Before binning a ripped t-shirt or faulty hairdryer, consider repairing instead. Approximately 92 million tonnes of textiles and more than 50 million tonnes of electronic waste end up in landfills every year. Not only that, but the production of new items produces further carbon emissions and drains natural resources - manufacturing a single pair of denim jeans produces roughly 30kg of CO2!
One of the ways we can mitigate these effects is to move away from a linear economy, where goods are produced, used and discarded, to a circular economy, where goods and materials are continuously kept in use, with waste and pollution significantly reduced.
The Repair Café was founded with this ethos in mind. Through our pop-up events, we offer a space to meet with skilled volunteers, to fix or refurbish broken or worn-out goods. Whether it’s an electrical item that needs a new plug, a coat that needs a new zip, or a teddy that needs a new eye; our team will be able to offer guidance, advice or practical help to give the item a new lease of life.
We currently have volunteers who can repair clothing, textiles and soft toys, small household appliances and electronics, and small household items such as furniture and picture frames. We aim to broaden and extend our scope as we grow. If you have experience repairing computing and audio equipment, jewellery, books, pottery or porcelain, and would like to join the team, please get in touch.
Our cafes are free to attend, however donations are welcome. Learning a new skill and developing a mending mindset underpins the principles of the project, and because of this we do not offer a drop-off / pick-up service.
Upcoming Pop-Ups
- Mon, 06 JanSt Martins06 Jan 2025, 19:00 – 20 Jan 2025, 21:30St Martins, Rte de Sausmarez, Guernsey GY4, GuernseyWe are running a 3 week intermediates sewing course starting in January. Dates are Mondays 7-9.30pm: 6th, 13th and 20th January. Location: St Martins. Cost: £50. Get in touch to book your space.
- Tue, 07 JanSt Martins07 Jan 2025, 19:00 – 21 Jan 2025, 21:30St Martins, Rte de Sausmarez, Guernsey GY4, GuernseyWe are running a 3 week intermediates sewing course starting in January. Dates are Tuesdays 7-9.30pm: 7th, 14th and 21st January. Location: St Martins. Cost: £50. Get in touch to book your space.
- Wed, 08 JanSt Martins08 Jan 2025, 19:00 – 29 Jan 2025, 21:00St Martins, Rte de Sausmarez, Guernsey GY4, GuernseyWe are running a 4 week beginner's sewing course starting in January. Wednesday's 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th January. 7pm-9.00pm Location: St Martins. Cost: £60. Get in touch to book your space.
- Multiple DatesTue, 21 JanHealth Connections, Smith St21 Jan 2025, 10:30 – 12:00Health Connections, Smith St, Smith St, St Peter PortA chance to meet, chat and learn/extend your knitting or crochet skills from other wool craft lovers. Tuesday's 10.30am – 12pm at Health Connections in Smith Street.
- Sat, 25 JanSt Martins Community Centre25 Jan 2025, 10:30 – 13:30St Martins Community Centre, La Rue Maze, Guernsey GY4, GuernseyCome along to our kids clothing swap @ St Martins Community Centre. Bring along age 0-14 years good, clean quality clothing, shoes and accessories. Textile repairs will also be available.
- Multiple DatesTue, 28 JanHealth Connections, Smith St28 Jan 2025, 10:00 – 14:00Health Connections, Smith St, Smith St, St Peter PortThese sessions focus on textiles. Bring along clothes, shoes, soft toys and soft furnishings that need a bit of TLC and we'll help you fix them up and restore them back to their former glory.
- Sat, 01 FebKGV01 Feb 2025, 11:00 – 14:30KGV, Rue Cohu, GuernseyBreathe new life into old and worn-out items. Bring along your broken clothing, textiles, soft toys, small electricals and DIY for repair or take part in the clothes swap - open to womenswear, menswear, shoes and accessories. Please register to book repair slots in advance.
- Sat, 15 MarVale15 Mar 2025, 10:00 – 12:00Vale, Maraitaine Rd, Vale, Guernsey GY3 5QE, GuernseyThe Clean Earth Trust is delighted to host a Super Spring Sale @ Vale Douzaine Room, St Sampsons. All items 50p, including clothing, bric a brac, books and toys. 50p entrance fee per adult.
- Every SaturdayVarious locationsEvery SaturdayVarious locationsOur weekly beach surveys take place every Saturday. Help build Guernsey's report on ocean waste as we clean-up our coastline. Location changes weekly, keep an eye on our Facebook for more info and meeting locations. All ages are welcome and litter picking equipment is provided.
- Sat, 11 JanKGV11 Jan 2025, 11:00 – 14:30KGV, Rue Cohu, GuernseyBreathe new life into old and worn-out items. Bring along your broken clothing, textiles, soft toys, small electricals and DIY for repair or take part in the clothes swap - open to womenswear, menswear, shoes and accessories. Please register to book repair slots in advance.
- Tue, 07 JanHealth Connections, Smith St07 Jan 2025, 10:00 – 14:00Health Connections, Smith St, Smith St, St Peter PortThese sessions focus on textiles. Bring along clothes, shoes, soft toys and soft furnishings that need a bit of TLC and we'll help you fix them up and restore them back to their former glory.
- Tue, 17 DecHealth Connections, Smith St17 Dec 2024, 10:00 – 14:00Health Connections, Smith St, Smith St, St Peter PortThese sessions focus on textiles. Bring along clothes, shoes, soft toys and soft furnishings that need a bit of TLC and we'll help you fix them up and restore them back to their former glory.
- Tue, 10 DecHealth Connections, Smith St10 Dec 2024, 10:00 – 14:00Health Connections, Smith St, Smith St, St Peter PortThese sessions focus on textiles. Bring along clothes, shoes, soft toys and soft furnishings that need a bit of TLC and we'll help you fix them up and restore them back to their former glory.
- Sat, 07 DecKGV07 Dec 2024, 11:00 – 14:30KGV, Rue Cohu, GuernseyBreathe new life into old and worn-out items. Bring along your broken clothing, textiles, soft toys, small electricals and DIY for repair or take part in the clothes swap - open to womenswear, menswear, shoes and accessories. Please register to book repair slots in advance.
- Wed, 04 DecSt Martins04 Dec 2024, 19:00 – 21:00St Martins, Rte de Sausmarez, Guernsey GY4, GuernseyA one-off class learning simple applique type sewing techniques and free sewing on machines. Created using recycled fabrics and scraps.
- Tue, 03 DecHealth Connections, Smith St03 Dec 2024, 10:00 – 14:00Health Connections, Smith St, Smith St, St Peter PortThese sessions focus on textiles. Bring along clothes, shoes, soft toys and soft furnishings that need a bit of TLC and we'll help you fix them up and restore them back to their former glory.
- Tue, 19 NovHealth Connections, Smith St19 Nov 2024, 10:00 – 14:00Health Connections, Smith St, Smith St, St Peter PortThese sessions focus on textiles. Bring along clothes, shoes, soft toys and soft furnishings that need a bit of TLC and we'll help you fix them up and restore them back to their former glory.
- Thu, 14 NovSt Martins14 Nov 2024, 10:30 – 12:00St Martins, Rte de Sausmarez, Guernsey GY4, GuernseyCome and try a Granny Square with us at this one off Crochet Social!