Repair cafes are a practical and concrete way that communities can respond to the waste and climate crisis, help people deal with the cost of living or have something precious to them mended. Through pop up community events in Northern Ireland, our volunteers have fixed more than 11 tonnes of stuff for people – an amazing impact!

There are 15 locally-rooted repair cafe groups powered by volunteers, and new groups in the process of forming.  We welcome new members to our friendly teams. Most groups meet once a month or less often, and there is no obligation to come each time, so  it can be a flexible and meaningful way of contributing to your community for just a few hours. Refreshments and sometimes lunch is provided for volunteers, and many groups cover travel expenses. From time to time there are opportunities take part in training and gatherings for repair cafe volunteers across Northern Ireland.

Repair cafes events could not happen without people organising venues, getting the word out, preparing and serving in the cafe – and these volunteers are just as valued our repairers. Current fixing skills in greatest demand across our network include: IT and electrical repairs, sewing and textile repairs and jewellery repairs, but if you have another repair skill, your local group would love to discuss it with you.

Find out more about volunteering at a repair cafe in this article: https://repaircafeni.org/volunteering

Join our online information session to meet the team and discover opportunities to suit you: https://ti.to/repaircafeni/volunteer-info-session