SkillShare23 countdown

Through the day you can expect:

* how-to workshops on gleaning; using arts and creativity to stimulate climate conversations and action; setting up pollinator projects; becoming a community-energy champion; and reducing single-use plastics through local business collaboration

* exploring how to connect with communities and nature; rivers and citizen science; and how to attract and retain’s people’s involvement in repair and reuse

* time to network and make new connections and renew existing ones

* thought-provoking discussion to inspire action

* updates and insights on the Devon Carbon Plan and Devon Local Nature Recovery Plan

* hands-on fun contributing to the Mossy Carpet, and learning visible mending

* eating good food together

* planning our next steps.

SkillShare23 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 at the same time.

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Programme.

9.30 – Arrivals and networking

Speakers start from 10am, including:

CAG Devon – county expansion, launch of CAG Devon Small Grants Scheme, and exploring the Five Ways to Wellbeing and community action.

2 x 10: short talks/updates/demos from:

Devon Climate Emergency – the Devon Carbon Plan and local projects making a difference

Wild about Devon – update on the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Morning Workshops

Connecting with Nature. Kate Hind from Wild about Devon will guide us through activities around connecting to nature, and explore how community groups can use these in their work. Weather depending, part of this workshop may be outdoors.

The Exmouth Cup. Zoey Cooper, Exmouth Town Council’s Climate Officer, will be sharing how they’ve collaborated with local businesses across this seaside town to reduce single-use plastics and vegware, through introducing a free cup that every cafe can use and reuse.

Community Energy Champions. Tara Bowers from ECOE will be explaining how you can sign up and be trained to be a community energy champion, sharing energy saving advice to local people in your community. She’ll also sharing learnings from ECOE’s Warm Spaces collaborations with CAG Devon groups and others.

Repair and reuse – getting and keeping folk involved. Alison Sallis, CEO of award-winning Proper Job, will be multi-tasking, teaching visible mending, whilst sharing Proper Job’s learnings of over 20 years of inspiring and drawing people into repair, reuse and recycle. Bring a piece of clothing that needs repairing to make the most of this workshop!

12.30pm Lunch, networking and getting creative

We’re delighted that, once again, lunch is freshly prepared by CAG Devon group ReRooted, in collaboration with Sustainable Bradninch. There’s also time to network, get grounded and green outside, or get hands-on, making your contribution to the Mossy Carpet.

Afternoon Session includes:

Afternoon Workshops

Pollinators, why they’re vital and how to set up a pollinator project. Kate Hind from Wild about Devon will be sharing learnings from Pollinator Projects across Devon.

Gleaning – what, why, where and how. Emma Croft from Devon’s Food Rescue Project will be talking about the rising interest in gleaning, what it is and its role in reducing surplus food waste. She’ll be explaining how to plan and run gleaning events, drawing on practical examples from across Devon.

The Mossy Carpet and more! Naomi Wright from Art and Energy will be running a practical workshop where you can not only make your piece of moss for the Mossy Carpet, but also explore how to harness the richness and power of arts and creativity to create positive climate action.

Water Ways – being a voice for the River Exe Sally Chapman from Friends of the River Exe (FORE) will be sharing some of the ways in which arts and creativity, citizen science, community conversations and cake have helped establish this project and engaged local people in their connection and care for the river, from Tiverton through Exeter to Exmouth.

We’ll wrap up with some action planning (for yourself) and be done by 3.30pm.

There’s optional extra time and space to network for anyone that wants to, til 4pm.

Bring friends from your groups so you can cover all the workshop options!

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There will be time to connect with others through the day, and we’ll be creating a 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. 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.

SkillShare23 will take place at the bright and airy, fully accessible Cullompton Community Centre. This venue is accessible on bus routes, and by car, bike and on foot. Nearest train stations are Exeter and Tiverton Parkway. There is parking at the venue. We strongly encourage you to 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 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 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!