The Columba 1400 Story of Impact
For 25 years, Columba 1400 has walked alongside young people, and the key adults in their lives, helping them unlock their potential and lead lives of purpose, meaning, and contribution.
Our founding principles of warmth of welcome, warmth of hospitality, and the warmth of being on a shared journey guide everything we do. We believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment where every individual feels embraced and encouraged to discover their full potential – and when people feel valued and supported, they begin to see new possibilities for themselves and their communities. It is why our graduates so often describe our values-based leadership academies as an experience, not a course.
Over the past quarter of a century, we have seen these possibilities turn into something tangible and positive, again and again. In schools and family homes, in communities and boardrooms, in quiet conversations and courageous decisions. And at the centre of it all: people. Young people discovering their voice. Adults rediscovering their purpose. Communities reimagining what is possible.
The Moment Everything Changes
Imagine a young person from a tough reality – someone who may have been told, directly or indirectly, that their voice does not matter. Then, they step into a Columba 1400 Young People’s Leadership Academy (YPLA).
They are met with warmth, respect, and belief in their potential. There are no tests, no rigid expectations – a space to reflect, to connect, and to grow. It is a moment of realisation: I can lead. I can make a difference.
The Ripple Effect of Leadership
Columba 1400 is a catalyst for change. Following their YPLA young people have a stronger sense of self, a renewed belief in their future, and the vision to create change.
Parents participating in a Values-Based Leadership Experience (VBLE) find their confidence and recognise their resilience, equipped to nurture their families and move forward with hope.
Head Teachers, Deputy Head Teachers, teachers and key professionals often rediscover their reasons for entering teaching in the first place, shifting their leadership approach to foster environments where young people can truly flourish and thrive.
We have seen young people who once struggled with confidence step forward to lead school initiatives, secure apprenticeships, and move into positive destinations. Parents who felt isolated have formed peer support groups, supported each other, strengthened their communities by leading change. Senior leaders including those in education, social work, health, housing, emergency services, the voluntary sector, policing and local authorities have led change in their workplaces, embedding values-based leadership across their organisations.
A Proven Model for Sustainable Change
Independent evaluations consistently highlight the deep, transformational, long-lasting impact of Columba 1400. Participants describe their experience as “transformational” and “life-changing”, with many reporting improved confidence, resilience, and engagement with learning. Schools and communities see better relationships, stronger leadership, and more young people discovering their full potential.
The effects are visible years after the experience itself, proving that the leadership journey continues long after the initial spark.
Beyond the Individual: Systemic Change
Columba 1400’s work is not just about empowering individuals – it is about shifting systems. We work with key adults including parents/carers, educators, social workers, police, health and community leaders to help create cultures where young people are seen, heard, and supported. By embedding our values-based approach across public services, we contribute to public service reform and catalyse real, sustainable transformation.
A Future Fuelled by Leadership
The impact of Columba 1400 is not measured in numbers alone – it is seen in the young person who finds their voice, the parent who reclaims their confidence, the Head Teacher who shifts their perspective, and the community that begins to thrive.
This is the power of leadership. This is the Columba 1400 story.
And the story is far from over.
Visit this page to read more stories about the impact of Columba 1400 on individuals, communities, schools and organisations.
