Building resilience through connecting – SkillShare24
This year at SkillShare24, we explored the theme of “Resilience through Connecting”. Hosted at The Mint Eco-church in Exeter, the November gathering was filled with passionate community action groups and dedicated individuals all eager to share, learn, and take hands on steps toward a sustainable future.
The day kicked off with our keynote speaker, Peter Lefort from the University of Exeter’s Green Futures Network, who challenged us to rethink the way we tell stories of social change. He introduced us to his Positive Tipping Points Toolkit, equipping us with tools and resources to drive transformative change in our own communities.
Throughout the day, we joined workshops covering a wide range of topics. Sue from Exmouth Coastal Churches shared her experience transforming churchyards into sanctuaries for wildlife, guiding us through sustainable practices that support habitats for insects, small mammals, and birds. Her work at St. Margaret’s and St. Andrew’s in Littleham – Devon’s largest churchyard -showed how these spaces can benefit both wildlife and people seeking a peaceful connection with nature.
Natalie from Exeter Science Centre introduced us to innovative, interactive climate change displays designed to make complex science accessible and relatable. She shared tips on how to engage local communities in meaningful “climate chats,” helping us learn creative ways to inspire climate action within our own networks.
The Fixy Van, Somerset’s mobile repair and reuse project, provided insights into reducing e-waste and encouraged sustainable consumption, offering us the opportunity to donate old tech devices for refurbishment. By promoting repair and reuse, Fixy has been turning sustainable tech practices into a movement that everyone can join.
Nicki Schantz, Southwest Regional Hub Manager for the Climate Ambassadors, shared how trained volunteers are helping local schools develop and implement climate action plans. Her session introduced the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy and highlighted ways for volunteers to support schools in creating impactful climate solutions. Meanwhile, Harry Bonnell from Exeter Community Energy led a session on the Retrofit Revolution, covering grants, discounts, and energy-saving tips to make homes warmer, greener, and more affordable.
Food waste was another significant focus, with Emma from the Food Rescue Project sharing a range of community-based models for reducing food waste, including community fridges, gleaning projects, and cooking networks. Emma also demonstrated ways to track the impact of these initiatives, from carbon savings to meal equivalents, empowering participants to set up or enhance their own food rescue efforts.
The day wouldn’t have been complete without our lovely lunch, which brought everyone together to enjoy food prepared by ReROOTed Surplus Food Cafe. We shared delicious soups made from gleaned surplus pumpkins and apple crumble made from gleaned apples, perfect for fuelling us up while reducing food waste!
And out in the foyer, people were invited to get handy and contribute to our bunting making, using repurposed textiles. Lovely conversations were had over the sewing machines and scissors!
SkillShare24 was a celebration of community spirit, resilience, and the power of connection. From workshops to shared meals, each element of the day highlighted ways to make meaningful environmental and social change. Thank you to everyone who joined us! We are all our own positive tipping point together!
