As an integrated cross sector wellbeing and innovation hub our goal is to improve lives by improving the context in which support for change occurs, as well as delivering meaningful and relevant services.
Supporting people with complex life situations and multiple disadvantages, such as mental ill-health, homelessness, domestic and sexual violence and abuse, substance misuse, (re)offending and poverty we focus our support around recovery, belonging, rehabilitation and wellbeing.
CoLab Exeter launched in 2016. Its purpose was to provide a shared workspace for a range of organisations to collaborate effectively and by doing so, address key social challenges in the city. The aim of all joint work is to improve outcomes and life chances for a wide range of people, but particularly those with multiple disadvantages and complex needs. The hub is managed and hosted by CoLab Exeter. They provide a crucial 'backbone' function in the initiative. This includes maintaining and developing the physical space, hosting and integrating multi- agency activity, connecting and communicating with local, professional, and wider communities, and providing overall leadership and support for the CoLab community.
The CoLab Community itself is passionate about improving outcomes in four primary areas:
1. Collaboration to improve Recovery
2. Collaboration for Social Justice
3. Collaboration to improve Health and Wellbeing
4. Collaboration to generate a sense of Belonging
Over the last four years the initiative has adapted its offer to meet the needs and refined a Community response to these issues and aspirations. It now occupies a central role in local efforts to optimise support and provide progression for people who want not only to gain something from contact, but give something back too, as this is a key part of the road to recovery and wellbeing.
