Monmouthshire celebrates community repair cafes

Monmouthshire County Council is encouraging residents to visit their local community-run Repair Cafés to give broken household items a new lease of life instead of replacing them.

The call comes ahead of International Repair Day on Saturday, 18 October, when Abergavenny’s monthly Repair Café will open from 11am to 2pm, offering free repairs for toys, bikes, clothes, furniture and more.

The council says the initiative helps reduce waste, save money and strengthen communities by sharing skills and promoting sustainability.

Cllr Catrin Maby, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, said the cafés are “a real testament to community spirit” and play a vital role in tackling the climate emergency.

Monmouthshire currently hosts four monthly Repair Cafés in Abergavenny, Chepstow, Goytre, and Monmouth, all supported by local volunteers and repair experts.

Residents can find full details and opening times by visiting the Repair Café Wales website.