A Pembrokeshire repair project which was launched earlier this year by Pembrokeshire County Council is repairing and reusing all sorts of household items, creating what they say is not only a green, circular economy, but also has social, community and employment benefits.

The network is being led by Pembrokeshire County Council through Norman Industries working alongside the Regeneration Department with Paul Sartori, Pembrokeshire College, Clynfyw Care Farm, TYF St Davids, Grwp Resilience, Scolton Manor, Pembrokeshire’s Social Activity Centres and a range of local charities and social enterprises.

The scheme is supported by a £605,000 grant from the Welsh Government under its circular economy programme ‘Repair and Reuse’ to promote green recovery in Welsh town centres.

The first part of the project is to create a network of repair cafés. People will be able to bring broken items to be repaired by a group of specialist volunteers.  This could be mending a zip, to working out why something electrical is no longer working, or fixing a bike. Repair cafés will be available in around eight high streets across Pembrokeshire each month. This element of the project is being supported by Repair Café Wales.

Since May 2021, Repair Café events have been hosted by Pembrokeshire Circle with regular events taking place in Crymych, Fishguard, Letterston, Johnston, St Davids and Scolton Manor.

The first event at Scolton Manor saw volunteer fixers repairing items from a temperamental vacuum to a torn silk tablecloth.

Marty Andrews, PCC’s Repair Café lead, said:

 “The owners were keen to extend the life of the items they brought along and didn’t want to just throw them away. We were really pleased to be able to repair them and stop them going to landfill.”

When you bring along an item, the repairers will discuss what they can do and plan the repair. You can then join the repairer and see how it is done, or just have a chat and a cuppa with the friendly volunteers.

Some repairs can be done there and then but if your item needs a part, the team will identify and help you source the part, for you to bring along for fitting at a later date.”

More than 50 broken or damaged items have been repaired free-of-charge, including items of great sentimental value to their owner – such as grandparents’ sewing boxes and parents’ rocking chairs.

Volunteer Jeff Beard added:

“It’s a real privilege to repair these personal items for people, which have been sat in cupboards and not used. Bringing the items back to life ensures that they are enjoyed for years to come.”

Each Repair Café focuses on different specialities. In Johnston and Crymych, they focus on bike repairs. Additionally, in Fishguard, Letterston, and in St Davids, they focus on textiles and upholstery.

The team will also provide pop-up garden tool repairs at community garden events this summer across the County.

There will be further Repair Cafés in Haverfordwest, Tenby, Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock later this year.

The second part of the project will create a Library of Things based in Haverfordwest. This will be an opportunity for people to borrow items at a low cost, rather than buying something that they may only use once or can’t really afford. The network will also encourage people to look in their sheds, garages and cupboards for things that aren’t broken, but are no longer required or unlikely to be used again and to donate or share these items with others who need them. A borrowing website will be established and people will be able to collect items from locations across Pembrokeshire.   This element of the project is supported by Benthyg Cymru – Wales’ Library of Things network.

The third element is a series of workshops which will take broken or outdated items and repair or upcycle the products to generate income for local charities or social enterprises. Items will be available for sale through Paul Sartori shops, an online sales platform and via events hosted by network partners.

Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Social Services, said she was delighted to welcome the scheme.

She said,

“There is so much excellent work in this project. In particular, it will enable many people with skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to pass that on and share it with others, while at the same time helping the environment and creating better links within communities.”

Cllr Cris Tomos, Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Environment in Pembrokeshire, was also full of praise for the project.

“This is really exciting and innovative. It’s something really positive to look forward to after the difficult times we have had.

I can’t wait to see it get off the ground and hear not only about the eco-friendly impact, but also the benefits for communities, mental health and employment.”

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering, work experience and supported paid work opportunities in the project, please contact Employability Pembrokeshire by e-mailing employability@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or telephoning 01437 775852 during office hours.