Nestled in the heart of Bristol, Sparks Repairum Shop is redefining the way the community views waste and repair. Open every Sunday, this volunteer-driven initiative is helping locals breathe new life into their broken gadgets while championing sustainability and fostering a culture of reuse.
The Sparks Repairium Shop offers free repairs for a variety of items, including smartphones, headphones, small appliances and more. Staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers with expertise in electronics, mechanics and engineering, the café has become a beacon of hope for those seeking affordable solutions and a more sustainable lifestyle.
“Our mission is to reduce waste, educate the public about repairability and create a space where people can connect through shared values of sustainability,” said Matt Dommett , the café’s organiser.
Beyond just repairs, the Sparks Repair Café actively promotes environmental awareness. By encouraging people to fix their broken devices rather than dispose of them, the café helps reduce the growing problem of e-waste. Additionally, the space includes a dedicated recycling station for items that can’t be salvaged, ensuring they are disposed of responsibly.
Former welder Matt, who helped to set up the repair cafe over a year ago, is now a full time manager at Sparks in Broadmead. The shop is located on the ground floor of the former M&S building in the ‘reuse’ department.
“The big idea of this project is not just to fix people’s things for them but to bring them into the repair culture and help them see the actual process of repair. A lot of our volunteers, including myself, are not professional repairers, I’m just a guy who has the patience to try and work things out,” added Matt who gave up welding after he became a full time manager at Sparks.
A Community Hub
The café isn’t just about fixing gadgets; it’s about building a sense of community. Every Sunday, locals gather at Sparks, not just to repair their belongings but also to learn, share knowledge, and meet like-minded individuals. Many of the volunteers, like Ibrahim, a skilled repair technician with years of experience, have inspiring stories of resilience and generosity, adding a human touch to the initiative.
“I love being a part of the Sparks Repair Café. It’s not just about fixing devices; it’s about helping people and giving back to the community,” said Ibrahim, one of the regular volunteers.
In an age where convenience often outweighs sustainability, Sparks Repair Café serves as a reminder that many broken items can be repaired rather than replaced. The initiative not only helps locals save money but also takes a stand against a throwaway culture that contributes to environmental degradation.
Ibrahim, a Palestinian asylum seeker who spent five years working in repairs before the current war broke out in his country, began volunteering at the Reparium Shop around six months ago.
“I’ve been coming to the repair workshop every Sunday to help people fix their devices free of charge. I genuinely enjoy it, as it gives me a sense of purpose during this waiting period, knowing that asylum applications can take two, three, or even four years to process.
“My aim is to assist people and contribute to the community by repairing devices and helping reduce waste. Many people tend to throw away items that could be repaired, and I believe it’s essential to raise awareness about keeping devices functional instead of discarding or even recycling them unnecessarily.
“At our workshop, we also have a dedicated space for recycling devices that are beyond repair. Volunteering at Sparks Repair Café has given me the opportunity to make a positive impact while waiting for my asylum process to be completed, and I hope to continue helping people and promoting sustainability,” added Ibrahim.
The Repairum Shop is open every Sunday from 11.30am-4.30pm. During the week you can also leave unwanted items in the recycling bin whichz, once repaired, are put on sale at Reparium for discounted prices. Although the services are free, those who wish to support the project are encouraged to leave donations.