Since November 2024, I’ve been volunteering in the Repair Cafe, hosted by the Sustainability Service and Library Makerspace – working with other volunteers to set up and run monthly events that support people in learning how to fix their appliances and clothes.
A volunteering journey
In my role as a repair technician, I’ve been able to assist with the successful repair of a variety of items including clothing and household electrical appliances.
Having volunteered at a couple of Repair Café events in the autumn and wanting to get further involved, I applied for a Student Sustainability Architect role to help expand the reach and impact of the Repair Café for staff and students.
I have been working in this role to develop the Repair Café by increasing student engagement and supporting volunteer skill development. I had the opportunity to design and lead a collaborative event with the University’s Mountaineering Society, where students came together to learn to repair and maintain their own and shared club outdoor sports gear.
Reasons to volunteer
Volunteering at the Repair Café has been a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience. There’s something really special about helping someone save a favourite possession from the bin, often adding a bit of extra character to items. One of the things I’ve loved most is seeing people return with more items they’ve been holding onto, or seeing them build up the confidence to try a repair themselves.
Through this role, I’ve not only developed my general repair and hands-on skills but also had the chance to connect with a wide range of students and staff who share an interest in sustainability and crafting.
It’s always a highlight to see the joy on someone’s face when you fix an item together and get to ring the “successful repair” bell.
New skills and enhanced wellbeing
Volunteering at the Repair Café has been a real boost to my wellbeing, especially during busy uni periods. It’s been a welcome break from academic work, letting me use a different part of my brain to problem solve and work with my hands. The social atmosphere has also made it easy to chat with other volunteers and visitors while doing repairs, which has been great fun.
Over the last six months I’ve developed my sewing machine skills and gained confidence in textile repair, as well as had the opportunity to gain some training in basic electrical repair. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of such a practical and hands-on initiative, especially one where the results are so immediately visible.
Being based in the Library Makerspace has also been a highlight. The space is full of amazing tools and materials, and it attracts a brilliant mix of creative people working on all kinds of projects. I’ve learned a huge amount from the other students and staff volunteers, and always look forward to seeing familiar faces at each event.
A supportive community
My favourite part of the volunteering experience has been being involved in Repair Café events, sometimes chaotic but always full of energy and enthusiasm. I also loved being able to design and run an event that I thought other students would enjoy and it was incredibly rewarding to get such a positive response to the event.
It’s been great to see how creative people can be with their repairs and how determined they are to rescue cherished garments or an appliance, even when it's falling apart at the seams or held together with duct tape. I can definitely relate – I also struggle to throw things away!
What’s really stood out is how eager people are to try repairs themselves once they’ve had a bit of support. It’s created a strong sense of a ‘repair community’ on campus, where people share tips, ideas, and tools.
It's a great feeling to know that you’ve done something small to make someone happy and protect the environment.
One of my favourite repairs this year was when someone brought in a torn rucksack they’d bought second hand. Together we managed to do an invisible, waterproof repair and the person left with a great piece of outdoor equipment, saved themselves a load of money instead of buying new and rescued something from becoming landfill fodder, making it an immensely satisfying repair.
Advice for future volunteers
I would highly recommend anyone to volunteer. The exchange of knowledge and sense of community makes it a really rewarding experience.
One of the things I particularly appreciated was the opportunity to interact with staff and students from different year groups and courses. Our chats during events offered a range of perspectives and led to unexpected great advice, even beyond repairs!
It’s been a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, try something new and connect with people from across the University.
When I first got involved I had limited confidence and technical skills but the low pressure, collaborative nature of events means there was always someone to offer support – giving me the confidence to attempt repairs I normally wouldn’t know where to start with.
Volunteering is also easy to fit around other commitments. The Repair Café events, for example, take place once a month, are held on campus, and are supported by a friendly team of fellow volunteers, making it flexible and accessible for students with busy schedules.
More information about volunteering
Read more student profiles about volunteering
Find out more about volunteering opportunities as a student at Leeds
If you’re a not-for-profit organisation in Leeds that would benefit from student volunteers, email the Volunteering Team at volunteer@leeds.ac.uk