Sun CloudApr 27, 2024
smallsolar
I’m going to my first #repaircafe today, it’s in a nearby village and I emailed to ask if I could visit and they said yes! I’d like to do something similar in our village as there seems to be the need and the resource just needs the organisation…
Apr 27, 2024 at 7:31amWeb
Show threadsmallsolarApr 28, 2024
Just as an update, had a lovely visit to a nearby village, their #RepairCafe is part of a Good Neighbours scheme (they organise a bus to a local town, help clear gardens, provide a befriending service - they have invited me to their AGM to learn more).
The session had clothes repairs, small wood work repairs, bike repairs, an IT helper and knife sharpener, it’s their 4th session and sounds like advertising was key. There was a little bustle and a queue for the wood repairs person but then /1
Show threadsmallsolarApr 28, 2024
Did quieten down to no one but volunteers. They were all relaxed, keen to help but not disappointed when it got quiet, was then just a nice place to chat.
I certainly was inspired and setting up something in my village won’t be stepping on their toes even though they are just across the valley from us. Next steps are to find a core group of volunteers so I’m not on my own and negotiate using our village hall for minimal cost.
For my own memory a few ideas, explore PAT for electronics /2
Show threadsmallsolarApr 28, 2024

Consider entertainment for kids, definitely need to promote the cafe feel to it, good local advertising (start early), skill mix is important.

I’ll add some more ideas later

Show threadSue ArcherApr 28, 2024

@smallsolar

Chris, who set up Boothstown Repair Cafe, wrote a blog on it, which you might find helpful.

https://www.risch.co.uk/blog/boothstown-repair-cafe/#:~:text=The%20Repair%20Caf%C3%A9%20teaches%20people,enthusiasm%20for%20a%20sustainable%20society.

One thing we would say is to encourage non-repair volunteers to join in - the admin, meet and greet, tea-servers etc really make it work, for the clients and for the repairers.

Husband and I volunteer at 3 Repair Cafes now, so if you want any extra insight, feel free to ask!

Boothstown Repair Cafe

Show threadnixApr 28, 2024
@suearcher @smallsolar tea service is really just a repair of the soul anyway
Show threadSue ArcherApr 28, 2024

@nix @smallsolar

Absolutely!

But having someone make sure the repairers are ok, not overwhelmed, and have a brew is a key job!

Show threadsunflowerinrainApr 28, 2024
@smallsolar Clothes repairs and a knife sharpener? Good additions. Entertainment for children would be excellent, too.