Kibble invited those who work with children, young people and families to come together and discuss what more can be done to improve the world children grow-up in.
Executive Director, Neil McMillan began the event and introduced the chair, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, Nicola Killean.
The powerful speakers included Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd; Dr Lisa Cherry, Director of Trauma Informed Consultancy Services; Graeme Armstrong, Bestselling Author. As well as Kibble Clinical Director, Dan Johnson.
Minister, Maree Todd reflected on progress made so far and understood it is us our only our collective efforts that will lead to meaningful change for children and families across Scotland. Dr Lisa Cherry gave her insight into belonging, emphasising the answer is always relationships. Clinical Director, Dan Johnson highlighted there is a call for changing with young people and shared research findings to help gain an understanding of the world of young people today. Best-selling author, Graeme Armstrong delivered a compelling keynote of his personal experience of gang culture in Scotland. Each keynote was different yet all resonated with everyone in the room, motivating us all to do even more to help.
“Our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.” Brene Brown as cited by Lisa Cherry.
There was a wide-variety of engaging workshops from different organisations including CELCIS, CYCJ, Resilience and Learning Partnership. Additionally, Kibble’s own workshops included The Value of Adoption by Kibble Adoption and Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies UK (CVAA); Integrated Practice in Residential Child Care from Therapeutic Practitioner, Rachel Nolan; Principal Teacher, Lucy Farr and Service Manager, Caitlin Donachie; and Transforming Lives Through Workforce Development by Depute Director of Education, Leona Donnelly and Head of The Skills Academy, Lisa Wardlaw.
‘The Value of Adoption’ session by Kibble Adoption and CVAA asked – what’s best for children? The question was answered in detail with Operations Manager for Kibble Adoption, Paula Harkins and Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies UK (CVAA), Satwinder Sandhu explaining the potential of adoption and the plans to further modernise and provide a better world for children.
Whereas, ‘Integrated Practice in Residential Childcare’ by Kibble considered the link between therapy, education and care and following Kibble’s therapeutic trauma-informed model. Case study examples were discussed to identify learnings and challenges. The stories motivated us to continuously find ways to work collaboratively and also, alongside young people.
The education workshop delivered by Kibble Depute Director of Education, Leona and Head of The Skills Academy, Lisa Wardlaw encouraged attendees to reflect on their own career journey, asking: what did you want to do at five-years-old? Before comparing it to today’s job title. Leona used the opportunity to highlight: there is no wrong path, all experiences have the power to teach us skills that can one day lead to a positive destination. The Skills Academy place importance on teaching young people on how to adapt and socialise. By developing meta skills and interpersonal skills, young people have the resources and tools to reach positive destination.
Exhibitors were from various valuable organisations and included YGam, Paws for Progress, Children in Scotland, Pineapple Contracts and Kingsway Group. There was also, Mind of My Own, Scottish Sentencing Council, Peeple, Do-Be Mindful, Kibble Fostering and Kibble Adoption and Scottish Institute Residential Child Care.
Overall, the inspiring day was thriving with people ready to drive forward change. Our hope is for the influential keynotes and transformative workshops continues to resonate and leads to meaningful, lasting actions that improve the lives of young people.
Take a Look at Photos from Kibble’s Annual Conference 2024
