A Story of Voice, Connection, and Courageous Leadership

In Falkirk, a group of care-experienced young people came together, each with their own story, ready to learn from one another and begin their journey as young leaders.

Columba 1400’s Young People’s Leadership Academy (YPLA) with a place-based element, delivered in partnership with Falkirk Council’s Virtual Head Teacher, was designed with a clear purpose: to offer care-experienced young people a space to reflect, grow, and connect – to see themselves not through the lens of what they have been through, but through the lens of who they are and what they can become. We work with these young people because their voices matter deeply – and too often go unheard. They bring unique insight, strength, and compassion, and when trusted and supported, they can become powerful agents of change.

This particular YPLA was unlike any other. Young people were brought together from nine different high schools across Falkirk – bridging communities and stories that may never have crossed paths otherwise. They weren’t just exploring their values and discovering their leadership potential – they were stepping into new roles as care ambassadors, advocating within their schools and representing their peers.

From Values to Voice

Throughout their leadership journey, the group developed confidence not only in themselves but in their stories. They opened up about what it means to grow up in care, what support has helped – and what still needs to change. Their reflections were raw, thoughtful, and brave:

“I wasn’t confident in talking to others or about my care experience and past, but now I feel more open and tell people more.”

“It gave me the opportunity to think about what I’ve been through and that I understand what I’ve been through.”

These were not easy things to say. But they were said with honesty, in a space built on trust.

During the second phase of their YPLA, over 30 guests from across the council – social work, education, youth services and more – joined the young people to listen. The young people shared their lived experience of being care-experienced in Falkirk: the good, the difficult, and the opportunities for change. It was a powerful moment that marked a shift – from being talked about to being heard.

Leading Ongoing Change

Now, more than a year later, this group still meets regularly. As care ambassadors in their schools, they are shaping conversations, influencing decisions, and helping educate others on what care-experienced young people need.

They have brought visibility to schools through distributing “Pinkie Promise” booklets and putting posters up, and they are keen to receive training so they can become mentors to their peers and care-experienced primary pupils too.

One young person reflected: “Columba 1400  has helped me to lead activities, and I usually start conversations.”

This is what leadership looks like – not grand gestures, but quiet courage. Not waiting for permission but choosing to step forward. These young people are not just participating – they are changing the culture around them. 

A Foundation for the Future

The Falkirk Care-Experienced YPLA is a reminder of what becomes possible when young people are seen, heard, and trusted. It is about more than building skills – it is about building belief: in oneself, in each other, and in a future where care-experienced young people are not just represented but recognised as leaders in their own right.

As one of them said, with quiet confidence and clarity:

“I think I have been good at being a leader and a role model to younger people”.

We think so too.

Visit this page to find our more about our work with young people or email us at [email protected]