain a HNC in Social Services and pursue the further learning opportunities Kibble offered, expanding her knowledge on Social Pedagogy, child protection and child development.

By increasing overall knowledge, Kerryanne has developed a greater understanding, which she can discuss with colleagues and share deeper reasoning for the behaviours and needs of young people. Ultimately, Kibble focuses on building relationships with young people and by undertaking further study, we increase learning and comprehension, letting us relate and respond to young people in the right way, at the right time.

Kerryanne shared, “I am determined to do my best in every aspect in my life and I want to change kids lives – whether it is in my role at Kibble or being a scout leader in my own time.

“I am energetic and confident and with Kibble’s emotional and financial support, I have been able to soak up training opportunities. I have learned how to evolve and adapt to help young people in the most effective way possible.”

Kerryanne is a mum herself and has strived to created a work-life balance, managing working at Kibble and her love for young people in her care as well as studying and devoting quality time to her own family. She credits Kibble for being extremely supportive, investing in her professional development and offering flexible working. In return, she has focused on providing the highest standard of care and protection possible. Moving forward, Kerryanne plans to continue to support young people, bringing them a sense of safety, creating fun experiences for them. Overall, helping young people move forwards with their lives and find happiness.

Our hope is that Kerryanne’s career journey answers your question of ‘Why work for Kibble?’ If you have ambition and motivation to give young people a chance at life, join us and start building your own fulfilling career.

Visit Vacancies

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At Kibble, the highest accolade we could ever receive is a young person’s happiness and their family’s appreciation.

A parent of a young person who spent time at Forest View’s Ness house for Primary Years, shared their appreciation through a heartfelt letter.

“Thank you all so much for the amount of care and support given during this past year at Ness House. You provided the right environment for my son to learn how to work through big, overwhelming emotions. We as a family will be forever grateful for your dedication. There is no doubt he will miss you all and the support and friendships that were made.

“Kibble and Ness have been a huge part of our lives and now it is time for a fresh start, although we will never forget about Ness.”

The young person was surrounded by adults who loved, cared and encouraged them during a time when the family needed a helping hand. The family’s gratefulness is testament to the dedicated team members who go above and beyond to provide the best care possible and follow Kibble’s own therapeutic, trauma-informed practice to work alongside young people and their families.

Learn More About Our Early Years’ Services

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Forest View and Arran Villa have arranged fantastic trips with the young adventurers picking Blackpool, Blair Drummond Safari Park and the Circus. Children also confidently chose to attend summer camps.

Everyone excitedly counted down to their holiday to Blackpool and even traffic delays on the journey down South couldn’t affect the smiles, laughter and chat about the fun activities planned. Throughout the holiday, young people and adults alike had a blast!

As well as an overnight stay at Blackpool, lots of days out were organised to keep us all entertained. Three of our children’s residential houses for those aged from five-years-old came together for a trip to Blair Drummond and the Circus. Everyone enjoyed seeing their friends from Kibble or school. There were opportunities to make new friends with those from the same local area who had come to the event on the same day. The adults proudly watched the kids’ joyful faces as they created friendships with fellow young people around them.

The six-weeks were filled with summer camps too as each child has their own hobby and were keen to continue their interest while schools finished for a break. Great memories were made at camps for football, dance and drama. The kids grew in confidence after dedicating time to their favourite activity. Their enthusiasm for practicing and carrying out new skills and techniques is reflective of how much they’ve grown, their own increased understanding of who they are as a person and their courage in trying new experiences.

Learn More About Our Early Years’ Services

Posted: September 27, 2023

On Monday 28^th August, a team of 19 enthusiastic golfers from across Kibble donned their best polo-shirts to take part in an annual staff wellbeing event.

With their professional sights on Pebble Beach, California, the team settled for Paisley, with Elderslie Golf Course being the destination of choice. There were five teams, with tee times staggered throughout the morning. As the breakfast rolls were cooking, competition was reaching fever pitch with votes on who was going to make the cut, and who would be picking up the wooden spoon – we’ll not mention any names!

Despite the mix of levels and experience, it was a fantastic and memorable day. Whether someone made a successful drive, or in a few cases, a monumental divot, spirits were high. Even the weather was kind, meaning a few could work on their golfer’s tans while they tallied their scorecard.

After a successful day on the greens, it was time to head to the 19^thfor a hearty dinner and prize giving. In a controversial turn of events, there was a tie for first place between Mark Barrowman and Gary Morton which caused much debate as to who had the better average! In the end, the rule book was followed with Mark taking the lead based on his previous handicap. It wasn’t a triumph for all of the golfers however, with one (who shall remain nameless) gaining a prize for last place – a children’s golf set to start practicing from scratch.

Regardless of whether the golfer’s performance was prolific or slightly under ‘par’, it was a day of good company, a bit of healthy competition and lots of laughs – all in the name of staff wellbeing. We’re planning a series of wellbeing events throughout the year, with staff leading the way on a range of activities from afternoon teas, football matches and spa days. Thanks to the organisation of Graeme Mathieson, the golf day is set to be an annual event so watch this space on who makes next year’s cut!