A young person supported by Kibble told more than 250 professionals at the charity’s annual conference that taking even ten minutes to get to know someone can help build trust.
Kibble runs services from campuses in Paisley and Lochwinnoch. Its conference, held at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on Tuesday 3rd November 2026, focused on mental health and how services can work together to support vulnerable young people.
The young person told delegates from social work, youth justice, education and mental health services: “A young person’s file tells you where they have come from and what they have experienced, but it doesn’t determine their future, who they are and what makes them smile.”
They urged staff to look beyond labels and assumptions and take an interest in a young person’s personality, strengths and hopes for the future. They also asked delegates to consider what a young person might be trying to communicate through their behaviour.
Kibble chief executive Mark Macmillan opened the conference. He said: “When supporting vulnerable children and young people, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. We need to understand the individual in front of us and provide the support they need, when they need it.
“No one service is big enough to think it can support a child or young person in isolation. We have to work together, share our learning and recognise the different expertise and perspectives that each sector brings.
“Most importantly, children and young people themselves must remain at the centre of this conversation. I would encourage everyone here today to be curious, reflect on what they have heard and consider what it means for their own practice.”
Nicola Killean, Scotland’s Children and Young People’s Commissioner, chaired the event. She said services should look beyond meeting children’s basic needs and make sure they can access the healthcare, treatment and education they need.
Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, spoke about the Scottish Government’s focus on improving support for autistic and neurodivergent children. She discussed providing help earlier and removing barriers to accessing support.
Lawyer Ryan McCuaig, a former chair of Who Cares? Scotland, drew on his own experiences to talk about challenging assumptions and the difference supportive relationships can make.
Professor Claire Allely of the University of Salford spoke about supporting autistic young people. Rob Holland of the National Autistic Society discussed how professionals can better understand autism.
Author Steven Russell closed the conference by drawing on his experience of growing up in care. He spoke about how role models and everyday interactions can shape a young person’s confidence and hopes for the future.
Photo: Kibble chief executive Mark Macmillan opens the charity’s annual conference in Glasgow.
Photo Credit: Kibble