Repair Café, Worcester

One repair can prevent 24 kilos of CO2 emissions

One product successfully repaired at a Repair Café can prevent up to 24 kilos of CO2 being emitted. That is one of the conclusions of research by Steve Privett, as part of a master’s degree at the University of Surrey (UK).

His findings highlight the significant barriers to repairing items in our society. In particular, the lack of repair skills within the general public that condemn so many things that could be repaired to the tip.

What is a Repair Café?

A Repair Café is a community initiative offering a friendly, social meeting place where people can bring their hand-portable damaged, broken or torn household and personal possessions to be repaired or mended by a team of multi-skilled repairers.

They present an innovative approach to waste reduction, social cohesion and the transference of craft skills, through the act of repairing, upgrading and maintaining a broad range of products. It is a community project to inspire, repair and re-use.

When something in your home breaks or gets damaged do you usually throw it away and buy a new one? Why not save the expense and visit your nearest Repair Cafe?

Repair Cafés are run entirely by volunteers and open to everyone. The services are always free of any charge but rely on donations to cover costs and maintain the service. They are a hands-on way to learn how our throwaway economy fails both people and the planet.

Repairers love fixing things so no job is too small or too challenging!

What happens at a Repair Café?

When you arrive with an item for repair, you will be asked to complete a registration form. Depending upon the time you turn up and the number of customers, there could be a short wait before a suitable repairer is free.

This gives you the opportunity to enjoy a hot drink and a slice of delicious homemade cake in the cafe. Together with donations, refreshment sales help to cover costs, buy specialist tools and ensure that the service is free for everyone.

When a repairer is free you are invited to sit with him/her, watch the repair taking place and even help with it.

The repairer will explain exactly what is happening so it's also a chance for you to learn and pick up some new practical skills. If your possession is irreparable, the reasons for this will be fully explained and advice offerered on the safest way to dispose of it.

Why use a Repair Café?

There are many benefits of choosing repair and re-use before buying new:

Economic - repairing our possessions can save us all a significant amount of money over time! Often, a very simple repair is all that is needed to extend the life of your possession for several months or years;

Environmental - repair and re-use reduces waste and our use of finite raw materials to make new products. Repair also reduces carbon emissions and helps to mitigate climate change;

Social - a regular Repair Café strengthens communities by bringing together people who have shared interests and values.

Visiting or volunteering at a Repair Café is also inspiring, rewarding and great fun!

The Worcester Repair Cafe opens every second Saturday of the month, 11.00am to 2.00pm (last repairs to be booked in by 1.30pm.

To find out more, contact Rod Howell on 07852 310912

or email us repaircafeworcester@gmail.com

or go to our Facebook page: Repair Café Worcester or find out more by visiting https://repaircafe.org/en/