Join us for CAG Devon’s SkillShare: a day of inspiration, celebration, climate conversation, good food and much more.
Our SkillShare25 theme is “Growing through collaboration”. This was prompted by comments we are hearing from our groups that working with others and connecting with their communities, helps them feel stronger and able to achieve more, both as individuals and as groups. This also builds on our SkillShare24 theme of “Resilience through Connecting”.
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SkillShare25 promises to be a day of inspiration, celebration, good food, practical workshops, networking and hands-on creative stuff around local climate action. It’s a chance to meet with likeminded folk, to reconnect and make new connections, to give and take ideas and knowledge. It’s an opportunity to pause, to remind ourselves that however big the issues facing the earth and climate are, we can make a difference with our actions locally. We do remain stronger together. And we can boost our sense of wellbeing and resilience at the same time. Don’t forget to bring friends from your community groups so you can cover all the workshop options!
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This event is open to anyone with an interest in working locally with others to tackle climate issues locally. You don’t need to be actively doing things already.
Please spread the word, share on social media, in local news groups and with your family and friends.
What’s happening
Whilst we’re still finalising the programme, you can expect a range of workshops and activities to dip into, contribute to, learn from and be inspired by, including:
Growing through collaboration. Hear from Zoey (Exmouth Town Council’s award winning Climate Officer) and Nicky (Sideshore Community) about what they’ve learnt about the value of working together with local businesses, voluntary groups, schools and more. Take away some top tips to try in your community.
Together for Tomorrow. Rosie and Laura will be introducing this new 5 yr Lottery project, which aims to build more climate action activities across Devon’s libraries, and build new connections and strength collaboration with local CAG groups. They’ll be sharing some of the great work already happening in libraries, including repair cafes, community fridges, swaps of all types and more. This morning workshop will be followed in the afternoon by a walk trip to CAG member Newton Abbot Community Shed, co-located at Newton Abbot library.
How to set up and run a Seed Library, Seed Swaps and a Community Garden. Linda from Newton Abbot Seed Library and Courtenay Centre, will be sharing her learning from setting up these projects at the Courtenay Centre. You’ll have a chance to visit the on-site garden.
The Share Shed. Mark and Mirella will take you on a tour of the Share Shed, the first mobile library of things. They’ll be answering questions about how to set up a library of things, and sharing their recent work around taking the sharing (of things) message more widely, including into libraries and other community assets.
Retaining Volunteers. Where would we be without our volunteers, the beating heart of all community groups? Hetty and Cathy from Devon Wildlife Trust will be sharing top tips and ideas for how to keep our volunteers happy and engaged, drawing on their work with community groups across the county.
Stitching for Devon’s nature – a chance to get hands-on with needle and thread. South Devon Stitchers created a fabulous exhibition of Endangered Species in Devon – a project which started pre-covid. These works of art have been exhibited all over Devon. Hear from Jean about how the project was conceived, developed and completed during a pandemic, and the conversations and subsequent actions the exhibition has prompted. All this whilst having a play yourself with creating a small piece of embroidered work. No previous sewing experience necessary!
How we measure impact for nature projects? Cathy and Hetty from Devon Wildlife projects will be sharing their thoughts and ideas, and welcome you to share yours, around the sometimes tricky issue of how do we measure the difference we’re making for nature/biodiversity projects.
Plus during networking breaks and lunch, you’ll also have an opportunity to drop off your redundant tech (phones, cables, laptops) at our Tech Amnesty, and update your wardrobe with our Winter Woollies & Festive Jumpers clothes swap (bring one or more to swap – with hangers!).
Venue
SkillShare25 will take place at The Courtenay Centre, Kingsteignton Rd, Newton Abbot – a venue easily accessible by bus, train, car, bike, or on foot. The nearest train station is Newton Abbot, a 10-15 minute walk away. While there is limited parking at the venue (reserved mainly for Blue Badge holders and workshop facilitators), a large pay-and-display car park is available just two minutes away at Cricketfield Road. We encourage you to use public transport, your feet/pedal power or car share (bring your friends).
Charge
There is no charge for this event. If you wish to bring along a food item which could then be used by in a local Community Fridge, that would be wonderful!
Lunch will be available on a Pay-As-You-Feel basis. Donation pots will be available.
As this is a great opportunity to network, you are invited to bring along any leaflets about your own project for others to take away. There is some room for larger displays. Contact CAG Devon if you’d like to bring a display.
We look forward to seeing you there. Booking is essential for accurate catering numbers. Bring a friend or three, and make it a grand day out!
