2024 was a formative year for The Fix It Group 23, focused on establishing strong foundations and building trust within the local community. Following the launch of the first Repair Café in late 2023, the organisation successfully delivered regular free repair events, creating welcoming spaces where people could bring broken items, learn new skills, and connect with others.

Throughout the year, volunteers supported the repair of hundreds of household items, from electrical goods and tools to textiles and sentimental possessions. These repairs helped reduce waste, save money for local residents, and demonstrate the practical benefits of repair and reuse. Alongside hands-on repair work, the group began sharing its knowledge with other community organisations interested in setting up Repair Cafés of their own.

Governance, safety, and financial responsibility were key priorities during 2024. Robust health and safety practices were introduced, volunteer processes were formalised, and finances were carefully managed, resulting in a modest surplus that was carried forward to support future activity and charitable giving. By the end of the year, The Fix It Group 23 had firmly established itself as a reliable, community-focused organisation with clear values and growing impact.

2025 marked a significant year of growth and visibility for The Fix It Group 23. Volunteer numbers increased to full capacity, demand for Repair Café events continued to rise, and the organisation expanded both its reach and its ambition. Special events, including World Environment Day and the group’s second birthday celebration, highlighted the scale of community engagement and enthusiasm for repair.

The year also brought wider recognition. The Fix It Group 23 received increased media attention through BBC Radio and local coverage, was recognised as Net Zero Heroes by Leicestershire County Council, and saw its Chair shortlisted for a BBC Make a Difference Award. These moments helped shine a spotlight on the environmental and social impact of community repair.

Behind the scenes, systems and governance continued to mature. New digital processes were introduced for safety, reporting, and planning, ensuring the organisation could grow responsibly. The group also played an active role in supporting neighbouring communities to establish their own Repair Cafés, extending the positive impact of repair beyond its own events. By the end of 2025, The Fix It Group 23 had moved from strong foundations to confident leadership in community repair and sustainability.