This idea is based on one that has caught on throughout Europe over the past decade. The location of the first repair café was Amsterdam. Since then others have sprung up across Europe and the UK. The idea is that local people bring in household objects that are broken and have a drink while one of a team of volunteers gets to work fixing them.
The proposed location for the Epsom café is the Youth Hall within the town’s Methodist Church and it would open for four hours once a month. The hope is that people can learn more about fixing things, rather than throwing them away, which would reduce levels of waste and help the environment.
Flyer printing can be a very effective way of spreading the word about new ventures like this when they launch. Speaking to Surrey Live, Cllr Phil Neale – who is one of those behind it – said:
“What we’re looking for is some good news. We know everyone is under extreme stress and this is an ideal initiative, to encourage the borough to open up, as Covid hopefully relaxes.”
It is hoped the café can open in January.