Columba 1400

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/

09/06/2026

We are looking for a dedicated and hardworking full-time cook (Mon-Fri) to join our busy kitchen team at our cafe in Staffin on the Isle of Skye.

Working Monday to Friday, you'll be responsible for creating nutritious, comforting and delicious meals for our residential groups, visitors and Team. Your food will help fuel transformational experiences.

You'll be part of a small, supportive team that values care, trust, and collaboration, where your contribution truly matters.

Find out more here: https://columba1400.com/join-us/

09/06/2026

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.

02/06/2026

This Day we are celebrating all the young people we are alongside through our Young People's Leadership Academies (YPLAs).

We recognise that all young people have huge potential and our purpose is to enable them to realise that. We see the difference it makes when a young person is truly listened to, deeply understood, and not only told, but genuinely feels, that they matter.

We can't share all the stories of the thousands of young people who have been part of the Columba 1400 story, but these four young people give a real sense of the transformation that happens when they take part in a YPLA.

Times that by thousands and then by all the people and communities each of them has a positive impact on, then you have a real story of transformation in communities all across Scotland 😊

Jess: Jess’s journey with Columba 1400 began as a young teenager and has shaped her confidence, voice and sense of purpose over the years. Today, she is using that experience to lead, inspire others, and ensure young people’s voices are heard at the heart of decision-making.

Kodie: Kodie went from not wanting to take part in Columba 1400 to helping shape our work as a Young Person Consultant on our Board of Trustees. She has shared her story at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, campaigned on the climate crisis in school, runs a Friday night basketball club for young people, and won a Glasgow Community Champion Award for her work in the community!

Travis: After taking part in our YPLA, Travis found the confidence to pursue a career supporting young people and is now working as a Primary Early Years Support Assistant in Dundee. He now gives back through the Dundee Champs, helping design outreach and transition programmes and leading community events.

Ellie: Ellie’s journey with Columba 1400 has led to improved attendance, growing confidence and a renewed focus on her future - alongside a passion for volunteering in and out of school. She has since been recognised as Young Scot of the Year 2025, described as “a powerful force for good in her community”.

IWill Movement

28/05/2026

⭐Registration is open for our Head Teachers' Leadership Academy!

School leadership is under huge pressure – and most professional learning doesn’t create the conditions leaders actually need: trust, space, and honest reflection.

Columba 1400 offers a values-based leadership experience, not a course, shaped by warmth of welcome, hospitality and being on a shared journey.

In our Head Teachers’ Leadership Academy, school leaders reconnect with their values and leave with greater confidence, resilience and practical ways to lead through a values-based lens.

Our evaluation evidence shows strong reported gains (including confidence, resilience and leadership ability), and leaders report knock on benefits for school performance, team morale, pupil engagement and parental engagement.

The outcome is a calmer, more connected school community – where young people are better placed to thrive.

Register for your place now - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/columba-1400-head-teachers-leadership-academies-2026-tickets-1975768827750

28/05/2026

Power of Youth Day is coming.

On Tuesday 2nd June, we’ll be standing on — alongside organisations and young people across the country who believe in the power of youth social action.

Save the date and stand with us.

IWill Movement