WHAT if... Girvan and Firstport are teaming up with Columba 1400 to offer the South Carrick community the opportunity to take part in a Leadership Academy.

Columba 1400’s Community Leadership Academy, 2018, is for people living or working in South Carrick with a passion for making a lasting impact in their local community.

Organisers said: “We’re holding this information session for you to find out more about this transformative experience. 

“There will be an opportunity to hear inspiring stories from others who have experience of the Columba 1400 academies and time to answer your questions individually. 

“Come for the afternoon or drop-in at your convenience. Firstport is Scotland’s development agency for start-up social entrepreneurs and social enterprise. 

“We provide a full package of support that includes seed funding, business advice and connections to help social entrepreneurs make their ideas a reality.”

Columba 1400 are an award-winning charitable social enterprise based in Scotland. 

They help people realise that they already possess the inner greatness and confidence to transform their own lives and those around them.

They have worked with pupils and teachers in partnership with Girvan Academy for six years and their proven and successful Leadership Academies continue to produce impressive results. 

Firstport have helped many in Girvan and South Carrick to establish their own business. They have supported Chelsea, a trained artist, runs Pastel Fox Studio in Girvan, but wants to develop the space by offering structured classes and a range of creative activities, particularly for those under 18’s.

She is passionate about creativity and its role in community cohesion, she hopes that the space will provide a creative outlet for young people and those looking to gain new skills. 

Chelsea told Firstport: “I grew up in Girvan and I want to improve the town’s connectivity and bring people together through creativity. 

“Girvan deserves to regenerate, bring passing trade through the town and have plenty of choice of activities for both tourists and residents.”

Organisers added: “We’re holding an information session at the Town House in Girvan on 29 January 2018 for you to find out more about this transformative experience."

For further information, please find the sign up page here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-leadership-academy-information-session-tickets-39494422882