How we work

Community Action Groups (CAG) Devon was established in 2016 as a new way to support communities in Devon to deliver exciting and innovative community waste projects. The project is run by Resource Futures and funded by Devon County Council.

Many of the groups we support are in Mid-Devon and Teignbridge, and we are in the process of extending our support to all the districts in Devon.

Objectives

Our aim is to:

• Help community-led groups in Devon to increase the impact they have on reducing waste and improving sustainability
• Reduce the amount of household waste
• Improve and increase recycling, composting and reuse
• Help community-led groups in addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis
• Empower groups and individuals, increase social cohesion and build more resilient communities.

Our approach

The CAG Devon approach is one of empowerment. Building on your passion and commitment, we will work with you to help you improve sustainability within your community and equip you with the tools, skills and know-how to be more impactful.

Whether you’re establishing a new community group such as a repair café, community larder or beach clean group or you need help to grow an existing group or deal with a specific challenge, we offer support through one-to-one mentoring and guidance, and by facilitating peer-to-peer learning.

We can advise you on basic governance, provide an insurance grant, training, and help you to promote your activities. We also champion mutual support, enabling people to learn from the experiences of others who have undertaken similar projects.

Find out how to join our network

Our approach is based on Community Action Groups (CAG) Oxfordshire, which was set up by Resource Futures in 2001. CAG Oxfordshire has gone from strength to strength. Since its launch, it has grown to become the largest network of its kind in the UK and has now become an independent organisation. It consists of more than 100 groups across Oxfordshire who are taking action on issues including waste, transport, food, energy, biodiversity and social justice.

Sharing ideas, skills and expertise

Our annual Skillshare event provides an opportunity for you to come together with other CAG Devon groups as well as hear from organisations and groups outside of our network. It’s a chance to inspire and be inspired, to swap ideas, share information and expertise, connect with and learn from others, and plan your group’s next steps. It is also an excellent opportunity for us to celebrate the individual and collective achievements of the groups in the CAG Devon network.

We run regular ‘Collaborate’ sessions which enable peer-to-peer support and collaboration on a specific topic, for example repair cafés or plastic waste reduction. These sessions provide a platform for group members who are more experienced in a specific activity to support those who are just starting out. Collaborate groups also provide a forum to share ideas on a particular topic, explore ways to overcome the challenges specific to this area of activity, and establish ways in which you can work collaboratively with other groups to have a greater impact.

Take a look at our calendar for forthcoming events and workshops