Projects

CoLab Women creates safe, empowering spaces for women facing multiple disadvantages. We work alongside women with lived experience of trauma, criminal justice, domestic abuse, poor mental health and systemic inequality, helping them rebuild confidence, regain autonomy, and lead change. Our approach is gender- and trauma-informed, and rooted in respect, relationships and resilience. Whether through peer leadership, creative programmes or strategic advocacy, we centre women’s voices – and we make sure they’re heard.

Championing change with – and for – women

Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance (DDAA)

The DDAA (Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance) is dedicated to eradicating domestic abuse through collaborative efforts and community engagement.

Our mission is to provide a safe haven for those affected, offering resources and support to rebuild lives. We envision a future where domestic abuse is no longer a hidden issue but a community priority, tackled with compassion and determination.

By fostering partnerships and promoting awareness, we aim to create lasting change and a safer Devon for all residents.

www.ddaa.org.uk

Brave Spaces

White stylized sun with a circular center and radiating lines on a teal background.

As part of the DDAA, Brave Spaces supports women experiencing Domestic Abuse in Devon who are:

Vulnerably housed, homeless, or living in Supported Accommodation (SA) or Temporary Accommodation (TA)
Struggling to access mainstream support services due to multiple disadvantages

Our team of IDVA’s and Project Workers offer tailored practical and emotional support to help women recover from Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence, and Trauma.

We also assist women with practical issues such as housing, benefits and finances, toiletries and essentials, education and employment, and accessing healthcare.

Group Activities

We facilitate various group activities including our bespoke Domestic Abuse peer support group. Attendees do not need to be working 1:1 with a Project Worker to join these sessions, but we require notification if you are planning to recommend the sessions to a client.

We also run various Peer Support Spaces and Art Focused Activities throughout the year. The aim of all sessions is for women to come together and connect. Sessions are planned based on feedback from Women we support. The sessions run throughout the year, often in conjunction with other local services in the community.

Please contact us for further information.

Specialist Domestic Abuse Support

Our specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) provide 1:1 support to women affected by medium and/or high-risk Domestic Abuse, focusing on risk reduction, safety planning, and rebuilding confidence.

Out of the Shadows & Sexual Violence

We provide confidential support and advice for anyone working with women at risk of being sexually exploited or involved in sex work.

Professional Support

Our Team is happy to help you with any questions or concerns about supporting women through Domestic Abuse.

We also provide tailored Domestic Abuse Training for services working with women experiencing multiple disadvantage.

Please get in contact if you would like further information.

Trauma Stabilisation

Support for people who have been impacted by trauma to understand and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. If you would like more information, please speak to a member of the team.

Jeanie Lynch

Head of Service for CoLab Women

Jeanie has been a manager for over 30 years in a range of settings including health, children’s services, equality and diversity and workforce development, always with a focus on supporting people experiencing disadvantage towards recovery and gaining resilience for their futures. In 2024, Jeanie won the Police & Crime Commissioner’s award at the West Country Women’s Awards for her outstanding work in combatting violence against women and girls and is leading work towards opening a Women’s Centre for Exeter in the very near future.