Repair cafes given funds boost to secure their future
AN eco charity spearheading the repair, reuse and recycle message in North Devon has secured funding for its repair cafes.
Plastic Free North Devon (PFND) says the funding from the Naturesave Trust will help build the long term sustainability of the project.
The PFND repair cafes provide a welcoming space for people to bring various items for mending.
They are an opportunity to come together as a community, learn new skills, save money and help save the planet. The aim of a repair cafe is to reduce waste by helping people to repair items that may otherwise be thrown away, to support people during the cost-of-living crisis and to create welcoming community hubs for all members of the community to benefit from.
Anne-Marie Eveleigh, operations manager for PFND says: “We are so excited to receive the funding from the Naturesave Trust as it will help us continue to build momentum with the repair cafes we have set up here in North Devon.
“Each repair cafe is different and run by an array of fantastic, dedicated volunteers, this funding will allow each cafe to be able to take more ownership over their cafe and have their own set of resources to run their event each month.
“Each cafe gives an opportunity to link with different members of the community through volunteering or bringing along a repair to be fixed. It is a very rewarding activity which gives individuals accessible, free and cheap tools to take action on climate change.”
The charity is also passionate about linking with more diverse communities and building momentum around tackling the climate crisis through repairing, and are building this into the plan for 2024.
The PFND repair cafe network has grown significantly since its inception in 2021. Thanks to instrumental partners and a growing network of volunteers repair cafe’s now run in five locations (Braunton, Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, South Molton and Landkey) and the charity’s volunteers fixed 366 textile, electrical, mechanical and bike repairs in 2023.
Funding from the Naturesave
Trust will be used to help each cafe build its sustainability by purchasing resources such as information banners, flags and storage boxes and also allow for more communications through printed press and digital resources.
Louisa Dean, Naturesave Trust coordinator said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Plastic Free North Devon Repair Cafe network. This fantastic initiative is a great way to promote sustainability across North Devon, while offering opportunities for people to learn skills and connect with each other. It’s also an essential resource in tackling climate change and the cost of living crisis.”
Any business or organisations who can support the cafes or volunteers who would like to get involved can contact info@plasticfreenorthdevon.org for more information