For the first time since 2019 we are coming together in-person for our annual SkillShare.

SkillShare22 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. It’s also a chance to celebrate what the CAG Devon network has achieved through the pandemic, how it’s growing and going from strength to strength.

Our theme is “Joining the dots – community connections for climate action”. We’ll be exploring who in our communities we could be working with to add energy and value to the work that we do. We’ll be showcasing examples of where this has worked well, for example, running a repair cafe or community fridge in a library, or how CAG Devon groups have worked with local businesses to reduce their use of plastics. We’re delighted to be co-hosting this event with local activists and CAG Devon group Dawlish Against Plastic.

We’ve got workshops through the day, focussing on the practicalities of climate action locally, whether it’s setting up a community fridge, starting a Library of Things, providing energy advice workshops in partnership with a community energy company, working with schools to get things happening, or coming together with your neighbours to tackle climate issues. You’ll also be able to take a tour of the Share Shed, the pioneering mobile Library of Things, and find out how to set one up, as it will be parked up at the Hope Centre.

You can network over a delicious hot lunch, cooked on the premises by CAG Devon group ReRooted. You can even have a go at learning furoshiki, the Japanese art of wrapping presents with cloth. Perfect in the run up to C*******s (it’s too early to mention that word!).

We’re delighted to have a wealth of contributors confirmed so far, including:

• Dawlish against Plastic
• Share Shed – mobile Library of Things
• Exeter Community Energy (ECOE)
• Libraries Unlimited
• Net Zero Visions – Devon Climate Emergency
• Devon Food Rescue Project
• Sustainable Bradninch/DCC Waste Management team
• ReConnect
• Transition Streets (Totnes)
• CAG Devon
• Teignbridge CVS.

There will be time to connect with others through the day, and we’ll be creating an online notice board for offers and requests for support. There’ll be time for you to plan your next steps in your community.

This event is open to anyone with an interest in working locally with others to tackle climate issues locally. Please spread the word.

SkillShare22 will take place at the aptly named Hope Centre. This new venue, located to the rear of Sainsbury’s Dawlish, is accessible on bus routes, and by car. Nearest train stations are Dawlish Warren, Starcross and Dawlish. There is parking at the venue and overflow parking can be used at the Sainsburys car park.

Charge

There is no charge for this event. If you wish to bring along a food item which could then be used by ReRooted in their Community Fridge, that would be wonderful!

A suggested donation for lunch will be £5, on a Pay-As-You-Feel basis. Donation pots will be available.

As this is a great opportunity to network, you are also 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.