Olim became part of our Pebbles family in March 2020. His journey from this point forward is nothing short of remarkable, highlighting the impact of the dedicated staff team at Thistlebank as well as Olim’s own dedication and perseverance to turn his life around.
Before arriving at Thistlebank, Olim had been on a destructive path, being greatly influenced by his peers and becoming involved in petty crime and drug use.
Olim’s initial weeks with us were marked by nervousness as he adjusted to a new living environment, new people, and a different routine. However, as he settled in, he enrolled at our Pebbles Muirkirk School and developed a strong rapport with Darren, the Deputy Headteacher. Olim worked closely with Darren to pass all his exams, which was an admirable feat due to Covid restrictions.
Over the course of the next three years, Olim experienced significant personal growth. He not only excelled in his academic pursuits but also forged meaningful connections
with his staff team. Bringing consistency and routine, some members of the Thistlebank team were there to support Olim throughout his entire time at Pebbles, including Lorraine Bell, Richard Allen and Phil Leary. Olim also had unwavering support from Registered Manager, Eileen and Area Manager, Annette, helping him to navigate challenges and make positive changes in his life.
Olim said of his time at Thistlebank,
“The team at Thistlebank were always family to me, I never thought of them as my staff team. In particular, the support I received from Eileen was unbelievable – I couldn’t praise her more. I would hate to think where I’d be without Thistlebank.”
Olim’s success story whilst at Thistlebank continued as he progressed onto college to study horticulture, eventually transitioning to work on a farm. Supported by the home, Olim also successfully sat and passed both his theory test and driving test on his first attempt. With guidance from Eileen and the team, he was also able to save up enough money to get his first car and enjoy the independence that comes along with it.
Olim has recently celebrated his 18th birthday and has embraced his independence and responsibility through moving on from Pebbles to live with his girlfriend. He has also successfully completed his apprenticeship with East Ayrshire Council and is now a fully qualified tree surgeon. Proof that Olim is always striving to improve and is dedicated to his
chosen career path, he has already booked onto additional training – enrolling onto a climbing course, which focuses on aerial rescue.
The transformation of this young man from a troubled past to a promising future is a testament to the effectiveness of Thistlebank’s supportive environment and dedicated staff, always with the support and input of the wider Pebbles Family. As Olim embarks on a career as a tree surgeon and embraces a stable and fulfilling life, his success story stands as
a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
We are so proud of the man that Olim has become and cannot wait to see what he achieves next.