As we welcome in the New Year, we’re excited to launch a new Training & Tea series designed to support the Derbyshire VCFSE with fresh ideas, practical tools and creative approaches to community engagement.
This four-part online training series is led by artist and community organiser Clare Gage, and explores how creativity can strengthen connection, open conversations and bring people together in meaningful ways.
Each session is relaxed, interactive and practical — with space to reflect, share and try things out together. All sessions are online and open to anyone working with communities.
Bring a brew, A4 paper, pens and coloured pencils — and be ready to get creative.
Creative Facilitation: How to Host Events Creatively
Tuesday 13 January
Explore how creativity can transform community events. This session focuses on planning and delivering events that bring people together in unexpected ways, creating positivity, connection and shared experience.
Register here
Creative Facilitation: Using Craft to Open Conversations
Tuesday 27 January
Creativity can be a powerful way to help people feel comfortable sharing their views. This session explores how craft-based activities can create space for meaningful conversation, reflection and connection.
Creative Facilitation: Designing Creative Networking Activities
Tuesday 10 February
Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward or formal. Learn how to design creative activities that help people connect naturally and leave with valuable relationships for future collaboration.
Creative Facilitation: Creative Ways to Record and Evaluate
Tuesday 24 February
Evaluation is essential — but it doesn’t need to feel like a tick-box exercise. Discover creative ways to capture impact that are meaningful for participants and valuable for organisations.
Why Join?
This series is ideal for anyone working in the Derbyshire VCFSE who wants to:
Engage communities in more inclusive, creative ways
Build stronger relationships and partnerships
Capture learning and impact more effectively
Start 2026 feeling inspired, connected and confident
We’d love to see you there.
