Repair Cafés & Shops
Table of Contents
Introduction
Benefits of Repair
Repair can help protect the environment (repair usually uses far less energy and other resources), reduces financial cost over replacement, fosters learning and can even encourage stronger communities.
Barriers to Repair
Corporate interests have been working to make repair and modification illegal. Communities around the world are fighting back by requiring "Right to Repair" legislation and protections.
Companies can also make repair difficult or impossible by refusing to share schematics or diagnostic tools, refusing to sell replacement parts, and by designing items (particularly technology) in ways that make them difficult or impossible to repair or maintain. For example building in barriers which can't be easily unscrewed, or even gluing batteries into technology so that they damage the device if anyone tries to switch to a new battery. Right to Repair laws can help protect consumers against these malicious practices.
Repair Cafés & Shops Directory
We have repair shops and cafés listed by region, and some similar charities or groups listed by region or under International.
International
Rather than specific repair shops or cafés, this section lists organizations focused on helping groups or people around the world share tools, knowledge or other resources to start or improve their own local repair spaces.
BrightMakerSpace "is a community Space where youths learn Open tech and repair skills using available local tools and materials to support their community. We also run Repair cafes."
Restarters Community "We are a global community of people who make local repair events happen and campaign for our right to repair. Whether you run repair events (such as Restart Parties or Repair Cafés) or are simply interested in fixing things, you're more than welcome."
Tools for Solidarity "is a non profit organisation in Northern Ireland that runs entirely by volunteers. The charity supports artisans in the poorest countries of the world by providing high quality refurbished hand tools, sewing machines and training through local refurbishment centres within the regions themselves. This act of solidarity enables local people to have technical skills and knowledge to be more self-reliant.
Tools for Solidarity offers volunteering opportunities for all with particular emphasis on volunteers with extra support needs, refugees and asylum seekers and international volunteers.
They also run an education programme in NI – Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). This programme has been designed to create awareness about Poverty, Global injustice and Environmental issues. Moreover, the course encourage participants to be more conscious of their actions as well as helping them to have a critical understanding of the connections between local and global. It is delivered free to local primary schools and has also been adapted for older age groups and adults."
Africa
Tools for Self Reliance "is a rarity amongst charities – our work genuinely transforms lives. Every tool we send, every new skill learnt, means a person, a family, a community, benefits. And that means every penny we raise will help transform a life.
Our projects support people to find meaningful employment and to secure an income that will support them and their families. Projects provide vocational training opportunities which will equip them with practical trade skills and knowledge of how to run their own businesses and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In 2023 we will launch our ambitious new five-year strategy which will see us focus our work on improving the ways we support our partners in Africa to diversify approaches to the development of sustainable livelihoods."
Ghana
Tools for Self Reliance "works with its partners in northern Ghana to get people out of poverty and into work. Our partners are non-governmental organisations with a successful record of working with local communities."
Malawi
Tools for Self Reliance "works with its partners in Malawi to give people the opportunity to get out of poverty and into work. Our partners are non-governmental organisations who work successfully in their local communities."
Sierra Leone
Tools for Self Reliance "We work with a network of partners in Sierra Leone who support some of the most vulnerable people in society. We also encourage our partners to work together to pool their expertise and share their ideas."
Tanzania
Mwanza Sewing and Training Centre (MSTC) 🧵 is a joint venture between a Tanzanian organisation, Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO), and Tools for Solidarity.
Mwanza Sewing and Training Centre opened in 2006 to help with the development of the tailoring sector among the poorest sections of both rural and urban areas of the Lake Region of Tanzania."
"SIDO-MSTC aims to assist the development of artisan tailoring groups among the poorest sections of both rural and urban areas of the Lake Victoria Zone of Tanzania through the provision of sewing machines and training. Centres also offer intensive training on mechanics to learn how to fix sewing machines in different districts."
"The main approach of the project is that sewing machines are refurbished in Tanzania by two trained local mechanics."Njombe Project "we found out that there is a huge demand in neighbouring regions for high-quality second-hand tools for carpentry, blacksmithing, building and furniture making. Consequently, we have decided to open a further centre in Njombe, about 4 hours travel from Songea.
The project supports and develops programmes in rural and urban areas of the Southern Highland Zone. The primary focus is to support artisans within both Njombe and Songea regions. Tools for Solidarity is supplying tools, sewing machines and training.
The main focus will be on providing the necessary resources and skills for artisans and groups to improve their income generation capacity and to meet the challenges that they face in running small enterprises. The project will target those people within the community who face extra barriers to income generation. The main focus is on women, youth, vocational training centres (VTC) and people with disabilities."
Uganda
Tools for Self Reliance "works with its partners in Uganda to get people out of poverty and into work. Our partners are non-governmental organisations with a successful record of working with local communities."
Zambia
Tools for Self Reliance "works with its partners in Zambia to get people out of poverty and into work. Our partners are non-governmental organisations with a successful record of working with local communities."
Europe
Switzerland / Schweiz / Suisse
Zerowaste Switzerland Map (Interactive) "On this map, you will find shops where the purchase of Zero Waste products is possible. From shops, restaurants, and second-hand shops to farm shops, you can find all kinds of good addresses." Select the category box in the top/center to specifically search for places that offer "repair".
United Kingdom
Repair Café Foyle 🚲 "is on a mission – to fix your broken stuff, for free!
Supported by National Lottery Communities Fund, our fixers, makers, and menders travel across Derry~Londonderry, holding monthly pop-up repair café events in ‘host’ venues.
Our Repair Cafes usually take place on a Saturday morning between 10.30am and 12.30pm. During this time we attempt to fix just about anything from woodwork, bikes, electrics, leatherwork and textiles.
We are very lucky to work in partnership with the Fashion & Textile Design Centre and on occasion, we welcome specialist fixers to share their skills.
If you like to tinker with broken things and would like to volunteer with us please email repaircafefoyle@gmail.com – or maybe you’d like to help out on our welcome desk, help us bake, or make soup for our volunteers, feel free to contact us.
If you would like to be a host venue – give us a shout!
You can also find us on the Restart map." FacebookTools for Self Reliance "is a rarity amongst charities – our work genuinely transforms lives. Every tool we send, every new skill learnt, means a person, a family, a community, benefits. And that means every penny we raise will help transform a life.
Our projects support people to find meaningful employment and to secure an income that will support them and their families. Projects provide vocational training opportunities which will equip them with practical trade skills and knowledge of how to run their own businesses and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In 2023 we will launch our ambitious new five-year strategy which will see us focus our work on improving the ways we support our partners in Africa to diversify approaches to the development of sustainable livelihoods."
Northern Ireland
Belfast Tool Library: Workshop & Classes "is the first tool lending library in Northern Ireland."
NIRN "is the representative body for reuse and repair organisations. Our aim is to promote sustainable reuse and repair as a practical and effective way of tackling Northern Ireland’s waste generation and develop opportunities in the Circular Economy."
Refresh Appliances "are a social enterprise business based in the heart of Ards and North Down in Strangford Park, Ards Business Centre, Jubilee Road, Newtownards.
Established in 2013 with a pledge to reduce waste, improve the environment and help young people gain truly valuable skills in a growing industry, Refresh Appliances Limited have gone from strength-to-strength.
Offering economical and affordable remanufactured white goods to the general public, landlords and charities, while providing essential employment and training for young people."Repair Workshop Downpatrick "running well at Saul Road Downpatrick, over 50 items repaired this year so far.
Most items can be repaired/refurbished a bit like on TV but no where near as slick more like a keen amateur.
I am most interest in that items that are close to you but not exclusively so." "All repaire FREE OF CHARGE especially to u3a members." More info here.
Scotland
Circular Communities Scotland: Map "Our members map has something for everyone – from shopping reuse, learning new sustainable skills, repairing broken items or getting involved in your local community’s climate action activities."
North America
USA
California
San Diego: Fixit Clinics "Our San Diego Fix-It Clinic is a pop-up event with skilled volunteers that help fix the community’s broken stuff.
Inside the Fix-It Clinic, we help you fix what’s broken so you can reduce waste! We also provide the technical breakdown of the importance of zero waste practices where you work, live, and play. This common sense breakdown helps educate local government and policymakers on how to manage zero waste plans for the future of the community.
It’s fun, productive, and helps the local community get into the habit of sustainably managing our resources, one fix at a time!"
Massachusetts
Municipal Reuse & Repair Programs "Reuse and repair extend the useful lives of many items, conserve natural resources, reduce waste disposal, and save people and communities money."
Pennsylvania
Free Ride Bicycle Collective 🚲 "is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our mission is to enable people of all ages to obtain, recycle and maintain bicycles. We aim to enhance the health of our community and environment by promoting bicycle transportation.
Free Ride is governed by our Collective Council of volunteer members interested in helping sustain and improve the organization. Community members can become volunteers, staffers, or council members. Ask one of our staff about these options!"
Texas
Austin Yellow Bike Program (YBP) 🚲 "holds free bike repair classes, hosts an open shop in which the public can get assistance in fixing up their own bikes, and sells used bikes to the public which they've refurbished. YBP also sometimes fixes up old bikes, paints them yellow, and leaves them around town where they are free to use, but not to keep."
Oceana
Australia
Interactive Map of Repair Cafes in Australia (scroll down and zoom to interact)
NSW
Bike-ology 🚲"will fix or service your bike for free with second-hand and brand new parts. All new parts are sourced from our local parts suppliers and partners sold at cost price. Whether it's a quick fix, cheeky tune-up or a massive overhaul, we are equipped with professional work-stands and specialised tools to get the job done efficiently and competently."
eReuse "provides opportunities to develop or further refine your computer refurbishment skills through hands-on experience.
Gain communication and teamworking skills by learning to work and collaborate with a team of like-minded students.
Previous experience with computers or refurbishing computers is not necessary as we will equip you with the necessary skills. All who are interested are welcome to apply!"
New Zealand
Grants & Funding
Europe
Ukraine
Гроші "– цільове фінансування на розвиток: гранти, премії, стипендії, конкурси, де передбачена грошова винагорода, а також тендери від міжнародних організацій"
United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Tools for Solidarity "is a non profit organisation in Northern Ireland that runs entirely by volunteers. The charity supports artisans in the poorest countries of the world by providing high quality refurbished hand tools, sewing machines and training through local refurbishment centres within the regions themselves. This act of solidarity enables local people to have technical skills and knowledge to be more self-reliant.
Tools for Solidarity offers volunteering opportunities for all with particular emphasis on volunteers with extra support needs, refugees and asylum seekers and international volunteers.
They also run an education programme in NI – Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). This programme has been designed to create awareness about Poverty, Global injustice and Environmental issues. Moreover, the course encourage participants to be more conscious of their actions as well as helping them to have a critical understanding of the connections between local and global. It is delivered free to local primary schools and has also been adapted for older age groups and adults."
North America
USA
Massachusetts
MassDEP Funding "The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) encourages your town or city to implement local reuse and repair programs, and offers financial assistance in support of them..."