What is it like to be supported at CoLab?

The following summarises key themes in the experience of being supported at CoLab gathered from case studies and qualitative feedback gathered between June 2022 and July 2023. This is an extract from our Impact Report 2022-2023. Read the full impact report here.

Feeling welcomed 

People describe feeling scared, nervous and overwhelmed by anxiety when they first arrive at CoLab. They are often suffering from social isolation and the impact of trauma and abuse. Frequently, we first help someone with the basics they need in that moment. This might be clothing, accessing a foodbank or making a housing application. People describe receiving a “kind” and “non-judgemental” response from staff across statutory and charitable organisations at CoLab.  

“Everyone is friendlier and more relaxed than I expected.”  

“I have been time and time again blown away by the amazing, friendly, welcoming, non-judgemental and supportive women I have met every time I come in.”  

Building trusting relationships 

Our staff ‘meet people where they are at’ – they offer appointments which suit people and are structured around their goals. People value being offered time and space to be listened to, heard and respected. Relationships are built at the pace in which people feel comfortable.  

“I have never been able to talk like that, you are all just so kind and understanding” 

Expanding community connection 

We aim to offer people choice and agency over how they recover and progress. From meeting with a psychiatrist, to courses which creatively harness your inner goddess, people have options for support across clinical and community settings. In additions, people describe benefitting from peer support and connection. 

“It’s just amazing to meet other women who have been through things similar to you – sometimes you can feel like you’re the only one that bad stuff happens to. No one judges, and it really has made me feel as if I’m not on my own.” 

“We do amazing workshops, craft and writing and it means that you can leave your problems at the door and just be yourself for a little while.” 

Staff support people to build social connections, work towards their aspirations and participate in their communities.  

“Without this support and opportunity to think and plan for my future, I don’t know what I would have done.” 

Leaving the door open 

It is important that people know they can always come back if they need more support. Additionally, people who are experiencing a period of stability in which they do not need direct support from CoLab often still pop into the hub to keep staff updated on how they are getting on.  

“I can go there and talk and get help it has been good at getting me back on my feet when I need it.” 

Read the full impact report here.