Fiona CardenDirector of Learning and Innovation

Finding space; inside and out

CoLab ExeterAn intentionally designed multiagency

wellbeing hub in the South West of England

Creating physical spaces where learners can explore their internal landscape in a co-designed, creative and supportive

environment

• Population 130,000• On the river Exe• 200 miles from London• Cathedral completed 1400• University City

Why CoLab Exeter?

Collaboration

Innovation

4 ThemesRECOVERY: We collectively work towards sustainable, whole-person recovery – from drug or alcohol dependence and / or from mental ill-health

BELONGING: We address homelessness and support those vulnerably housed through joint work towards affordable and sustainable local housing solutions. We also work to reconnect people who have become isolated and help those on the margins of society to re-engage.

REHABILITATION: We promote rehabilitation into the community of those on the justice pathway and work together to increase community cohesion.

WELLBEING: Recognising the important role that health and wellbeing plays in individual capacity to make better lifestyle choices we take a “wellbeing first” which underpins the work of the other three themes.

Learning -a tool for change

Developing a learning community

Key valuesThe collaborative community has four core values that underpin all activity:• Welcome: Hospitality lies at the heart of every

relationship• Collaboration: Success is something we achieve

together• Compassion: We accept and value people wherever

they are in their journey• Ambition: We offer space and opportunity for

everyone to realise their full potential

CoLab Ambition

This is a time when we need to be bold, courageous and willing to experiment with new ways of doing things.

We need to share ideas, try them out, fail fast, learn and adapt to make the changes that will enable people and our community to flourish.

Supportive

Enthusiastic

Vision

Inspirational

Resourceful

Success

Transformation

Creative

Ambitious

Challenge

Why learning at the heart?“Adult learning contributes to the prevention of conflict and poverty, helping people learn to live together, be healthy and thrive, irrespective of their economic, social or culture background. Adult learning makes a difference by helping people continuously update their knowledge and skills throughout their lives so that they maintain their ability to contribute as healthy and productive members of society. “

Global Report on adult learning and education UNESCO 2016

We know that education level is an important predictor in life expectancy and that learning leads to greater confidence and self-efficacy, which translates to greater ability to manage our own lives and health

“Healthy, wealthy and Wise:

The Impact of Adult Learning

in the UK L&W 2017”

What is our vision for CoLab Learning?

• Investment in increasing personal aspirations for success

• Generating a shift in mind set that leads to behaviour change

• Raising expectations for a better quality of life and prospects

Social resilience

“…the capacity to foster, engage in, and sustain positive social relationships and to endure and recover from stressors and social isolation. It is the glue that holds groups together, provides a purpose larger than the solitary self, and allows entire groups to rise to challenges.”

Extract from Flourish by Martin Seligman 2011

“Disadvantage accumulates across the life course, and the life chances of many people are set before they are 30 years old. Therefore, adult learning is an essential tool to redress disadvantage, and inequalities.”

The Global report on Adult Learning and Education UNESCO 2016

Speaking Up

Personal development through…

Green spaces in urban settings

Active Citizenship - Europe

Active Citizenship - global

Resilient Women

MOJ Whole System Approach to Women

“Develop a whole system approach to female offenders which transforms current service provision by transforming how we view and reimagine the justice pathway; and in doing so change the experience and outcomes of female pathway users for the better.” Ministry of Justice, 2016

Initial Presenting NeedsSubstance Misuse 25%Mental Health & Wellbeing 21% Education/Training 21%Domestic Abuse 19%Accommodation 14%

Domestic, sexual violence and abuse are factors in 80% of women attending

Resilient Women

Themed Workshops Financial ResilienceMagna Vitae – the ME-VSex & RelationshipsCreative Writing/HaikuDomestic Violence & World CupWomen & Equali-TEABanner MakingMindfulnessYogaAdvocacy & Signposting

Learning: The Treasure WithinReport to UNESCO of the International Commission of

Education for the 21st Century

“In confronting the many challenges that the future holds in store, humankind sees in education an indispensable asset in its attempt to attain the ideals of peace, freedom and social justice.”

“Education is the kindling of the flame, not the filling of the vessel.” Socrates

Thank you

@Fiona_Carden

@ColabExeter

www.colabexeter.org.uk