1821

The 1821 Centre: A New Space for Wellbeing and Reflection at St Columba’s

Having recently completed our Catholic Schools Inspection (with the report to be released at a later date), it feels only right to highlight a significant yet often overlooked provision for our students – the Chaplain (Mr Barry O’Sullivan) and the work of that office.

While daily prayer, liturgical celebrations, and retreats are all part of what students have come to expect, we also provide opportunities for students to explore their faith in a supportive and inclusive environment in various ways. Whether through chaplaincy-led reflection sessions, outreach projects, or quiet contemplation, we ensure that all students—regardless of their faith background—feel known, valued, and treasured, empowering them to carry these principles into their future lives.

At St Columba’s College, the spiritual care of our community remains central to everything we do. A recent and exciting addition to this commitment is the 1821 Centre, a dedicated space located beside the Chaplain’s office, designed to support the emotional and spiritual needs of our students. Whilst inspired by our Catholic tradition, the 1821 Centre is open to students of all faiths and none, fostering an environment of respect, reflection, and personal growth.

Since its opening, the centre has already begun offering a variety of programmes, with further initiatives set to develop and grow over time. Two key courses currently available are HAVEN, a programme supporting students dealing with stress and anxiety, and TOUGH STUFF, which helps young people navigate loss and bereavement. More details on these initiatives can be found below.

Why ‘1821’? A Name with Meaning

To fully appreciate the ethos of the 1821 Centre, it is helpful to reflect on the significance of its name. 1821 marks the year that Father André Coindre founded the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, the religious order that continues to inspire and guide St Columba’s College today. 1821’s mission is to provide a space where our community can engage in new and creative ways of exploring the charism of Father Coindre—his vision of sanctuary, holistic education, and compassionate care.

Father Coindre gathered his first ten brothers at Our Lady of Fourvière in Lyon on 30th September 1821, forming a community committed to offering young people a place of refuge, education, and personal growth. More than 200 years later, this same vision continues to guide us here in St Albans. In fact, St Columba’s College is the only school in the UK shaped by this unique charism—something we consider to be a true blessing for our students and staff alike.

A Space for Growth and Support – So, what does this vision look like in practice?

At its core, the 1821 Centre is a place of sanctuary, offering students the tools they need to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. The HAVEN and TOUGH STUFF programmes are central to this mission, providing structured support in areas that can often be barriers to well-being and academic success.

HAVEN: Managing Anxiety and Stress

For many young people, feelings of stress and anxiety can be overwhelming and may impact both their education and daily life. The HAVEN programme has already helped many students locally, and we are confident it will have the same positive impact here at St Columba’s.

This six-week course is designed for students struggling with anxiety, equipping them with practical tools to understand, manage, and reduce anxious feelings. Developed by a team of youth workers, medical professionals, and clinical psychologists, the programme supports students in building a personal toolbox of coping strategies to help them navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and resilience.

TOUGH STUFF: Coping with Change and Loss

Change and loss are inevitable parts of life, but for young people, these experiences can be particularly difficult to process. The TOUGH STUFF programme is designed to provide support for students dealing with bereavement, family separation, relocation, or other significant life changes.

The emotions that follow such experiences can often surface in the classroom, affecting concentration and well-being. TOUGH STUFF helps students develop resilience and coping mechanisms to manage these emotions in a healthy way. Delivered in collaboration with the STEP team, who have been specially trained in this area, the course ensures that students feel supported and understood during difficult times.

Looking Ahead

The 1821 Centre will continue to evolve, offering a range of initiatives that respond to the needs of our community while always remaining a space where every individual is known, valued, and treasured. We look forward to seeing how this new centre will strengthen the well-being of our students and deepen our shared commitment to Father Coindre’s vision, ensuring St Columba’s remains a sanctuary for our students.

This is part of a larger package of support that cements our place as a truly caring and pastoral school. At St Columba’s College, we are dedicated to the holistic development of our students, ensuring they receive not only academic excellence but also emotional and spiritual care. The 1821 Centre, along with our comprehensive chaplaincy services, exemplifies our commitment to nurturing a compassionate and supportive environment where every student can thrive.