Complex Lives
Projects
Person-centred support for life’s toughest moments
Complex Lives recognises that no one experiences challenges in neat categories. We support people navigating homelessness, substance misuse, criminal justice involvement, mental ill-health and other intersecting issues – often all at once. Through collaborative, multi-agency responses, we meet people where they are and offer practical help, emotional support, and a pathway forward. At the heart of this work is trust: building it, holding it, and using it to create lasting change in people’s lives.
Welcome Team
The Welcome Team is an integral part of CoLab in a variety of ways. The team are a first point of contact when a visitor arrives at CoLab. We are very proud of the hospitality we offer to everyone who visits CoLab; visitors may be coming to a group meeting, attending a training course, accessing support for the 30+ different projects and organisations or may arrive uncertain of what they need and the Welcome Team will help them to understand and navigate the services.
We provide an inclusive, respectful space where all voices matter. Where members of the community can access laptops, have a cup of tea or coffee, or have a chat with one of our listening volunteers.
The High Intensity Use Project is a people-first initiative focused on supporting individuals who frequently attend the emergency department in Exeter. By concentrating on what matters most to each person, we aim to break the cycle of repeated presentations and help them reach meaningful resolutions.
We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual, recognising that most don’t fit into traditional boxes. Our approach brings together key practitioners to work collaboratively—avoiding siloed efforts and ensuring everyone is aligned to a shared plan.
Delivered in line with the https://www.thinkouts.com/high-intensity-user-solutions/, this project builds on the innovation and impact of CoLab’s Welcome Team but also working with a wider cohort across Exeter and East Devon. It has become a vital extension of our navigator-led support for people living complex lives, helping both individuals and organisations find a win-win way forward.
Laura Greenhill
Head of Service for Complex Lives
I’ve been part of the CoLab journey for 9 years, beginning my journey in criminal justice and now leading both the Welcome Team and the High Intensity Use project. I’m a passionate advocate for equitable access to housing, health, and support services.
My favourite thing about CoLab is the open-door policy creating a single point of contact and a non-judgemental, safe space for individuals. My approach is rooted in collaborative, multi-agency working and a strong commitment to equality and inclusion.
The Welcome Team is the first point of contact for anyone entering CoLab, offering triage, support, signposting, and a listening ear to over 1,200 visitors each month. We aim to provide a compassionate and understanding environment from the very first interaction.
The High Intensity Use project is working closely with individuals who frequently attend A&E, providing intensive one-to-one support to help them address complex, non-medical needs and ultimately reduce reliance on emergency services.
Outside of work, I enjoy running, fitness, adventures in my campervan and spending time with my dog.
STaR Project
The Exeter STaR (System, Treatment and Recovery) project is a pioneering initiative funded by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), designed to support individuals experiencing rough sleeping or living in temporary accommodation who are facing substance misuse challenges. The project aims to transform engagement and recovery outcomes through a trauma-informed, person-centred approach.
A One Team Model with Innovation and Collaboration
STaR is a partnership-driven project, involving organisations such as CoLab, Together Devon, BCHA, Julian House, Clock Tower Surgery, BtheChange, Devon & Cornwall Police, Exeter City Council, and Devon County Council Public Health 1. It builds on existing best practices and relationships, aligning with other programmes like RSI, FAST, and One Mental Health Team to unify as a multidisciplinary team under a “One Team Model”.
The team operates using the MEAM (Making Every Adult Matter) framework, which promotes coordinated, long-term solutions to complex social challenges through partnership working and trauma-informed care.
The project also includes a small personal budget for each client to help “unlock” barriers to engagement and recovery, ensuring that support is both flexible and responsive to individual needs.
Holistic, Wrap-Around Support
STaR is designed to meet people where they are—both physically and emotionally. The SEWs “follow the person,” maintaining consistent relationships and tailoring support to individual needs. This includes:
Care coordination and advocacy
Housing support
Harm reduction (e.g., naloxone distribution, needle exchange)
Cognitive behavioural relapse prevention therapy
Social Behaviour Network Therapy
Detox preparation and overdose welfare checks
Assistance with appointments and pro-social activities
Coordination with other support providers
Upskilling others in harm reduction and treatment pathways
High Intensity Use
Vision Care Charity for Homeless People is a charity providing eye-care services to homeless and vulnerably housed people. The clinic is situated within CoLab. VCHP Exeter is immensely grateful to a great team of volunteers and also donations from Specsavers, the Pret Foundation, Thomson Software Solutions and Bill Opticians, who have supported them.
The opticians operate from the Atrium and rely on volunteers; these include qualified optometrists, dispensing opticians, students and lay clinic assistants. If you are interested in getting involved please contact info@vchp.org.uk.
Vision Care Charity for Homeless People
Dentaid The Dental Charity provides dental care and oral health advice for people experiencing homelessness, harm, poverty and abuse.
Our mobile dental units travel the UK providing outreach dental clinics for the most vulnerable people in our communities.
We help people at risk of health inequalities who’ve been living with the misery of toothache and restore their self-esteem by giving them more confidence in their smile. We know that oral healthcare can help our patients move on to a new chapter in their lives.
Please contact the CoLab Welcome Team to find out next dates.
