From fixing broken toys to borrowing a chocolate fountain for a birthday party, Share and Repair has become a quiet lifeline for families across Bath and the surrounding villages.
Now settled into its new home on the Lower Bristol Road, the charity is entering an exciting new chapter. CEO Ruth Lambert says the move has already made a tangible difference to both volunteers and the families they support.
“Our move in September was a big thing for us as a small charity,” she explains. “Luckily our wonderful team of volunteers all pulled together, packing and unpacking, building workbenches, plumbing in a sink and laying flooring. We are so lucky to have such a lot of very practical people!”
The new hub is all on one level, making it more sociable and accessible, and there are dedicated parking spaces, removing the stress of hunting for a loading bay. The larger space has also enabled the team to expand.
“We’ve been able to increase the number of repairers available for each session and we’ve recently added an extra day of sharpening on Wednesdays,” says Ruth.
At the heart of the Bath hub is the Library of Things, which now lends out more than 800 items to local people. From carpet cleaners and electric drills to sanders and jet washers, families are borrowing rather than buying.
“Our most popular items vary throughout the year,” Ruth says, “but we’re constantly lending tools and cleaning equipment that families might only need occasionally.”
The impact goes far beyond Bath itself. While around 65 volunteers support the hub, more than 240 volunteers operate across Bath and North East Somerset and Wiltshire, running Saturday pop-up Repair Cafes in communities from Farmborough to Corsham, Bradford on Avon to Saltford.
“Every Saturday our volunteers are out in their own communities helping neighbours to save money by repairing instead of buying new,” Ruth explains.
For families, the benefits are practical and powerful. Raising children is expensive, and many parents are juggling tight budgets.
“By using our services we help families to save money and space,” says Ruth. “We also offer opportunities to learn to repair things themselves, giving them the confidence to tackle DIY jobs without the need to pay for support.”
Repair Cafes are often family affairs, with parents bringing children along to see how items can be fixed rather than thrown away.
“It’s a fantastic way to teach them the value of the things they own,” Ruth says. “We also have people volunteering alongside their children and grandchildren, which is always lovely to see.”
The Library of Things is particularly popular with families planning celebrations or holidays. Party kits with plates, cups and cutlery help reduce waste, while outdoor games, gazebos, popcorn makers, bubble machines and even chocolate fountains add fun without adding clutter at home.
“We also lend camping equipment, bodyboards for beach trips, travel cots and high chairs,” Ruth explains. “It’s all about making life easier and more affordable.”
When it comes to repairs, the variety keeps volunteers on their toes. “If you can carry it, generally we will have a go at fixing it,” says Ruth. “We’ve repaired punctures on buggy wheels, treasured soft toys, school uniform tears, remote control cars, robots and drones.”
One of the most memorable fixes was a much-loved Shaun the Sheep toy that had stopped dancing after 30 years.
“Once repaired, his owner was able to share Shaun with her two young sons,” Ruth says. “We also created new feet for a much-loved push-along duck. We always love it when we make a customer’s day by giving their treasured possession a new lease of life.”
For parents and carers keen to get involved, Ruth’s message is simple.
“The best way to support Share and Repair is by using us,” she says. “Pop into the Bath hub or visit your local Repair Cafe. Spread the word, especially if friends are thinking of buying new instead of repairing or borrowing. Together we can save money, reduce waste and strengthen our community.”
