CAG Devon SkillShare24

Join us for CAG Devon's SkillShare: a day of inspiration, celebration, climate conversation, good food and much more.

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:

A packed programme includes workshops/activities/displays on:

✅ Positive tipping points
🌍 Tech amnesty - clear your tech clutter
✅ Fixy Van and reducing tech waste
🌍 Community energy and retrofitting
✅ Mass bunting making
🌍 Working with schools on climate action
✅ Managing churchyards for wildlife
🌍 Food rescue - reducing food waste
✅ Climate cafe - you decide what to talk about
🌍 Fun gadgets to start climate chats
✅ ReConnect Magazine
🌍 Pumpkins, apples and, of course, cake!

Plus plenty of time to network.

Workshops:

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 Exeter Community Energy.
• 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, with Katie Wilkinson, Devon Wildlife Trust.
• 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, Co-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, l'ed 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

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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. 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 and resilience at the same time.

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

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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.

SkillShare24 will take place at The Mint, Fore Street, Exeter. This venue is accessible on bus routes, by train, and by car, bike and on foot. Nearest train station is Exeter Central. There is parking at the venue for blue badge holders only. We strongly encourage you to use public transport, your feet/pedal power or 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 in a local 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!