Changemakers Chillout 2025

We're bringing the "Changemakers Chillout," to Totnes! If you didn’t get to join us last year, it’s a summer party dedicated to the unsung heroes of our community, you: the leaders of small grassroots not-for-profits, social enterprises, charities, and community groups across the South West. You all work tirelessly to support others, usually putting everyone else’s needs ahead of your own and surviving on commitment and the occasional coffee. This is more than just another networking event, Changemakers Chillout is our way of giving back and offering a rare opportunity to put yourself first!

Are you making change happen in your community? Are you supporting positive change in your community? Are you running a business or organisation that values more than the financial bottom line? Join us for an evening of pizza, purpose, and great company! 🍕🍻

Who’s it for? If you're driving social change, come celebrate summer with us! Enjoy pizza, chat about your mission, drink local beer, and maybe win some indulgent raffle prizes.

What’s on offer?

• Pizza Pirates serving their delicious pizzas, with all profits supporting their 'dough bros' programme.
• Ivybridge Brewing Co. offering their tasty beers, creating meaningful work for adults with disabilities.
• Open Mic: You have 3 minutes to share whatever’s on your mind—your way! (More details on booking a slot below)
• Raffle: Win prizes designed to give social changemakers a well-deserved treat.
• Amazing company: Connect with both newbies and veterans in the social change sector.

Why? Because making change happen is hard work, and we deserve to celebrate our efforts! Let’s take a moment to chill out and be surrounded by people who just get it.

Who’s hosting? Brought to you by Lend A Helping Hand CIC (aka Chloe Tingle, Jess Holliland and Noemi Cassani) in collaboration with Pizza Pirates, and Ivybridge Brewery.

Join us for an unforgettable evening! 🎉✨ #ChangemakersChillout #SocialChange #Community

What did people think about the last one?

“A lovely gentle networking evening with super people, great food and inspiring conversations”

“Chloe and Jess have an uncanny way of bringing out the best in the folk they bring together, even animating a bunch of stressed-out silo-worn changemakers. They make a mindset of mutual support contagious like a zombie invasion.”

"Loved the variety and hugely broad knowledge-base of the people who attended, all with a common purpose. And the format was so much fun! "

Open Mic Session: Your Platform to Shine!

Our open mic session is not traditional—it's your platform to:

• Talk About Your Organization: Share your mission, goals, and impact.
• Celebrate and Inform: Highlight successes or share something important.
• Ask for Help: Seek advice, resources, or connections from the room.
• Vent and Reflect: Have a moan about challenges and get support from those who understand.
• Practice Your Pitch: Hone your presentation skills in a friendly, supportive environment.

Each participant gets 3 minutes to chat about themselves, their business, to make an ask, or just to practice your public speaking!...whatever you need. We'll make it fun and minimise the scariness, this is a room full of people who want you to suceed. Plus, we'll have a quick briefing at 6pm to check the order, share pre-stage jitters, and confirm you're ready to go for it.

Your reward: Every open mic participant gets an extra strip of raffle tickets and valuable feedback from fellow changemakers. Don't miss this chance to amplify your voice and make meaningful connections!

So, what are you waiting for?

To book a spot, go to this link. There are 8 slots available on a first come, first served basis. If all slots are taken, let me know—cancellations might open up a spot. Click 'jump to next available date' to see the slots.

But don't take our word for it this is what the brave souls who took part in last year's open mic said:

"I stepped up to the mic as I’d been struggling with keeping motivated to continue my business journey and felt that maybe by talking about what my business does I could stoke the fire and passion for what I do. I think it went well as Chloe who was keeping time had forgotten to remind me that I only had a minute left which I am hoping means I was particularly engaging!"

"I stepped up to the mic at Changemakers Chillout partly to challenge myself to speak to a crowd (good things happen outside your comfort zone!), and partly to share my thanks for the incredible support we've received from this wonderful community of social entrepreneurs."

"I didn't feel like people were judging me or that there was any expectation of being perfect or being proper, everyone was kind of coming from a unique perspective and really accepted each other and I felt that."

"I’m glad I did. It felt affirming and nurturing to express my voice to a group of fellow changemakers and to be heard so openly."