Growing through Collaboration – SkillShare25
This year at SkillShare25, we explored the theme of “Growing through Collaboration”. Hosted at The Courtenay Centre in Newton Abbot (a community centre managed by CAG Devon member Newton Abbot CIC), the November gathering was filled with passionate community action groups and dedicated individuals all eager to share, learn, and take practical steps toward a sustainable future.
The day opened with inspiring stories of collaboration. Jeni from Uffculme Green Team described a joint litter pick with the young ‘Squirrels’ scout group, while Scott from Turn the Tide highlighted how community generosity ensured their annual festival went ahead just a week after high winds forced postponement. Lucy from Sustainable Bradninch shared how their creative ‘Gin Swish’ event reached new audiences, and Vanessa from Dawlish Against Plastic explained how working with local businesses led to the launch of the Dawlish Cup, cutting down on disposable takeaway cups. Together, these stories showed how collaboration strengthens local initiatives and creates lasting impact.
Throughout the day, SkillShare25 offered a wide range of workshops showcasing collaboration in action. Zoey from Exmouth Town Council and Nicky from Sideshore Community used Venn diagrams to explore how groups can identify overlaps with other local initiatives to strengthen grassroots climate action.
Rosie from Libraries Unlimited and Laura from CAG Devon introduced the Together for Tomorrow project, looking at the language groups use when communicating with the public and sparking ideas for how libraries can host more community activities. Suggestions ranged from repair cafés and clothes swaps to seed libraries, food sharing, nature journalling, and hygiene banks. It was great to get ideas from different groups across Devon who have all their own unique experiences in running events, communicating with different audiences and promoting activities.
In the Courtenay Centre garden, Linda from Newton Abbot Seed Library led a tour highlighting how collaboration has transformed the space into a thriving, edible, wildlife‑friendly haven. Meanwhile, the Wilder Communities Team at Devon Wildlife Trust tackled the challenge of engaging and retaining volunteers, emphasising the need to design opportunities that fit real lives and overcome barriers to involvement.
The afternoon included a visit to CAG member Newton Abbot Community Shed, where Peter explained how their permanent base at the Library supports repair, reuse, and upcycling. Ellen from the Library shared how the Shed has boosted engagement, attracted volunteers, and even created a bespoke train‑themed gate for the children’s area. Attendees also joined volunteers in making bird boxes for the Courtenay Centre garden.
Mark and Mirella from ShareShed, the world’s first travelling Library of Things, ran a session on setting up sharing initiatives and gave a behind‑the‑scenes tour of their van—complete with one of Mark’s guitar songs celebrating sharing and borrowing.
Some participants slowed down with the South Devon Stitchers, enjoying mindful embroidery while learning about their collaborative Endangered Species of Devon panels. Conceived during lockdown, the project united stitchers across the area to raise awareness of biodiversity loss and highlight the wellbeing benefits of stitching and upcycling fabrics.
Finally, Devon Wildlife Trust hosted a workshop on measuring the impact of nature projects, showing how combining data with storytelling can strengthen funding bids, attract volunteers, and build community support.
No SkillShare would be complete without food! Lunch was prepared by the wonderful Newton Abbot CIC team at the Courtenay Centre using surplus ingredients from the on-site Community Fridge – delicious soups, bread rolls, and apple crumble were perfect for fueling us while reducing food waste!
Attendees brought along leaflets and displays to promote their organisation or groups, and we also held a Winter Woollies clothes swap and a pop-up Tech Amnesty, where people could donate unwanted tech to be refurbished and redistributed by the Fixy Project. Two large yellow tubs of tech were collected!
SkillShare25 was a true celebration of community spirit and collaboration, with workshops, shared meals, and networking all showcasing how local action can drive meaningful environmental and social change.
A big thank you to the 75+ attendees, CAG Devon members and new faces alike, for bringing such energy and ideas. Together we embraced the theme of growing through collaboration, and we hope you left inspired, connected, and empowered to keep building change in your communities.
