Published: Monday, 24th June 2024
With Repair Cafes on the rise around the country, Medway’s trial sessions were sure to be a nailed-on success…
And if you’re in stitches after that, why not head down to one of the Repair Cafe events running at Strood Community Hub and other libraries around Medway?
There’s no need to book and sessions are free to attend, with expert volunteers offering advice and help on fixing anything from clothes to electrical goods, clocks, bikes and woodwork. Some sessions also have a volunteer who sharpens knives, sewing scissors and garden equipment such as secateurs.
Designed as fun, social occasions, the cafes can double-up as a lifeline for those experiencing loneliness and isolation, and in promoting sustainable living they are also part of Medway Council’s response to the climate crisis… Which means you can save your old jeans, save a few pennies and save the world at the same time.
So far experts have helped carry out repairs on vacuum cleaners, toasters, bikes, toys and wooden items, along with numerous items of clothing, while their skills have been put to the test with the occasional challenging item like a Roomba – which took an entire session plus homework and a return visit where the owner learnt how to extract cat fur from the electrics.
Getting into the habit of fixing everyday items can help people save a fortune - as anyone who’s ever had to pay for a new school uniform will attest.
Following the success of trial sessions over the past six months, the Repair Café is set to continue, based principally at Strood Community Hub, but visiting different libraries around Medway on alternate months.
Community librarian, Tania Earnshaw, said the sessions had proved a big hit with users, and believed the initiative had multiple benefits.
“It’s about getting these traditional skills back,” she said. “You learn to repair clothes, and sew buttons, rather than going to the shops to buy a new cheap bit of clothing.
“It’s also about building up community resilience – allowing people to save money and share skills that might help others when they need them. People come to have a chat so it addresses loneliness too- there are so many benefits to it.”
“I think it’s been a success because it’s built on passion – the volunteers have joined because they love what they’re doing and want to make a difference, and everyone else loves coming along to get things fixed, learn new skills and meet new people.”
With a growing number of volunteers, Medway’s Repair café is becoming equipped to tackle an increasingly variety of difficult repair challenges, with experts in fields as varied as leather working, electrical equipment and knife sharpening.
The sessions run monthly on Saturdays from 10.30am to 1pm. There's no need to book, just turn up with your broken item.