💚 Mental Health Awareness Week 💚
This year’s theme encourages all of us to take action; whether that’s for ourselves, for someone else, or for our wider communities.
Burnout doesn’t always happen all at once.
Sometimes it builds quietly over time: feeling constantly exhausted, struggling to switch off, losing motivation, feeling emotionally drained, or finding it harder to cope with everyday things.
We live in a world that often praises being busy and pushing through, but taking action for your mental health can also mean slowing down.
You shouldn’t have to reach breaking point before giving yourself permission to rest, this Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder that even small actions towards protecting your wellbeing matter. 💚
If you are struggling and need to talk to someone, call Samaritans on 116 123.
✨Applications closing soon! ✨
There’s still time to apply for our current role here at CoLab Exeter!
If you’re organised, collaborative and love building positive, professional relationships at all levels and contributing to an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone engaging with CoLab, we’d love to hear from you!
Find out more and apply via our website: 👉🏻.uk/join-the-team 📆Deadline: Sunday 17th May 2026
✨Mental Health Awareness Week ✨
This year’s theme of Action is an invitation for all of us to take that next step. Your action can be something you do for yourself, for someone else, or for all of us.
Looking after yourself doesn’t always have to mean big changes or perfectly planned routines, sometimes self-care looks much smaller than that.
You don’t have to do everything at once, one small action is still action. 💚
If you are struggling and need to talk to someone, call Samaritans on 116 123.
🤟 Deaf Awareness Week ✨
Communication is something many of us take for granted, but it doesn’t look the same for everyone.
For deaf and hard of hearing people, barriers often come from environments that aren’t designed with accessibility in mind.
The good news is that small changes can make a big difference:
• Adding captions and subtitles
• Making sure spaces are well-lit for lip reading (and facing the person)
• Reducing background noise where possible
• Taking time to check understanding, without shouting
If you’re in Exeter, the Deaf Academy have a display in Princesshay where you can learn how to sign the British Sign Language Alphabet! 🤟
Even small steps, like learning a few signs, can help people feel acknowledged and help create more inclusive environments. ✨
CoLab is delighted to announce that our Chair, Julie Dent, has been commissioned as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon.
The role involves supporting the Lord Lieutenant, representing him at official events, promoting voluntary service and community engagement, assisting with honours and awards, and providing continuity and local representation across the county.
Julie said:
“I was delighted to receive the Commission. I will continue to be a strong advocate for CoLab and to champion the people we serve. I have already met a wide range of people across Devon and have been inspired by their stories.”
We are also pleased that Julie has agreed to extend her time as Chair of CoLab for a further year, until November 2027.
✨Hire Space with Purpose✨
At CoLab, our rooms and desks offer more than just four walls and a Wi-Fi password; they’re spaces where ideas, collaboration, and social impact thrive.
From meetings and workshops to training sessions and community gatherings, our rooms are adaptable, accessible, and purpose-led.
✨Suitable for meetings, training, and events
✨Flexible layouts
✨Welcoming, inclusive atmosphere
✨Centrally located in Exeter
You bring the people and ideas, we’ll provide the space that helps them land.
To find out more and to get in touch, visit our website 👉🏻.uk/what-we-do/hub
✨CoLab Men's Group✨
Our Men’s Group runs every Tuesday from 2–4pm here at Colab in the atrium with @urbanlearningacademy .
It’s a space to step away from the day-to-day, connect with others, and take a bit of time for yourself.
Activities can include talking any challenges in lives, receiving peer support, Meccano building, board games, creative arts and more!
If you're 18+ and want more information on how to join these sessions email: [email protected]
✨Join the Team!✨
We’re looking for a People & HR Advisor to play a key role at the heart of CoLab, providing practical HR advice and support to our Senior Leadership Team, managers and staff.
This is a hands-on, operational role where you’ll help ensure our people feel supported, heard and valued, while maintaining consistent and compliant HR practices in line with UK employment legislation.
If you are proactive, optimistic, and committed to the opportunities created through collaborative partnership working, we want to hear from you!
📆Closing date - Sunday 17th May For more information, and to apply 👉🏻.uk/join-the-team #ExeterJobs #exeter #colabexeter #CoLab
The natural world has a way of grounding us. 🌍
A bit of fresh air.
The sound of leaves or birds.
A moment away from busy spaces.
These small things can make a real difference to how we feel.
Looking after the environment isn’t just about the future, it’s also about the here and now, and the role nature plays in supporting our wellbeing.
If you’re looking for somewhere to start, here are 5 small things you can do today:
🌿 Step outside for some fresh air, even for a few minutes
🌿Take a short walk instead of driving where you can
🌿 Use a reusable cup or bottle
🌿Turn off lights or devices when not in use
🌿 Take a moment to notice something in nature
They might seem simple, but small actions add up; and they can help us slow down, reset and reconnect.
On Earth Day, it’s a chance to reflect on how we care for the world around us, and how that, in turn, supports our own health and wellbeing.
Even small actions matter. 🌿
We’re really pleased to be part of the national conversation with Communities for Health – Urban & Open Spaces, exploring the implementation of the Neighbourhood Health Framework.
It’s great to be alongside so many interesting organisations from across the country, sharing ideas and learning together.
Find out more here 👉🏻 munitiesforhealth.co.uk/our-approach
Find our more about the Neighbourhood Health Framework here 👉🏻 /government/publications/neighbourhood-health-framework/neighbourhood-health-framework
🎨Colab Creative 🎨
Join us for monthly arts & crafts sessions with @urbanlearningacademy
Each month will have a different focus and each one is FREE!
The next one is:
Wednesday 15th April 2-4pm @ Colab
Click the link in our bio to sign up! Or, just turn up!
Facilitated by local artist, Iola Weir @iolavanda our Colab Creative sessions are relaxed, fun, mindful sessions to help you tap into your creativity through different arts and crafts techniques.
Are you a @sng.sales resident? Get in touch, we have spaces reserved for you!
✨Join our Team!✨
We've got 2 job opportunities here at CoLab Exeter!
✨Volunteer Coordinator to build and maintain an excellent volunteer mentoring programme as part of Streets to Stability; a city-wide initiative supporting street-attached adults across Exeter.
✨Hub, Admin and Operations Coordinator (Maternity Cover) to helping keep everything running smoothly and creating a welcoming, organised and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
If you’re passionate about people, community and making a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!
Closing date for both roles 📅Sunday 26th April 2026
Find out more and apply here 👉🏻.uk/join-the-team #colabexeter #CoLab #exeter #ExeterJobs
