Bexley now has two repair cafes, one in Thamesmead and the other in Sidcup

Repair cafes are community events where residents can bring along items that are broken to be fixed, helping people to save money. It also helps to reduce the environmental impact of needing new resources by making items last longer.

How they work

• All repairs are done free of charge whilst you wait.
• You can watch and learn how to fix items, or you can grab a cup of tea while the fixers get mending.
• The types of items that can be fixed are dependent upon the fixer's skills, the tools and spare parts available.
• Currently, both repair cafes will focus on small electrical items such as toasters, irons, radios, air fryers, blenders and lamps. They also repair clothing and small wooden furniture

Upcoming sessions at the Thamesmead Community Repair Cafe

Book your slot at the Thamesmead Repair Cafe

31 October from 1pm to 4pm

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This month we can mend:

• small electricals - toasters, kettles, lamps, sewing machines
• clothing and textiles - tears, rips, buttons, simple mending
• small wooden furniture

28 November from 1pm to 4pm

This month we can repair:

• small electricals eg toasters, kettles, lamps, sewing machines
• clothing and textiles eg tears, rips, buttons, simple mending
• small wooden items eg wobbly chairs, loose joints, handles
• clothing alterations service available (booking strongly recommended)

Booking and walk-ins

• Booking in advance is highly recommended.
• Walk-ins are also welcome up to 30 minutes before the end of the session.
• We’ll do our best to accommodate you, but we cannot guarantee a fixer will be available to look at your item, so you may need to wait.

Items that are commonly accepted:

• small electrical items eg toasters, lamps, vacuum cleaners - bring any accessories such as light bulbs
• clothing eg mending rips, tears, buttons
• small items of furniture eg wobbly chairs, loose joints

Accepted items can vary from month to month, please check our Eventbrite page for the most up-to-date information and to book your place.

Items we can't repair:

• mobile phones, tablets or laptop screens (without replacement parts)
• E-bikes, e-scooters, and other items with large battery packs
• microwaves, power tools, and large appliances that can’t be carried by hand

This cafe is being organised in partnership with Bexley Council, Cory and Peabody, Greenwich Council, with repair and reuse social enterprise The Restart Project and volunteers.

Future event dates at Thamesmead Repair Cafe

Details for each event below, will be confirmed closer to the time:

• 30 January
• 27 February
• 27 March
• 24 April

Repair Cafe Sidcup

Items that can be fixed are:

• small electrical items
• small woodwork repairs
• clothing and fabrics requiring mending

There’s no charge for repairs, but donations are welcome to help support the project. For more information, visit the Sidcup Rotary Club website or email repaircafesidcup@gmail.com.

Could You Be a Repairer or Volunteer?

We’re also building a team of helpers. If you have practical repair skills - small electricals, simple woodwork, fabric repairs, or experience restoring cherished items - we’d love to hear from you. We're also interested in expanding the types of items that can be fixed, from toys to bikes and beyond!

We also welcome volunteers to assist with organisation, hospitality, and greeting visitors on the day. You don’t need to be an expert, just willing to get involved.

Thamesmead volunteer roles

• Repair Café volunteer - Fixing/repairs to electrical or mechanical items, furniture, textiles or IT
• Repair Café volunteer - Refreshments, Tea and Coffees Volunteer
• Repair Café volunteer - Meet and Greet Volunteer

To volunteer at Thamesmead, email wasteteam@bexley.gov.uk.

To volunteer at Sidcup, email repaircafesidcup@gmail.com.