This Fix it February, Blaenau Gwent Council is celebrating repair cafes in the county borough, where over 600 items have already been given a new lease of life!
The repair cafes are a partnership between the Council, local organisations and most importantly talented members of the community who give their time for free to come along and fix people’s broken household items.
This is a great example of the new Blaenau Gwent Deal, the Council’s new way of working with communities, to involve and empower them in local services.
From vacuum cleaners and TVs to jewellery and children’s toys, the hundreds of successful repairs represent both a significant environmental impact and a powerful example of community action at its best. This model not only delivers environmental benefits - it has created significant social value, boosting confidence, skills, wellbeing and community connection.
As part of its new draft Resource & Waste Strategy, the Council is looking to grow the repair café offer in the borough, you can have your say on the strategy soon.
Fix it February is being celebrated 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 worked to empower communities to lead their own repair and reuse projects, providing support with start‑up costs, marketing, volunteer recruitment and connections to relevant organisations. This has been done by working with partners including GAVO, Public Health Wales, Men’s Sheds and community groups to build a sustainable and diverse volunteer network.
Luke Mason is a volunteer at the Rassau Repair Café in Ebbw Vale. Luke faces challenges with social interaction and has discovered new purpose and confidence 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.”
Get involved this Fix‑It February. Repair cafes are held in:
- Ebbw Vale Institute (third Monday of the month) 2pm to 4pm
- Rassau Resource Centre (fourth Monday of the month) 10.30am to 12.30
- Stocktonville Village Hall, Tredegar (last Friday of the month) 10.30am to 12.30
