Naturesave Trust Repair Cafe Funding Secured

PLASTIC FREE NORTH DEVON SECURES FURTHER FUNDING TO ENHANCE THEIR REPAIR CAFES FOR 2024.

Plastic Free North Devon (PFND) is excited to announce that they have secured funding from the Naturesave Trust to help build the long term sustainability of their Repair Cafes.

The PFND Repair Cafe’s provide a welcoming space for people to bring various items for mending. They are an opportunity to come together as a community, learn new skills, save money and help save the planet. The aim of a repair cafe is to reduce waste by helping people to repair items that may otherwise be thrown away, to support people during the cost of living crisis and to create welcoming community hubs for all members of the community to benefit from.

The charity is also passionate about interlinking with more diverse communities and building momentum around tackling the climate crisis through repairing,  and are  building this into the plan for 2024. 

The PFND Repair Cafe network has grown significantly since its inception in 2021. Thanks to instrumental partners and a growing network of volunteers our Repair Cafe’s now run in 5 locations (Braunton, Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, South Molton and Landkey) and the charity's volunteers have fixed 366 textile, electrical, mechanical and bike repairs in 2023.

Funding from the Naturesave Trust will be used to help each cafe build its sustainability by purchasing much needed resources  such as information banners, flags and  storage boxes and also allow for more communications through printed press and digital resources.

Anne-Marie Eveleigh, Operations Manager - PFND says:

‘We are so excited to receive the funding from the Naturesave Trust as it will help us continue to build momentum with the Repair Cafes we have set up here in North Devon. Each Repair Cafe is different and run by an array of fantastic, dedicated volunteers, this funding will allow each cafe to be able to take more ownership over their cafe and have their own set of resources to run their event each month.

Each cafe gives an opportunity to link with different members of the community through volunteering or bringing along a repair to be fixed. It is a very rewarding activity which gives individuals accessible, free and cheap tools to take action on climate change.’

 Louisa Dean, Naturesave Trust Coordinator stated:

"We are delighted to be supporting the Plastic Free North Devon Repair Cafe network. This fantastic initiative is a great way to promote sustainability across North Devon, while offering opportunities for people to learn skills and connect with each other. It's also an essential resource in tackling climate change and the cost of living crisis."

If you are a business, community organisation and/or group and are keen to support or get involved in the cafes please get in touch. If you're an individual and keen to get involved, they would love to hear from you too. The charity is always looking for volunteers to help with repairs, making tea and coffee or just chatting to people when they come in too,

Please contact: info@plasticfreenorthdevon.org for more information.

About Naturesave Trust:

The Naturesave Trust is funded by the activities of Naturesave Insurance, the UK’s leading ethical insurance provider for individuals, businesses, charities and community groups.

Contact:  info@naturesavetrust.org

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www.naturesave.co.uk/naturesave-trust