In late 2024, Columba 1400 partnered with What Matters To You (WM2U) to facilitate a Values-Based Leadership Experience (VBLE) with parents connected to the Kirkton Community Centre in Dundee. The timing was critical: the centre was approaching closure, and its future was uncertain. Against this backdrop, the Columba 1400 VBLE became a catalyst for meaningful transformation – both personal and collective.

Over six days between November 2024 and January 2025, participants including Nadia, Amanda, Diane, Mel, Bobby, Chris, Cilla, Hazel, Ria and Cheryl engaged in a reflective values-based experience alongside Columba 1400 facilitators, the WM2U Coordinator and WM2U learning partners. The group began to reframe their role in the community – not as volunteers on the sidelines, but as local leaders with the confidence and tools to shape their environment.

From Participants to Community Leaders

Prior to the VBLE, many of the group had felt isolated and unsure of their ability to lead change. Through their involvement in local family activity sessions and the community café, connections started to form. Encouraged by Mel – who is a member of the Local Management Group – and supported by the Community Learning and Development (CLD) team, they took on new responsibilities, receiving training in food hygiene, first aid, and food handling so they could run the café independently.

By the time the group were about to make the move from the old community centre to a temporary base at Downfield Football Club, the group were leading sessions. At a reconnect session hosted by Columba 1400 and WM2U, the group shared reflections that revealed how far they’d come: stepping into ownership, influencing decision-makers, and inviting others into the journey.

Growing Confidence, Growing Community

Nadia, once quiet and hesitant, now confidently leads a room filled with children and families. Diane, who is a kinship carer, has spoken publicly about her experiences, and they all contribute to the day-to-day running of the centre and share ideas about what more can be done for local children. Their group has grown from eight to over 50 families, and their activities span three evenings a week.

Supported by WM2U and the CLD team, the group are now active contributors to community planning, engaging with funders, hosting cross-regional visits, and shaping the development of the new Kirkton Community Centre SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation).

The Role of VBLE and WM2U

The Columba 1400 VBLE was pivotal in helping the participants identify their core values and leadership potential. Combined with WM2U’s ongoing support – providing flexible funding, advocacy, and strategic connections – the experience helped unlock a deep sense of purpose and agency among the group.

“WM2U is a place where you can be heard – having a voice that isn’t dismissed.”

“Being able to be yourself without being judged has always been one of my fears, but thanks to WM2U that has changed me for the better.”

“This leadership opportunity has been a great way to help bring together members of the local Kirkton Community to shape our ambitious ideas for our new community owned and run centre for Kirkton.”

Geoff Leask, Dundee Coordinator at What Matters to You, said:

“Experiences like these are a vital step in exploring the values that groups like Kirkton want to embed in their work to make sure that the community’s needs are heard and acted upon.”

A Lasting Legacy of Leadership

What began as a group of parents supporting their children has become a movement that is helping to revitalise a whole community. Through Columba 1400’s VBLE and WM2U’s belief in lived experience leadership, Kirkton’s future is now being shaped by those who know it best.

Huge congratulations to these parents and carers who were awarded Certificates of Achievement for their hard work and leadership at the Dundee City Council Adult Learner Awards hosted by Depute Lord Provost Nadia El-Nakla in November 2025.

Find out more about our Community Partnership Academies here.