Co Labs is a professional development community dedicated to empowering disabled young creatives (ages 16-30) who have undergone treatment for cancer and/or long-term health conditions. By providing artistic, practical, and emotional support, Co Labs fosters community and creative growth while driving meaningful change in aftercare policies for those recovering from life-altering diagnoses and treatment.

"...there is less evidence on the impact of cancer on young people’s emotional wellbeing, and even fewer practical interventions have been put in place to better cater to this. Over the last decade, there has been an increase in calls to address the psychological wellbeing of young people with cancer, yet psycho-oncology interventions specifically targeting this age group are sparse and generally exist at more local levels as opposed to national programs [19,20,21]. Globally, AYA cancer care continues to focus primarily on physical health [20]. With the advances in cancer treatments for young people and the increase in those living into older adulthood, it is now critical to better cater to and support the unmet psychosocial needs of this patient group. This is particularly important in a post-pandemic world, which is likely to have impacted them further [3] through concerns related to infection, changes in communication with healthcare professionals, and a shift in the modes of communication and interrelating with peers that may increase feelings of isolation [3,22,23].

Co Labs will provide ongoing emotional support through building communities of young people with shared lived experiences, providing opportunities for collaboration through music and other creative outlets.

Increase participants' confidence and help them consider their future pathways through a programme of creative skills development and mentorship.

We will develop the next generation of leaders who will reflect the voice of the community to guide the future direction of Co Labs.

Co Labs will provide a platform for the community to drive change in the support services that young people access following their treatment.

By...

Working with young people to define and improve gaps in the service within the healthcare system after treatment.

Empower disabled young creative to take ownership of their artistic careers through skills development, mentorship and practical support

Facilitate opportunities for professional music making, production, recording, and industry exposure.

Cultivate a sustainable business model that allows Co Labs to continue offering free services to its cohort.

Our main project in 2025 is our Various Brilliant Artists album

A unique project that offers 20 young people aged 18-30 the following key components:

1-2-1 Skills Development: Tailored sessions with a musician suited to each Collaborator’s style and needs. Group Jams: Weekly informal sessions for collaboration, idea generation, and peer support.

Recording: Professional studio recording at Roundhouse Studios, with an expert engineer and producer.

Record Label Partnership: Collaborators will release music through our distribution partner, Kudos Records.

Creative Retreat: A three-day residential retreat for in-depth creative work, including accommodation, travel, and support.

Launch Party: A co-produced launch event at The Roundhouse, Camden, to showcase the album.

Mentorship Program: Three sessions with industry professional Dan Tsu to guide the Collaborators’ career development.