Step Back from the Data - Creative Thinking Group Workshop

* For any mix of teams and stakeholders, this is an opportunity to take time out for the bigger picture, to help gain fresh perspectives on one environmental or community-based conundrum. Suitable for professional or social teams, and other adult groups *This workshop is a lighter way for any group to indirectly reflect on a key sustainability-related challenge. It offers individual and collective time and space away from the day-to-day pressures, to tune in to creative expression with some inspiration provided by nature appreciation. Taking time out to reflect on innate creativity and nature connection, in any format, can help to alter our pace and foster a personal breakthrough. Likewise, creative pursuits help to spark self-improvement, original ideas, or innovation. The output might surprise you.The experience is suitable for all backgrounds, and ideal for those who feel they are not very creative but willing to take creative steps in a friendly, inclusive, non-competitive environment. Various creative modes and styles are encouraged, solo or collaborative. You might host this as a team planning session, client event, or as a team social for immediate colleagues or any mix of colleagues from various departments. The structure is adaptable. Past participants have described their experience as freeing, exciting, relaxing, challenging, fun, empowering, and a creative stretch."The creative fun of Mel's workshop got my subconscious rummaging around a favourite attic in the back of my mind. It inspired me to write a brief to inject playfulness into a current work project, which also led to a valuable reconnection with a former colleague". Dr Ken Hudson, PhD Organisational Creativity.Class outline:Main session (min. 2 hours)The first part is for general time out. It involves a warm-up, with a number of short experimental tasks to help get you into a creative mode. These involve broad creative expression concepts and broad nature connection themes. An eclectic mix of arts and crafts materials (additional cost) provides inspiration. The second part is more self-guided and contemplative, during which participants opt to continue experimenting or develop one concept further. This is time to go at your own pace, or perhaps collaborate if someone has a similar creative interest. After a break, in the third part the group discusses and considers the creations and output in the context of your organisation's key sustainability conundrum. This is broadly facilitated but can become group(s)-led.Following the main session:At the conclusion of the main session participants can opt to continue working on their mini creation, or mingle with others over afternoon tea or drinks to chat further about the concepts created. Other details: Please let me know if you would like a mini-exhibition of the workshop output, which is priced separately. At your request the workshop can be adapted to include some weather-dependent outdoor tasks if suitable at your preferred venue. All participants will ideally switch off phones and other devices and in particular to make the most of the first hour. This is an alcohol-free event. Three hours includes a short break between parts two and three. Note before booking: Please first email Mel Barry to arrange a pre-booking chat. If reasonable adjustments are required please include a short request in your email. Reasonable adjustments that can be accommodated must be confirmed via email by Mel before you book. Take your creations with you. If your organisation would like to exhibit the workshop output please ask me about curation options.The per-head price also includes:

• Flexible hours, within reason, to suit your preferred timing and location. Mel's indicative availability herein is subject to change from week to week;
• One 30 minutes pre-booking chat with Mel Barry, prior to booking. In person if at the proposed venue;
• One planning meeting - online or by phone - for up to an hour, after your booking is confirmed and your payment is received in full;
• Up to three hours total for workshop set up and pack up;
• Public transport total travel time of up to 60 minutes total (door to door and return) on the workshop date. Public transport total travel time of up to 60 minutes total (door to door and return) for the pre-booking chat.

EXCLUDED:

• Arts and crafts materials. After your workshop booking is confirmed and your payment received in full, you'll receive a list of suggested materials to source and purchase yourself. These are typically very easy to source, many of which you may already have to hand. Special items will be suggested to be determined by your budget;
• Cleaning;
• Printing;
• Any travel costs to and from your preferred venue when public transport is not feasible will be in addition to the per head price;
• Travel time of 60 minutes or more, whether by private or public transport;
• Extra meeting time and any additional travel time/costs;
• Optional, extra cost: The workshop can be longer than three hours if desired;
• Optional, extra cost: Curation, exhibition, or some display of the workshop output whether following the workshop on the same day or at a later date. Charged on a per hour basis, or as a fixed fee if 8+ hours of work.

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