Fix it, don’t ditch it: Matt Pritchard’s Repair Café experience

Repair Cafés offer a fun, social solution to waste and lost repair skills, challenging our throwaway culture. Repair cafés create spaces where people of all ages share knowledge, learn new skills, and connect. Run by volunteers, these free community pop-ups aim to fix household items - from electronics and clothing to bikes and jewellery.

From learning how to give broken items a second life, to chatting with the skilled volunteers who make it all possible, Matt got stuck in and discovered the advantage of fixing (for free!) instead of throwing away. We caught up with him to hear about it…

How easy was it to find your local repair café?

I checked out the Repair Café Wales website to find out where my nearest one was. It was really easy and to be honest there was quite a few to choose from in Cardiff so I was spoilt for choice.

Can you share your first impressions when you arrived? What item did you bring to be repaired, and why was it important to you?

I was greeted by a lovely lady at the entrance desk who was really helpful. I had one of my favourite hooded jackets that I like a lot, and it had a tear by the zip, so I took that to be sewn back up. There was a great atmosphere in the cafe and an ideal opportunity for a chat while enjoying a cuppa.

How did the repair go?

It was so easy - not only did I get my garment fixed for free but the lady also taught me how to do it, so the next time it happens I know what to do.

What do you think is the best thing about going to a repair café?

I mean, what’s not to like? My favourite jacket was repaired, I had a coffee and a chat and didn’t have to worry about the cost. I did give a donation but if you’re a bit strapped for cash they will gladly fix and help anyway for free. Everyone was really helpful, from the moment I walked in, to the moment I walked out.

How did your experience at the repair café change your perspective on repairing vs. buying new?

I will definitely be looking at coming here in the future to have my stuff repaired before I even think of chucking it away. The whole process was so easy and simple. I will be coming back!

Why do you think repairing and reusing items is important in tackling waste and sustainability?

By not chucking out our stuff, and fixing it instead, it’s going to save a lot going to landfill sites. 

Would you attend another repair café in the future?

100%. And I would encourage everyone else to give it a go. Why hesitate, just do it man. 

If you could sum up your Repair Café experience in one word, what would it be?

Mega!

Repair cafés aren’t just about fixing things - they’re about making the most of what we already have.

Instead of throwing away a favourite jacket or a broken household item, why not learn how to repair it? It’s free, practical, and a great way to pick up useful skills while meeting like-minded people.

Inspired? Find your nearest Repair Café and give it a go!