Kibble are helping kids hit their goals with St Mirren FC and The Big Issue

The Big Issue prides itself on the concept of “A Hand Up, Not A Handout”, which is why we have such a long-standing partnership with the Social Enterprise Academy (SEA).

Next week, The Big Issue will be publishing a 24-page supplement highlighting how SEA carries out important work within colleges and schools promoting social enterprises to young people.

SEA are not the only ones who share The Big Issue’s core social values. The Academy also work with Kibble, a Scottish children’s charity that has provided sponsorship to SEA and as such has offered amazing opportunities for young people, including visiting The Big Issue offices earlier this month.

Thanks for taking the time to meet with our young people to discuss the incredible work of @BigIssue! Keep up the great work. https://t.co/i3n0F9BgiM

— Kibble (@KibbleCharity) March 2, 2020

Last month, Kibble announced a groundbreaking partnership with the St Mirren Independent Supporters Association (SMISA) to become the driving force behind a fan takeover of the Paisley football club, purchasing a 27.5 per cent stake.

Their plan is to create exciting new prospects and future opportunities for the young people associated with Kibble in areas such as employment, training and education, whilst also increasing access to possibilities in sport, health and wellbeing.

This move will also aim to tackle issues stemming from local deprivation and exclusion through youth employment, community engagement, initiatives and activities.

Speaking at last month’s unveiling, Kibble CEO Jim Gillespie, said: “With Kibble’s roots in Paisley stretching back almost 200 years, this deal brings together two of Paisley’s oldest organisations.

“We are thrilled SMISA’s members have given us such a show of support and we plan to repay that by working together with SMISA, Gordon (Scott) and the rest of the St Mirren board and staff to see where our expertise can help the club move forward.

“Crucially, this partnership will help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people in Scotland – by allowing us to step up our young workforce development programme to provide training and job opportunities based around the club’s facilities and operations.”

Ultimately, young people and children are at the heart of the partnership, with the goal of bulding more employability and training prospects for youth from vulnerable backgrounds and creating good within the community.

Partnerships between The Big Issue and SEA share a common goal and social value: to build more and more opportunities for vulnerable people in society so that they can create a better future for themselves.

Image: Kibble/St Mirren