Blaenau Gwent Council is marking Fix It February by celebrating the success of repair cafes across the county borough, where more than 600 items have already been given a new lease of life.
The repair cafes are delivered through a partnership between the Council, local organisations and, most importantly, skilled members of the community who volunteer their time to fix broken household items.
From vacuum cleaners and televisions to jewellery and children’s toys, hundreds of successful repairs have helped reduce waste while showing community action at its best. Alongside the environmental benefits, the initiative has created strong social value, helping to build confidence, develop skills and strengthen community connections.
The project is also a clear example of the Blaenau Gwent Deal, the Council’s new way of working with communities to involve and empower them in local services.
As part of its new draft Resource and Waste Strategy, the Council is looking to expand the repair cafe offer across the borough. Residents will soon be invited to share their views on the strategy.
Fix It February is being celebrated nationally by Repair Café Wales.
Councillor Tommy Smith, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services said:
“Fix-It February is the perfect time to celebrate the huge achievement of our volunteers, who have already repaired more than 600 items for local residents. This work is reducing waste, cutting carbon, and strengthening our communities. Through the Blaenau Gwent Deal, we’re proud to support local people to take the lead on repair and reuse, helping to build skills, and improve confidence and resilience across the county borough.”
The Council’s Waste Strategy Team has supported communities to lead their own repair and reuse projects, helping with start up costs, marketing, volunteer recruitment and building links with key organisations. Partners have included GAVO, Public Health Wales, Men’s Sheds and a range of community groups, creating a sustainable and diverse volunteer network.
One of those volunteers is Luke Mason from the Rassau Repair Café in Ebbw Vale. Luke, who faces challenges with social interaction, has found new confidence and purpose through helping visitors with their electrical items.
Luke said: “Helping others is an honest and caring way to live your life. To bring happiness to clients that we may have solved their problems is the best feeling.”
Residents can get involved in Fix It February at the following locations:
• Ebbw Vale Institute, third Monday of the month, 2pm to 4pm
• Rassau Resource Centre, fourth Monday of the month, 10.30am to 12.30pm
• Stocktonville Village Hall, Tredegar, last Friday of the month, 10.30am to 12.30pm
