North Earlham residents have been repairing and clearing their area recently at local Repair Cafes and Skip Days. 

Over the last couple of months, more than 50 people have brought broken electrical items…ripped clothes…and bikes to be fixed at Repair Cafes in North Earlham. 

They have also prevented fly-tipping, which can be a problem in the area, by taking part in a Community Clear Up event, supported by Business in the Community (BITC), Age UK Norwich and the Flagship Housing Association. Altogether, residents filled two skips with items such as old furniture, appliances, and other large household waste.

The Community Connectors worked closely with local organisations to get the Repair Cafe sessions off the ground locally. They also shared details of the Community Clear Up event, which led to over 20 families participating!

“People have been so happy, as they really do want to repair stuff, especially with the cost of living crisis,” said Community Connector Sonya Masimbe. "They do not want to spend hundreds of pounds on something new when it can often be a simple fix."

There have now been Norwich Repair Cafes held at Cadge Road Community Centre, Marlpit Community Centre and St Mary’s Church.

Repair Cafes are the brainchild of Mark Taylor, who is hoping to build a network of these community sessions across Norwich -  saving local residents money, reducing landfill and creating welcoming community spaces. The Community Connectors have been keen to help promote the cafes to locals.

Repair Cafes are community spaces where volunteers, who have repair skills, help fix items for local residents free-of-charge, although donations are welcomed. Repair Cafes are also places to learn new skills, share knowledge and promote a sustainable lifestyle by giving used and broken items a new lease of life. At each Repair Cafe there are also vegan cakes on sale. So far, the Repair Cafe has held 15 sessions, fixed 729 items and sold 323 slices of cake, (as of 24th June 2024). 

Due to the success of the events, there are now plans to try and arrange more Skip Days in the future.