Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about bringing something to the Leominster Repair Café? Here are the answers to some of the things we’re asked most often.
What can I bring?
We can take a look at all sorts of household items, including:
- Small electrical items such as kettles, lamps, radios and hi-fi equipment
- Toys and other mechanical items
- Furniture and household items needing simple repairs or gluing
- Clothing and textiles – including buttons, patches and zip repairs
- Bicycles for basic repairs and advice
- Tools and other items for sharpening
As a general rule, please only bring items you can comfortably carry into the Repair Café.
We’re unlikely to have specialist spare parts available on the day, but if your repair needs a part, we may be able to help identify what you need.
Not sure if we can help? Get in touch and ask us.
Is there anything you can’t repair?
Yes. For safety and practical reasons, we can’t work on:
- White goods such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers
- Microwaves
- TVs and cathode ray tubes
- Petrol-powered or flammable items
- Safety-critical equipment such as smoke alarms
- Weapons of any kind
- Items that are still under warranty
We also can’t work on anything that cannot be safely operated or tested indoors.
Does it cost anything?
There is no charge for attending or for our volunteers’ time.
Donations are always very welcome and help us cover the costs of running the Repair Café.
If your repair needs replacement parts or materials, we’ll ask you to cover their cost.
Do I need to book?
Yes, please book repairs in advance where possible.
Use our online booking form to choose a time for the next Repair Café. At present we can accept one repair item and one time slot per person.
Bringing something for sharpening?
There’s no need to book – just turn up!
You can also bring more than one item for sharpening.
Will you definitely be able to fix my item?
We’d love to say yes – but unfortunately we can’t guarantee every repair!
Our repairers are volunteers with a wide range of practical skills and experience. Sometimes an item needs a specialist part, specialist equipment or expertise we don’t have.
Even when we can’t complete a repair, we’ll often be able to help identify the problem, suggest what might be needed or point you in the right direction.
Can I leave an unrepairable item with you for recycling?
No. If we’re unable to repair your item, you’ll need to take it home with you and arrange appropriate recycling or disposal yourself.
Can I donate broken items for you to repair?
Unfortunately not. We’re not able to accept unwanted items for repair, resale or recycling.
Do I have to bring something to repair?
Not at all!
You’re very welcome to pop in, have a look around, enjoy a cuppa and see what the Repair Café is all about.
If you’re interested in volunteering, coming along to a session is also a great way to meet the team and see how everything works.
Can I drop something off and collect it later?
Generally, no.
The Repair Café is about repairing things together, rather than being a drop-off repair service.
We encourage you to stay with your repairer while they investigate your item. You can explain what’s happened, answer questions and see how the repair is carried out.
You might even pick up a few useful repair skills along the way!
If you do need to leave the hall temporarily, please keep your phone switched on and with you in case your repairer needs to contact you.
All items must be collected by 12.30pm.
What if my repair needs a spare part?
We don’t keep a large stock of specialist parts.
If we identify a part that’s needed, your repairer may be able to advise you what to buy. Depending on the repair, you may then be able to bring the item back to a future session.
Where can I find another Repair Café?
There are Repair Cafés in communities throughout the UK and around the world.
Nearby groups include Repair Cafés in Ludlow, Ledbury, Hereford and other surrounding areas.
You can also use the Repair Café International website to find other Repair Cafés.
Still have a question?
If you’re unsure whether we can look at your item or have a question that isn’t answered here, please get in touch.
We’d much rather you ask before bringing something along if you’re unsure.
Got something that needs fixing? Book it into our next Repair Café and let’s see if we can give it another chance!