After a two-year break The BIG FIX returns this Saturday (May 14) and once again the popular event is going nationwide with Repair Cafés from all over England taking part.
In total 50 cafés, from Penzance to Sevenoaks to Keswick, are opening their doors for a couple of hours in the morning, giving the public a chance to make friends, socialise and have some of your broken possessions fixed for free.
Of those 50, nine Repair Cafés are in Devon; Atherington and High Bickington, Uffculme, Tiverton, Blackdown Hills, Bradninch, North Tawton, Chudleigh, Braunton and Buckfastleigh.
There will be skilled volunteers on hand to not only fix your item, but who will be able to give you tips on how you can fix and mend your broken things yourself in the future.
But it’s not all about fixing – this year there is a special emphasis on what Repair Cafés mean for individual communities and how they can help communities as we emerge from the pandemic.
Over the last two years it has been hard for many of us, particularly the vulnerable, to socialise or meet new people, as the regular social settings we used to enjoy were forced to close.
The BIG FIX marks the reopening of Repair Cafés’ doors post-pandemic, hopefully to be greeted by new and old faces and to act as a reminder that they are great places to socialise and meet new like-minded people.
There will be a selection of handmade cakes and treats available for you to enjoy along with a tea or coffee.
Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Equality, said:
“Every day we throw away items that, with a little care and a simple repair, could be given a new lease of life.
“But it’s not only about reducing what we throw away – many come to repair cafes for the atmosphere a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a chat.
“It’s been a long two years and many people have got into the habit of not going out as often as they used to. The longer you have been isolated, the harder it can be to change.
“So, if you enjoy interacting with people but maybe you haven’t had the chance recently, why not pop down to a Repair Café near you this Saturday.”
A full list of Repair Cafes taking part this Saturday can be found here on the Recycle Devon website or by joining their Facebook group.
Facebook pages for individual repair cafés events, with times, can be found here; Braunton Repair Café, Chudleigh Repair Café, Uffculme Repair Café, Tiverton Repair Café, Atherington and High Bickerton Repair Café, Blackdown Hills Repair Café, North Tawton Repair Café.