RSA Frome: Making a Difference

Join us for the first of a series of four RSA Frome Meetups that helps local Fellows to take social change ideas and turn them into positive action. Each event will be themed to a different Chinese element and this event is themed to Wood.

The event will start with a talk by social entrepreneur Gavin Eddy.  Gavin Eddy was working as a trader in the City before he decided to quit and buy some land in the countryside. He stumbled on the town of Frome and, captivated by the town’s vibrancy and identity, decided to invest in it. Today, he runs The Frome Independent (a destination street market once a month, showcasing some of the best craftspeople, designers, makers, producers and traders in the South West), Forward Space and Boxworks (offering workspace, resources and community for creative small businesses), and We Are Coherent (a web application to manage coworking and shared workspaces and connect their communities) alongside investing in many other entrepreneurial ventures.

After Gavin's talk, we will hold a breakout session in groups of 4 for individuals to discuss their ideas for projects they’d like to get started, linking them where possible to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals).  During this session, possible challenges and roadblocks may be identified.

 We'll conclude the event with a walk in the woods to provide inspiration and insights on ways to refine and strengthen people’s ideas through collaboration.  If you would like to join us for the walk, please bring suitable clothing and footwear.

 Event schedule:

•   6 - 6:30pm: Meet and greet
•   6:30 - 7pm: Talk by Gavin Eddy
•   7 - 7:45pm: Break into groups of 4 to take turns (of 10 min each) outlining your idea, identifying which UN Sustainable Development Goal(s) it most closely aligns with, and brainstorming how to maximise the opportunity
•   7:45 - 8:30pm: Separate into groups roughly by SDGs for a walk in the woods to discuss potential synergies

If you would like to discuss a specific project during the event. please email the Area Manager, Charlotte Holloway, at Charlotte.Holloway@rsa.org.uk.

If you have any access requirements or require any reasonable adjustments, please let the team know: networks@rsa.org.uk. Please also let us know if you have any dietary requirements or severe allergies.

Location: The Salthouse, Church St, Nunney, Frome BA11 4LW