Repair Cafes: Powering a Culture of Fixing For All Ages
Communities all across the UK have been embracing the growing trend for repair cafes! They have been popping up in community centres, churches, cafes and libraries, these repair hubs offer spaces where people can mend everything, from gadgets to furniture, often at no extra cost.
These informal, volunteer-run events are often free, and they are not just combatting waste, they also bring people together while sparking a culture shift. One that values repair over replacement. This culture shift is not just exclusive to adults, a lot of the main aim is to create a sustainable repair culture.
We spoke to Sophie who runs the Repair Cafe Nunhead
Can you tell us a bit about your Repair Café, how it started and what kind of things people typically bring in?
Repair Cafe Nunhead launched January 2022, but was an idea sparked the year before. Emerging out of a post-lockdown world, I was keen to get involved with volunteering and so I went along to a community event where The Green Community Centre had a stall. There they had a big board of post-its notes where folks were putting their ideas of what they wanted to see at The Green, and one of those was a repair cafe. It was a lightbulb moment - I was going to start a repair cafe!
I've always been a maker with a passion for textiles and sustainability, so I thought even if it was just me and my sewing machine, that would be a great way to promote repairing and keep belongings out of landfill. I was very fortunate that many other people felt like me and the cafe has grown to an amazing community of over 30 volunteers.
We mostly see household electronics, around 60% of items brought are lamps, toasters, vacuum cleaners and kettles. The second most popular items are textiles - so clothing, bags and toys. We also see lots of different things every month, some of my favourites have been a rocking horse, a cuckoo clock and a traditional puppet from Myanmar!
Why do you think repair is important right now , not just practically, but culturally or environmentally?
I really believe in the need to change our mindset from consumers to owners. By choosing to repair, we become part of the story of an object and ultimately this act of care impacts how we value longevity and craftsmanship over convenience and trends. Repairing also takes skill, and sharing this knowledge is such an important part of building and growing a community. Each month we see neighbours come together and empower each other through the magic of repair! Ultimately, repairing is crucial right now during a time of climate crisis. By extending the life of an existing item we reduce the massive amount of waste we send to landfills, slow the demand for raw materials, water, and energy to generate new items and reduce carbon emissions.
What’s one simple repair tip or “hack” you love sharing with people who are new to fixing things?
As my repair specialism is textiles, I really believe in the saying 'a stitch in time saves nine! Stop wearing it and don't wash it as it will just make the hole bigger. Especially in knitwear, if you can catch the loose stitches with a safety pin before it unravels then you have an easier fix ahead of you. For those who are new to fixing, I'd echo what we often hear from visitors at most repair cafes, 'that was easier than I thought, maybe I'll have a go next time'! Repair cafes are a great way to learn and boost your confidence if you're not sure about getting started, so why not find one near you!
Have you had any experiences with younger kids getting involved? What role do you think repair can play in how children learn or grow?
Yes, we've had one secondary school student join and they are contributing to the volunteering section of their Duke of Edinburgh award! I think repair can be a real life STEM education, encouraging hands-on learning, with practical and empowering problem solving. Importantly, it can contribute to children's environmental awareness, empathy, and care by teaching them to value and extend the life of their belongings.
How are Team Repair getting involved with repair cafes?
Crucially, this cultural shift isn’t limited to adults. Many Repair Cafés are now exploring how repair can inspire younger generations, introducing them to hands-on problem-solving, environmental thinking, and even the science behind how things work.
Repair Cafes across the UK have been able to run Team Repair workshops, which give young people the confidence and skills to learn how to repair, whilst learning all of the STEM and science behind it all.
Kent Repair Cafe
East London Waste Authority Repair Cafes
