Key Points
- Hackney Council has launched a new Repair Café Grant scheme to coincide with London Climate Action Week 2025.
- Eight community groups have been awarded grants to open Repair Cafés across the borough.
- Grants of up to £1,500 are available to not-for-profit groups, including charities, schools, and community organisations.
- The initiative aims to reduce waste, save money, and promote sustainability by encouraging residents to repair rather than discard items.
- The Repair Cafés will focus on repairing electronics, bikes, and textiles, among other items.
- Applications for the grant opened on 24 March 2025 and closed on 11 May 2025, with Repair Cafés set to run from June 2025 to March 2026.
- The programme is part of Hackney Council’s broader “reduce, reuse and repair” strategy.
- Only not-for-profit, value-driven groups working within the London Borough of Hackney were eligible to apply.
- The grants cover costs such as venue hire, payment for fixers, promotional materials, equipment, and operating costs.
- The launch aligns with London Climate Action Week, running from 21-29 June 2025, to promote local climate action and community engagement.
Hackney Council has marked London Climate Action Week 2025 with the launch of a new Repair Café Grant, awarding eight community groups funding to set up Repair Cafés across the borough, in a move designed to tackle waste and promote sustainability.
What Is the Hackney Repair Café Grant and Why Was It Launched?
As reported by Hackney Council News, the new Repair Café Grant was unveiled as part of the borough’s activities for London Climate Action Week, which takes place from 21-29 June 2025. The grant scheme is a key element of Hackney Council’s ongoing “reduce, reuse and repair” strategy, aiming to empower local communities to take practical climate action by reducing waste and encouraging the repair of everyday items.
According to the official Hackney Council website, the Repair Café Grant programme is designed to support not-for-profit groups—including charities, schools, and community organisations—to open Repair Cafés in their local areas. These community-driven spaces will enable residents to bring in broken items such as electronics, bikes, and textiles for repair, with the help of skilled volunteers.
Who Is Eligible for the Repair Café Grant and What Does It Cover?
As detailed by Hackney Council’s Reduce, Reuse and Repair page, the grant offers up to £1,500 per application and is open to a wide range of not-for-profit, value-driven groups operating within the borough. Eligible organisations include:
- Registered charities or charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs)
- Charitable companies or social enterprises (with asset locks, not-for-profit, and without share capital)
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Companies limited by guarantee (with asset locks, not-for-profit, and without share capital)
- Co-operatives and Community Benefit Societies
- Unregistered community groups
- Structured groups of residents
- Schools
The grant is intended to cover essential costs such as venue hire, payment for fixers, promotional materials, equipment, and other operating expenses.
How Does the Repair Café Model Work?
As described by Hackney Council and highlighted in the Council’s LinkedIn announcement, a Repair Café is a community space where volunteers assist residents in fixing broken items, rather than discarding them. The model not only helps reduce landfill waste but also saves residents money and fosters a culture of sustainability and skill-sharing within the community.
Typical activities at Repair Cafés include:
- Repairing electronics and small appliances
- Fixing bicycles
- Mending clothes and textiles
- Offering advice on maintenance and repair techniques
What Are the Key Dates and Timeline for the Grant Programme?
According to Hackney Council’s official guidance, the grant application process opened on 24 March 2025 and closed on 11 May 2025. The successful applicants—eight community groups in total—will run their Repair Cafés from June 2025 through to March 2026.
How Does This Initiative Support London Climate Action Week?
As reported by Hackney Council News, the launch of the Repair Café Grant is a flagship event for the borough during London Climate Action Week 2025. The Council’s initiative aligns with the city-wide focus on practical climate solutions, aiming to inspire residents to take action at the local level.
A spokesperson for Hackney Council stated, as quoted on the Council’s website, “This programme is about empowering our communities to take action on climate change, reduce waste, and build new skills. By supporting Repair Cafés, we’re helping residents save money and keep valuable items in use for longer”.
What Has Been the Community Response to the Repair Café Grant?
The response from local organisations and residents has been positive, with several community leaders expressing support for the initiative. As shared by the London Borough of Hackney on LinkedIn, the launch post garnered enthusiastic reactions from community members and local influencers, who highlighted the programme’s potential to make a real difference in reducing waste and building community skills.
Ayesha A.R., a local community organiser, commented on LinkedIn, “Great to see Hackney supporting repair cafés. This will make a real difference in reducing waste and building community skills”.
What Are the Broader Goals of Hackney Council’s Sustainability Strategy?
The Repair Café Grant forms part of Hackney Council’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and community resilience. The Council’s “reduce, reuse and repair” strategy includes a range of initiatives aimed at minimising waste, promoting recycling, and supporting circular economy principles.
According to the Council’s official guidance, the Repair Café programme is expected to:
- Reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill
- Encourage residents to adopt more sustainable lifestyles
- Foster community engagement and skill-sharing
- Support Hackney’s ambition to be a leader in local climate action
How Can Groups Apply for Future Repair Café Grants?
While the current round of applications has closed, Hackney Council encourages interested groups to consult the Grant Guidance document for more information about eligibility and the application process. Updates on future funding rounds and related sustainability initiatives will be published on the Council’s website and social media channels.
What Is the Significance of the Repair Café Grant for Hackney?
As reported by Hackney Council News and supported by statements from Council officials, the Repair Café Grant represents a significant step forward in Hackney’s efforts to address climate change at the community level. By providing practical support and resources to grassroots organisations, the Council aims to foster a culture of repair, reuse, and sustainability that will benefit residents for years to come.
