Fix it don't bin it is the message this Repair Week.
And if you are in need of some support to mend those damaged items lying around your home, then The Vale is here to lend a helping hand.
For the next two Wednesdays (5 & 12 March 2025), the Repair Sessions will transform the Mossley arts centre into a local repair shop. Totally free to attend, the centre's experts will teach you the essential skills and lend you the tools you need to tackle essential repairs.
Repair Week, which runs 3-9 March in Greater Manchester and is the only annual upcycling and recycling event outside of London. Repair Week was started by ReLondon in 2020 and Recycle 4 Greater Manchester (R4GM) came on board in 2023.
Whether you’re a seasoned fixer upper or a total beginner, The Vale invites you to pick up new skills, save money, and help the planet, all while falling back in love with your stuff.
Learn how to sand and prep under the weather furniture for repainting, bring along garden tools and equipment for repair and sharpening ahead of Spring or give your bike some TLC. The Repair Sessions won't be able to help with faulty electrical items.
The Repair Sessions will be taking place as part of The Vale's regular Wednesday Welcome, which runs from 1-3pm.Every week, Wednesday Welcome offers a free hot drink, a friendly chat and an optional craft based activity. Alternatively, you can bring your own craft project from home, play a board game, use the computers or just enjoy being around others for a couple of hours. Sessions are drop in and there's no need to bookJane Harris, community engagement lead, The Vale, said: "According to R4GM, last year Greater Manchester chucked out an estimated £417 million worth of repairable items.
"That's an astonishing figure and we are appealing to everyone to do their bit and have a go at making do and mending rather than condemning old or damaged items to landfill.
"Our Repair Sessions are also lots of fun and a great opportunity to meet new people, socialise and enjoy a brew. They're free to attend, so there's really nothing to lose!"
Repair Sessions are Wednesday 5 and 12 March 2025 from 1-3pm at The Vale, off Micklehurst Road, Mossley OL5 9JL. No need to book, just turn up. Call 01457 238 089 for further details.