Projects

Skills, stories and shared knowledge that spark change

Learning at CoLab isn’t just about qualifications – it’s about growth, inclusion, and transformation. We offer formal training, peer-led learning, creative workshops, and lived experience leadership programmes that help individuals and organisations alike learn from the margins. Our Urban Learning Academy takes a systemic, place-based approach to learning, bringing together knowledge from research, community and practice. Whether you’re growing skills, confidence, or connection – we learn better, together.

The Urban Learning Academy

In November 2022, the Urban Learning Academy was launched. This is an alliance of connected organisations enabling community-based adult learning, in accessible locations, empowering and transforming the lives of people who find it hardest to connect and engage. Over the last year, they have been working with individuals and organisations from across Exeter to bring the ULA to life.

The ULA has grown from the emerging four founding partners, CoLab, Exeter College, Exeter City Council and Devon County Council, to an agile, innovative alliance. They work with a values-led, aspirational approach to collaborative working, valuing difference; respect; reciprocity; honesty and ensuring all voices are being heard.

The ULA aims to create opportunities for learning and meaningful activity for adults the community. With a strong focus on belonging, wellbeing, recovery and rehabilitation, they advocate using learning as a tool for change, to support, enable and empower through our adult community learning offer.

CoLab’s concept of learning as a tool for change is based on the understanding that learning takes place in a social context and the principle that individuals who are more aware, engaged and participating in society are more likely to be healthier, happier, and able to contribute positively to family and community life.

The ULA is part of CoLab Learning’s offer with the aim to create safe spaces that enable adults from all walks for life to learn, explore, listen, develop skills, share knowledge and experience and bring about social cohesion through a tried and tested model of collaborative learning.

Your ideas matter. Participate in helping us co-design meaningful opportunities and courses for adults in Exeter. Click the link to complete the ULA Survey.

Community Spring/Summer Learning Programme 2024

Men’s Group

CoLab’s Men’s Group has been running weekly drop-in sessions every Tuesday afternoon since June 2023. The group was created in response to requests from men attending CoLab, who wanted a space dedicated to men’s mental health.

A central feature of the sessions is the “check-in,” where members take turns sharing how their week has been while others listen with respect and understanding. The group provides a safe space where it’s okay to feel anxious, say very little, or simply take time to settle in. Over time, the group has grown to support both the mental and physical aspects of men’s health, with strong connections forming between the men as they support one another.

The group also includes regular signposting, with members sharing information about local activities and events in Exeter. Alongside this, the Urban Learning Academy has provided a range of activities for the group, including forest bathing, kayaking, a stadium tour at Exeter City FC, and aromatherapy sessions.

In partnership with Pegasus Men’s Wellbeing Centre, the group hosted a six-week course on anxiety, which was introduced at the request of members. A key outcome of the course was the creation of an ongoing peer-led anxiety support group, which now meets monthly and has been running successfully for most of the year.

The group has also responded to wider challenges, such as the cost-of-living crisis. Members have been supported to apply for the Household Support Fund, access free toiletries, and receive reconditioned bikes to help with transport costs.

At its heart, the Men’s Group is about connection, understanding, and shared learning. The men themselves shape its direction, creating a space where they can come together, support one another, and explore new ways to improve their wellbeing.

A woman with long, wavy, light brown hair and blue eyes wearing a black turtleneck sweater, smiling slightly against a plain gray background.

Jo Cuthbertson

Head of Service for Learning

Jo Cuthbertson has been a dedicated member of CoLab for over 20 years, with a strong focus on Adult and Community Learning. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, Jo played a key role in shaping the vision of the Urban Learning Academy — an initiative that brings together six Alliance members and over 25 community learning partner organisations.

Driven by a commitment to inclusion and empowerment, Jo also personally champions women’s health and wellbeing, neurodiversity, and accessible education for all. She believes learning should be a tool for change, a chance to rediscover who you are today, and a source of creativity, connection, curiosity and joy.

Her vision is for everyone to be able to access to welcoming, inclusive places and spaces rooted in communities where they can thrive and grow as part of their local connections. Jo’s work is grounded in both passion and purpose, consistently striving to create meaningful opportunities that open doors and encourages community participation.