Leiston Repair Café Success Helps Cut Waste and Bring Community Together

Monday, 8 June 2026 20:05

Leiston's Repair Cafe is part of the Great Big Green Week. Image from Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council

Residents in the Leiston area have been giving old household items a new lease of life after a successful Repair Café at the Long Shop Museum.

The event marked the start of The Climate Coalition’s Great Big Green Week in the town and brought together skilled volunteers and local residents keen to repair rather than replace everyday possessions.

Throughout the day, volunteers helped restore a variety of items, including a toaster, chair, lawnmower and carpet cleaner, preventing them from ending up in landfill.

Organisers say the event demonstrated how repairing and reusing items can help people save money, reduce waste and live more sustainably. It also provided an opportunity for residents to learn new skills and gain confidence in repairing items themselves.

The Repair Café was praised for its strong community spirit, with volunteers donating their time and expertise to help others while sharing practical knowledge.

Visitors and organisers described the atmosphere as positive and welcoming, with many people keen to see similar events take place in the future.

Following the success of the day, discussions are already underway about making the Repair Café a regular feature in Leiston.

The event formed part of a wider programme of activities taking place across the town during Great Big Green Week, which highlights environmental action and sustainable living within local communities.

Organisers have thanked everyone who took part, particularly the volunteers whose efforts made the event possible.