Lived Experience
CoLab Lived Experience Community
At CoLab, we believe that meaningful change happens when people with lived experience are actively involved in shaping the services and systems that affect their lives. That’s why we’re committed to developing best practice in co-design and co-production—ensuring that individuals impacted by issues such as mental health, substance misuse, homelessness, and the criminal justice system have a genuine voice in decision-making.
Our Practice Lead for Lived Experience and System Change plays a vital role in this mission. Working across CoLab and with partner organisations, they lead efforts to embed inclusive, ethical, and evidence-informed approaches to service design, delivery, and evaluation. By supporting cultural and practical shifts that centre lived experience, we aim to build systems that are more responsive, equitable, and effective.
CoLab’s approach is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and respect—recognising that those closest to the challenges often hold the deepest insights into how to solve them. One of the projects we're proud to support is Common Ground, a lived experience led alliance.
Our Vision
Our vision is to co-create authentic change through shared purpose, where all voices are heard and strengths and experiences are celebrated.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build an inclusive society by amplifying the voices of those facing systemic barriers and who feel excluded. We bring together individuals with lived experiences and professional expertise as equal partners, harnessing our collective power to identify root causes, co-create innovative solutions, and reshape attitudes through collaborative advocacy and community-driven initiatives.
Who are we?
We are not a focus group. We are not just a consultation.
We are people with lived and ongoing experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, substance misuse and recovery, and system navigation — working alongside professionals, researchers, and decision-makers.
We create space for people to be heard, acknowledged and involved in shaping the systems that affect their lives.
What do we do?
Host subgroups focused on real issues: Substance Misuse & Recovery, Housing Transitions, Mental Health & Recovery
Listen deeply and share stories that matter
Work with partners like Exeter City Council, STaR, and University of Exeter
Turn lived experience into service insight and practical influence
Explore creative ways of communicating — radio, exhibitions, podcasts, workshops
Here’s how we can help:
Collaborate on listening sessions, research or insight work
Contribute to service reviews or working groups
Partner on storytelling, media or exhibitions
Provide honest, peer-led feedback on what’s working (and what’s not)
We work relationally. We care about impact. And we’re building change from the ground up.
We meet on the last Thursday of the month from 11am to 1pm at Salvation Army, Friar’s Gate.
Email john.stammers@colabexeter.org.uk for more information.