UoC Repair Cafe

UoC Repair Café

The Repair Café is a great way to pair repairers with things to fix. Our community-focused sessions are a fantastic way to use and develop your skills to fix things, make connections and form a community - all whilst doing our bit for sustainability.

The last session was at the Grand Arcade as part of the Cambridge Festival on March 28. Next sessions are tbc, though one will happen on September 30 at the Ray Dolby centre,

The booking form for repair requests is now closed but we are still looking for volunteer fixers and demonstrators/ideas for the next sessions. Fill out this form and get in touch. We'd love to see you on the day.

Workshops/skills demonstrations are still being developed but sessions so far include:

-Bike repairs and maintenance demonstrations

-Photography essentials

-Book binding/conservation techniques

You can register your interest in these sessions here.

We have had a positive response from materials and sewing repairers thanks to the Makers and Crafters network but we are particularly looking for electrical, mechanical, electronics and jewellery repairers and a PAT certified tester. Don't worry if you feel you are lacking experience - we pair you with experienced volunteers for your first session.

Our last session reached 10,000 views on internal networks and was positively received by participants:

'Very helpful. Talked through the approach so could do myself on another occasion'
'Wonderful knowledgeable repairers'
'Such a great experience...please do run another session '
'..did a fantastic job...so helpful and received some great tips'
'Wonderfully helpful'
'Simply GREAT!'
'Looking forward to less going to landfill'

Items repaired included backpacks, jewellery, clocks, lamps, laptops and many other items. If it's broken-we'll try to fix it.

The sessions have generated a lot of interest across the University and feature as case studies for Wellbeing and Civic Engagement. They are also supported by the Sustainability team and we are looking to support Departments and Colleges in running local events.