BOOK NOW FOR SKILLSHARE24!

Join our annual gathering of groups and individuals wanting to make a difference in their community around all things sustainable. After a successful SkillShare23 , SkillShare24 will be at the The Mint, Fore Street, Exeter.  An active eco-church and community centre, it’s a central location for people to gather at from across the county.

Our SkillShare24 theme is “Resilience through connecting“. 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 touches on our SkillShare23 theme of the five ways to wellbeing.

Through the day you can expect:

• how-to – workshops
• food for thought/latest initiatives – workshops
• time to network and make new connections and renew existing ones
• thought-provoking discussion to inspire action
• hands-on fun with textiles, and possibly more
• eating good food together
• planning our next steps.

Workshops include:

Tipping Points in Action with Peter Lefort
Peter, from the Green Futures Network at the University of Exeter, brings expertise as a facilitator and climate coach.
• Discover why common narratives about social change are often misleading and how to create more meaningful ones
• Learn about positive tipping points and the research behind transformative change
• Dive into the Positive Tipping Points Toolkit with hands-on activities for social and environmental action

Climate Ambassadors and Working with Schools
Led by Nicki Schantz, Southwest Regional Hub Manager for Climate Ambassadors.
• Explore how Climate Ambassadors bring real solutions to schools through climate action plans
• Learn about becoming a Climate Ambassador and connecting with schools
• Overview of the Department for Education’s Sustainability Strategy and the four pillars of action plans

Community Energy Champions and Retrofitting with ECOE
Led by Sarah Reeves, Energy Advisor, and Harry Bonnell, Retrofit Project Manager with ECOE.
• Get insights on the Retrofit Revolution and available grants, discounts, and top energy-saving tips
• Explore real-life case studies and resources for energy efficiency
• Gain practical knowledge to make homes warmer and greener while cutting costs

Managing Churchyards for Wildlife
Led by Sue, EcoChurch Coordinator for Exmouth Coastal Churches.
• Learn how Devon’s largest churchyard was transformed into a wildlife habitat
• Discover sustainable practices for churchyard maintenance that support diverse species
• Get practical tips to make churchyards a sanctuary for nature and community connection

Gadgets and Climate Chats with Exeter Science Centre
Led by Natalie, Founder and Director of Exeter Science Centre.
• Discover interactive climate change displays that educate and inspire community action
• Learn techniques for having meaningful “climate chats” with people of all ages
• Gain tools for turning complex science into relatable, engaging conversations

Fixy Van – Reducing Our Tech Waste
Discover Somerset’s Fixy Van, Led by Jinny and Linda from Fixy and CAG Somerset.
• Learn about Fixy’s role in reducing e-waste and supporting local repair groups
• Participate in the Tech Amnesty—donate old smart tech to be refurbished and reused
• See how Fixy is turning repair and reuse into a community-wide movement

Food Rescue with the Food Rescue Project
Led by Emma, waste prevention expert and leader of the Food Rescue Project.
• Explore a range of community-based food rescue models like community fridges and gleaning
• Learn how to set up or improve surplus food initiatives in your area
• Discover ways to track impact through carbon savings, financial value, and meal equivalents

Climate Café – Networking
A relaxed, open space to connect and discuss climate topics of your choice.
• Network with like-minded people and share insights on community climate action
• Choose conversation topics that matter to you, from repair cafés to local nature efforts

SkillShare24 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. We do remain stronger together. And we can boost our sense of wellbeing and resilience at the same time.

Please do join us, it’s all free. And spread the word, bring a friend. Come and inspire, and be inspired, network, eat, celebrate, connect, learn, get active!

BOOK your places now.  We were sold out last year so don’t delay.

We’re still shaping up the programme, and can promise a mix of inspiration, celebration, networking and good food.