Pioneering work of CoLab highlighted during city centre launch event
Published: 6 October 2023
The work of Exeter’s pioneering CoLab facility has been highlighted during a formal launch of its Impact Report 2022-2023.
More than 100 people from organisations across the county took part in the launch event at Wat Tyler House in the city centre.
CoLab is a dynamic hub and collective of people and organisations dedicated to addressing health inequalities and bring about positive, sustainable change for people and communities.
Its new report communicates the collective impact made the many people and projects which make up the CoLab community.
The report highlights what it is like to be supported at CoLab, and the challenges and joys of working with people experiencing multiple disadvantages.
It reflects on how CoLab is building a learning community and refining the ways in which it understands and evaluates its impact on people and communities.
Crucially, the report explores the progress made towards its strategic objectives in the first year of its Supporting and Sustaining Community Life Strategy 2022-2025.
CoLab said: “Yesterday evening we welcomed more than 100 people from organisations across Devon to our launch event. We were overwhelmed by the support from attendees. We enjoyed celebrating with you all, sharing ideas and building a sense of community across the city.”
Among those attending the launch was Exeter City Council’s Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon.
Bindu said: “As a key partner in the city it was an honour to celebrate the successes and discusses the challenges faced by the fantastic team at CoLab during this event.
“At a time of rising demand for services it is great to know that there is such a dedicated facility which brings together all the different agencies in Exeter who collectively make a real difference to the lives of individuals and communities.”
Council Leader Phil Bialyk, who also attended the launch event, said: “It was great to hear more about the work of CoLab and the wide variety of agencies, including the City Council, who work in collaboration to support vulnerable people in Exeter.
“This work is so valuable and so important, and I want to thank everyone involved for all that they do and the impact they make.”
The Impact Report 2022-2023 is available to read on the CoLab website.