Columba 1400

18/06/2026

We had a wonderful time celebrating our Columban Youth Team last weekend.

Their voice is central to our decision making, and it's always a privilege to spend time with them.

It was great to hear how well they are all doing. They are an inspiration to Hector, age 4, and to all of us, as young people who have not only transformed their own lives, but are making a real difference across their schools and communities, and shaping the direction of our Columban approach.

Huge thanks to all of them for their hard work and dedication ❤️

Find out more about joining our Columban Youth Team by emailing us at [email protected]

17/06/2026

It was incredible to see Columban graduates leading change in their own school community this week 💙

At Glenwood High School, the ARC1400 group led a vibrant Cultural Day – bringing their school together through a bake sale, football tournament, themed classes, and a celebration of cultures from across the community.

Pupils proudly wore clothing and flags representing their heritage, while QR codes shared stories and insights into the different cultures within the school - creating space for learning, connection and understanding.

This is what values-based leadership in action looks like: young people creating opportunities for others, building belonging, and bringing people together.

We couldn’t be prouder 👏

17/06/2026

15/06/2026

We are hugely grateful to New Park Educational Trust for their generous grant of £5,000 towards a Young People’s Leadership Academy for young people at Auchmuty High School in Glenrothes.

This funding will ensure that pupils – particularly those facing barriers that limit their confidence, engagement and progression – can take part in a values-based leadership experience that builds confidence, resilience and a stronger sense of purpose.

Through our partnership with Auchmuty High School, young people will be supported to recognise their strengths, explore their values and develop the skills and self-belief to shape positive futures for themselves and their communities.

Thank you to New Park Educational Trust for your belief in the potential of young people and your commitment to creating real lasting change.

10/06/2026

Over the past year, we’ve been reflecting on 25 years of Columba 1400.

During that time, we’ve had the privilege of being alongside so many young people and the key adults in their lives – each with their own story.

Looking back, what stands out most are the moments when something shifts. When a young person begins to feel that they matter. When confidence grows. When they realise that they can make a positive difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.

As we move into our 26th year, we’re continuing to share these stories that reflect the true impact of our work. They remind us that lasting change happens one person, one relationship, one community at a time.

Take a look at the stories we’ve shared so far:
👉 https://columba1400.com/case-studies/

09/06/2026

More than one million young people in the UK are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Behind this statistic are young people who feel unseen, unheard, and uncertain about their future. Some are calling this a ‘lost generation’.

But we cannot accept that.

In her latest article, our Chief Executive Marie Clare Tully shares why prevention matters – and how, at Columba 1400, we see potential in every young person.

When young people feel that they matter, when they are listened to, understood and supported, everything can change. Through our Young People’s Leadership Academies young people begin to see themselves differently. They build confidence, reconnect with learning, and rediscover a sense of belonging and purpose.

This is how real, lasting change begins – one young person, one relationship, one community at a time.

Read more: https://columba1400.com/we-cannot-accept-a-lost-generation-we-need-to-invest-in-leadership-and-potential/

04/06/2026

We currently have a perfect volunteering opportunity for a young person to make a real difference and help shape the future for young people across Scotland.

If you are someone who has experience of or a deep understanding of Columba 1400, believes in the power of youth voice and sharing lived experience, and can create and participate in warm, brave spaces to enable young people to feel respected, heard and empowered to influence change, then you may be exactly who we are looking for.

Find out more about our Young Person Consultant role here: https://columba1400.com/join-us/

04/06/2026

This , we want to say a heartfelt thank you to the people who give so much to Columba 1400.

To our Board of Trustees, to Angie Colella, and to our Columban Youth Team – thank you for your time, your commitment, and your belief in young people.

Your support, guidance and leadership make a real and lasting difference, helping to create the conditions where young people feel seen, heard and valued.

We are so grateful for all that you do ❤️

04/06/2026

We’re delighted to share that Columba 1400 has been awarded a £120,000 grant from The Robertson Trust towards our core costs.

This grant helps us continue what matters most: working alongside young people – especially those facing tough realities – and the key adults in their lives, supporting them to lead lives of purpose, meaning and contribution.

In Scotland, nearly one in four young people are growing up in poverty. While the challenges are significant, the potential within every young person is clear – too often, it is opportunity that is lacking.

At Columba 1400, we believe sustainable change begins with people. Through our values-based leadership approach, we help young people feel seen, heard and valued – building the confidence and self-belief to thrive.

We’re hugely grateful to The Robertson Trust for their support and shared ambition to help create a more equitable, trauma-informed education system in Scotland.

https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/news/1-880-000-awarded-to-48-organisations-in-april

We are delighted to announce our latest funding recipients, with 48 organisations awarded £1.8M to support their work to prevent and reduce poverty and trauma across Scotland.