The Turning Points Huddle Crew
Introducing the participants of this Devon-based Huddle, all focused on a different turning point in their life.
A couple of weeks ago, 12 of us gathered in a garden in Devon, to begin a very special journey together. We are all members of the Turning Points Huddle, a purposeful, pop-up peer group, for people in Devon at a point of transition or change. Over the next 5 months, we will each explore a unique learning inquiry, but as part of a peer group where we support one another and grow together. This is part of the wonderful Huddlecraft ecosystem, and is one of many Huddles happening around the world right now. We’ll be on this journey together until February — when we plan to share our learning journeys with the world — so watch this space for an invite!
Introducing the Turning Points participants and their learning questions:
Heather Madden: How can I embrace the present Heather (2.0) with creativity, curiosity and compassion while in deeper relationship with what’s emerging around me?
Heather is a service designer, systems thinker, coach and yoga teacher. She is a lifelong learner and thrives on connection and maintaining a curious but light approach to both work and life challenges. Her work involves facilitating, designing, and coaching better processes, experiences and services. Currently when not working, you will find her hiking and wild swimming in Dartmoor National Park or on the coast path. Connect with Heather here.
Al Meredith-Hardy: How can I reshape my career as a doctor to make space for a more balanced life?
My name is Alex but most of my friends call me Al. I made the move from London to Devon last year when I got offered a job in Torbay hospital; I am a trainee in general surgery. My husband Danny and our cat Rafi also moved with me, and we have recently welcomed a puppy called Mungo into our family. Two things I love in life are being out in nature and jumping in the sea, and so living in Devon where both are possible on a daily basis has been a complete game changer. Connect with Al here.
Claire Stidston: How do I find purpose in my work now that I am a parent and I live in Devon?
I am a freelance strategist and innovation consultant working in urban health. My focus is on prevention, children’s mental health, and people least supported by the systems and structures of our society. I also run a sustainable and ethically made clothing brand. Having recently moved from London back to Devon, I am enjoying river swims, being much nearer to the ocean and being fully immersed in the change in seasons. Connect with Claire here.
Ellie Sunderland: What ways can my creativity be supported to be in service to all life?
Inspired by a strong connection to nature, and a desire to share this with others, I have been exploring practices that encourage curiosity and inspiration through engagement with the natural world. My deepest hope is that this, alongside my work together with people in communities, will contribute to a more sustainable, earth cherishing culture.
Kaz Herbert: What next and how on earth do I get there?
Hello! Im Kaz and I use far too many exclamation marks!! Im really looking forward to exploring this journey with you all. My question is linked to employment and what might come next! I love the great outdoors and being silly — I might need to be told to reign it in! I’ll probably bake for you and try and persuade you to come on adventures!
Lou Downe: Where do you start when you want to fix the food system?
I run a design training school (the School of Good Services) with my wife Sarah based on a book that I wrote a couple of years ago. Before that I was a civil servant for 7 years running the governments design team and worked as a producer at the Tate. We moved to Exeter last year after 20 years in London to be closer to my mum and dad (who live in Pinhoe) and to start a farm/food business that I’m trying to define through this huddle! We live in a slightly ramshackle farmhouse in Upton Pyne which has been a labour of love restoring this year and I’m hoping it will become a platform to help people get into food and farming who would otherwise be excluded from those industries — starting with a bakery and plant based meat business. Connect with Lou on Twitter here: @loudowne @brodbox
Bekah Philips: How can I root myself in this land and among these communities?
I am Bekah- I work freelance supporting environmental and social organisations. I am the mother of two scamps and love yoga and adventures- I feel most alive when outside in nature in the pouring rain. I recently moved to Exeter to intentionally create a more connected, active lifestyle for my family. My inquiry is about how I root myself here; to know the land, its plants, its stories, its people, projects, joys and challenges. So then I can best work out how I can help create joyful, meaningful community initiatives locally. Connect with Bekah on Twitter here: @R3bekahPhillips
Emerald Brampton-Greene: How can I creatively communicate the
shared experiences of those living with chronic illness?
Eme grew up on Dartmoor before moving to London to study and
then finding her way to Bristol. Now back in Devon she works for a
university disability team. After a surprise diagnosis in 2018 Eme
entered the strange land of chronic illness, which led her to the
Wren Project, where she supports individuals diagnosed with autoimmune disease. Her jam is making meaningful connections with people and listening to their stories. Eme hopes the Huddle will help her to metabolize the past 5 years and find new, more intentional ways forwards. Ingredients in her Huddle soup include: chronic illness, deep listening, storytelling,
nature connection and movement. If you have an experience you’d
like to share connect with Eme here.
Doug Farleigh: How can I connect with more like-minded people?
Well, who I am seems to keep changing! But I am a very hands-on dad with two amazing teenage children. I run a bespoke kitchen business which is currently going through significant change. I love the outdoors. Mountain climbing, cycling, kayaking and walking in beautiful places. Before my current life, I spent many years travelling completely off-grid, with countless life-defining experiences. I seem to be going through a particularly contemplative and life-affirming period of my life right now.
Vicki Turner: How can permaculture become my life’s work?
I’m Vicki, I returned to my home county of Devon nine years ago and have been renovating a tin church as a work/live studio. Throughout this time I’ve been working as an independent Illustrator and studying Permaculture Design. I want to explore how I can integrate Permaculture into my life’s work to help create an abundant, healthy and regenerative future. Follow Vicki on Instagram: @vicki_turnerdallyn
Kate Weiler: How can I be intentional about my transition to motherhood?
I’m Kate, and as well as a participant I’m also the Host of this Huddle! Born and raised in Exeter, I’m a freelance facilitator working in the charity and public sector. I’m back in Exeter after a decade away (the call of the sea was too strong!) and I’m hosting this Huddle to deepen my roots and create what I long for… in-person connection, a trusted community, and a safe and encouraging space to learn and grow. The Huddle time frame exactly follows the gestation period of my first baby, so I’m using the process to explore and connect with this huge period of change.
Jo Sayers: What does a joyful, active response to the polycrisis look like for me, and how might I share this with others?
I live in Exeter, with my partner and two young children. I daydream about being in the sea, or out in the forest. I co-run LearnJam, a learning design organisation exploring how we might imagine different ways to be on this planet and usher in new systems in response to the polycrisis. I love hearing different perspectives and finding ways through challenges. I love bringing my energy and learning design expertise to situations that are complicated and arriving at a direction that feels right, then testing it. Connect with Jo here.
