Background to Columba 1400’s work in Dundee
Since 2019 Columba 1400 has partnered with What Matters To You (WM2U) in Dundee, inspiring local and strategic leaders, head teachers, practitioners, parents, carers, young people and community members to refocus on their values and believe in their own capacity to make a difference. There is significant evidence that people at all levels have subsequently found ways of putting their values into practice supporting one another and contributing to improving their communities.
Empowering Parents, Strengthening Communities
This is the inspiring story of ten women who form Charleston Matters, told in their own words. Their journey began at The Big Night In, a Monday evening food and fun session at Charleston Community Centre. This initiative, started by the Community Learning and Development (CLD) team with support from WM2U, provided a welcoming space where families could come together. While children played, parents engaged in conversations about what truly mattered to them.
A Transformational Leadership Experience
In October 2023, a group of nine parents from The Big Night In, along with two members of the CLD team, were invited to attend a three-day Values-Based Leadership Experience (VBLE) at a residential, facilitated by Columba 1400. This experience encouraged them to explore their aspirations for themselves, their families, and their community.
The impact of Columba 1400 was profound. The warmth of the welcome given to the parents was described as “out of the ordinary”, making them feel valued and supported. The experience was unanimously described as transformational.
Their journey of personal growth and empowerment is reflected in their own words:
“It was life changing. I feel like I have unlocked a whole new part of myself that I never thought I would explore. I have a new outlook on life, and I’m in a much more positive place mentally…It has opened my eyes to what I can be. I am excited to use these new skills to continue to take on new learning opportunities and grow as a person. The whole experience has been an amazing opportunity that I am truly grateful to have been a part of.”
“We need support as adults to focus on our wellbeing so that we can be the best parents possible. I want my kids to see that they can achieve something if they put their minds to it.”
“The best part was realising that I have the ability to do whatever I want in life. The whole experience had a very positive impact on my mindset.”
Building a Stronger Community
Following the VBLE, the parents established Charleston Matters, a community group focused on transforming lives in their local community in Dundee and the group now run The Wee Night In – a weekly two-hour after-school session at Charleston Community Centre which encourages local families to come together every Monday evening.
Supported by WM2U in partnership with Dundee City Council’s Community Empowerment Team, the group is now self-sustaining. The sessions provide a space for parents to connect while teaching children new skills, such as cooking.
One mother-of-three, who took part in the VBLE, now chairs Charleston Matters. She says:
“I had a lot of anxiety when I first attended a family group with my two younger children, at the Charleston Community Centre. However, I have noticed as time has passed, I can deal with my anxiety a lot better. I am also better at dealing with people, because you meet others from all walks of life, and I speak to everyone now, even when I am out of the community centre. I am not as nervous; I can be myself.”
“Now, I am the Chair of Charleston Matters, and this involves running the Wee Night In each Monday afternoon for local families, and organising planning meetings…My eldest son, he has been through a lot of hard times, and being part of Charleston Matters gives me a voice to share what is needed in the community for others, particularly young people… I feel more confident in myself and better connected from the relationships I have built with Charleston Matters and other organisations. Things are not perfect, but they are better.”
Looking ahead, the group is determined to create more opportunities for the community. They aspire to secure their own space and establish additional groups. To strengthen their efforts, they are receiving training from a third-sector organisation in areas such as food hygiene, health and safety, and first aid. These qualifications will support their plans to launch a weekly youth group and a mental health and wellbeing group.
“We hope that Charleston Matters is an inspiration for how other local family groups can be developed and delivered, because some community centres can be better used, there is so much more out there that can be done. It’s also about professionals genuinely listening to parents and their children’s needs.” Charleston Matters parent and Chair.
The Power of Transformation
Geoff Leask, WM2U co-ordinator, has witnessed the incredible impact firsthand:
“The transformation in these parents is visible – not just in their confidence and mindset, but even in their physical presence. Their family lives have improved, and the warmth in how they interact with others is remarkable.”
As these women step forward as leaders in their community, they embody the power of values-based leadership, proving that when individuals are empowered, communities thrive.