Record numbers of professionals working with children and young people attended this year’s Kibble Annual Conference in Glasgow, held on Monday 24th November.
The event, run in partnership with Safehinge Primera and chaired by Scotland’s Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean, focused on how collaboration and creativity can improve outcomes for vulnerable young people across Scotland.
Professionals from social work, education, mental health services and the justice system attended to explore how closer partnerships and shared practice can lead to more effective support.
Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes, addressed the conference and highlighted ongoing Scottish Government work to improve the lives of young people. She encouraged those attending to continue working together to deliver on The Promise and ensure every child has the chance to thrive.
The day also featured care-experienced rap artist and educator Ric Flo, who shared his personal journey of growing up in care and how creative expression helped shape his life. He performed one of his songs with attendees joining in, emphasising the message: “You need to be what you want to be, do what you want to do.”
Speakers across the day included NSPCC Scotland’s Kirsty Aitken, Foxgrove Service Manager Victoria McInulty, and Professor Helen Minnis from the University of Glasgow, who spoke about supporting trauma-experienced and neurodivergent young people.
Kibble Chief Executive Jim Gillespie said collaboration remains central to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and highlighted the charity’s focus on creativity, trauma-informed care and shared best practice.
Kibble’s model is rooted in trauma and attachment research, with input from the young people the charity supports. The aim, echoed throughout the conference, is to ensure that best practice is shared widely across charities, government and services working with young people, rather than operating in isolation.
More information about Kibble can be found at: www.kibble.org.
Photo: Dan Johnson, Executive Director at Kibble and Nicola Killean Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner at the annual conference
Photo: Ric Flo, key speaker at Kibble annual conference
Photo: Kibble conference attendees at the annual conference
Photo Credits: Kibble