Hanham Repair Cafe is a volunteer-run event where volunteers help repair broken household items. Our aim is to reduce waste, share skills, and help people save money by fixing things instead of throwing them away.

We typically repair:

• Small electrical items (e.g. lamps, toasters, radios)
• Clothing and textiles
• Mechanical Items
• Furniture and Wood Work
• Small household items and toys

If you’re unsure whether your item is suitable, feel free to bring it along and we’ll do our best to help or get in touch.

We also can’t guarantee a repair — sometimes items are beyond repair, but we’ll always explain why.

For various reasons we can’t repair:

• Large appliances (e.g. washing machines, fridges)
• Items powered by mains gas
• Microwaves
• Bicycles
• Antiques or very sentimental items (We’re not the Repair Shop on TV, sorry!)

We also can’t guarantee a repair — sometimes items are beyond repair, but we’ll always explain why.

Repairs are free! But cash donations are welcome. Donations help cover costs such as venue hire, tools, insurance and help keep the Repair Cafe running.

We do not supply spare parts. If you know your item needs a replacement part e.g. a new zip please bring one with you. If, after looking at your item it is found that a spare part is required we can help you source the spare part which you can then order and return to the Repair Cafe at a later date so we can help you fit it.

No booking is required — just turn up during opening hours. If it’s busy, you may need to wait your turn, but we’ll do our best to see everyone. We work on a first come first served basis based on your item, the earlier you can arrive the more likely you are to be seen!

Before bringing an item please:

• Make sure your item is clean.
• Bring all of the parts including any spare parts.
• Bring the power lead if there is one.
• Bring anything we may need to test the item e.g. a CD for a CD player. A light bulb for a lamp.

1. You bring your item to the Repair Cafe.
2. You will be asked to read our disclaimer and “check-in” your item.
3. Once a suitable volunteer repairer is available they will look at your item with you.
4. You’ll stay with your item while it’s being repaired.
5. You may be asked to help — this is part of sharing skills and learning together.

All repairs are carried out by friendly volunteer repairers from the local community with various levels of experience. Ranging from retired repair experts to garden shed tinkerers. They all share their time and skills to help others reduce waste and save money. This is not a professional service.

Your safety is important to us. Repairs are carried out with care, but you remain responsible for your item. Electrical items are tested where possible, but we can’t offer formal safety certification.

Absolutely! You’re very welcome to pop in, have a cup of tea, and learn more about what we do — even if you don’t have anything to repair.

A much as we would love to accept tool donations we do not have space to store them so unfortunately cannot accept tool donations. We recommend contacting Tools for Self Reliance based at Kingswood Heritage Museum who accept tool donations.

YES! Tea, Coffee and biscuits are available at every session. There is home baked cake available on Saturdays.

Yes! We’re always happy to hear from people who’d like to help — whether you’re a skilled repairer or just want to help with welcoming people, making tea, or organising events. Speak to us at the Repair Cafe or contact us here.

Details of upcoming Repair Cafes, including dates, times, and location, can be found here.