A Message from the Event Coordinator

“It’s hard to put into words just how special our World Environment Day Repair Café felt. What we set out to do was simple — fix broken things and invite people in — but what we created together on the 5th of June went far beyond that.

This wasn’t just about mending household items. It was about care, connection, and community. Every repair table was a space for learning and listening. Every item carried a story. And every act of fixing — however small — was part of something much bigger.

World Environment Day’s theme this year was Ending Plastic Pollution, and while our work doesn’t look like activism in the traditional sense, it absolutely is. A repair café might seem quiet or modest on the surface, but it represents a shift in how we live and think. It’s a rejection of throwaway culture. It’s saying no to unnecessary waste, and yes to holding onto what we value — whether that’s a cracked lamp, a worn coat, or the knowledge of how to make things last.

We had over 100 items pass through our hands that day — from sentimental radios and family toasters, to handbags, tools, toys, and everything in between. We shared cups of tea and homemade cake. We listened to stories. We helped neighbours meet for the first time. We even had a few special guests drop by to help celebrate and share our message of practical climate action.

I’m incredibly proud of the volunteers who gave up their time, energy, and care — not just on the day, but in the lead-up and clean-up too. I’m also thankful to the many people who trusted us with the things they care about.

Reflecting on the event now, I’m delighted to share all the photos, memories and stories with you here — it’s a joy to look back and celebrate what we achieved together.

Repair is about more than things. It’s about people. And what we created together at MMCV was a powerful reminder of what communities can do when we come together with kindness and purpose.

Thank you for being part of it. Let’s keep going — because the things we save, and the connections we make, truly matter.”

Jo.Liversidge

Joanne Liversidge

Secretary, Publicity Lead & Event Coordinator, The Fix it Group 23

This special event is kindly sponsored by Imperial Oak Financial Solutions Ltd, a trusted provider of nationwide mortgage and insurance advice.

Learn more at imperialoaksolutions.co.uk or follow them on Facebook to stay connected.

World Environment Day 2025 – Poster Competition Winners

In partnership with Long Whatton C of E Primary School, Leicestershire

To help us promote our special World Environment Day Repair Café at the MMC in Mountsorrel, we invited pupils from Long Whatton C of E Primary School to design colourful and creative event posters.

The goal was to help tell our community about the Repair Café — when it was, where it was, and why it matters.

We were truly impressed by the enthusiasm and talent shown in every entry. A huge thank you to all the young artists who took part!

Here are the winning designs, with an amazing entry from our winner Elsie — and a very close runner-up, Finn:

Event Promotion Pack – World Environment Day Repair Café 2025

This pack includes everything you need to help spread the word:

🎨 School Competition Winning Poster

Designed by Elsie from Long Whatton C of E Primary School – the winning entry from our event poster competition!

🛠️ Official Event Poster

Our full promotional poster with all the key event details – ready to print or share online.

📱 Social Media Graphic

A square-format image perfect for sharing on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and more – quick and easy to help promote the event.

Download the full pack here. We truly appreciate you promoting, sharing, and supporting this community event. Your help makes a real difference!

Other Ways to Help Locally for World Environment Day

World Environment Day is a great moment to start (or build on) small changes that make a big local impact. Whether or not you're able to attend our special Repair Café, here are other meaningful ways to get involved in the community and support this year’s theme — Ending Plastic Pollution.

✅ Visit a Local Repair Café

We’re not the only fixers around! There are several community Repair Cafés across Charnwood and Leicestershire — all helping to reduce waste and share practical skills.

Find events and groups via The Fix it Group 23 repair café directory page.

🌿 Try Composting

Leicestershire Recycling offers free composting advice and practical workshops to help reduce food waste.

Follow their page for updates.

🧴 Refill & Reuse

Visit Charnwood Eco Hub for low-waste refills, a library of things, a scrap store, workshops and more — all designed to help you reduce single-use plastics.

Explore the hub.

🏠 Book a Home Heat Loss Survey

Barrow Greener Living offers free thermal imaging surveys to help households reduce their energy use. (£5 membership applies.)

Learn more.

🧹 Join a Litter Pick

Community groups like Mountsorrel Community Team and the North Leicestershire Litter Wombles regularly organise local clean-up events. Get involved and keep your patch clean!

🧵 Make or Donate a Morsbag

Woodhouse Eaves Plastic Free Group runs sewing sessions and provides kits to help you turn old fabric into reusable shopping bags.

Visit their website for info and patterns.

👚 Join a Clothes Swap

Barrow Greener Living is hosting a swap event on 7th June, and other groups like Transition Loughborough and Charnwood Eco Hub regularly organise their own. A fun way to refresh your wardrobe sustainably!

Learn more about their upcoming event.

🌍 Visit the Charnwood Sustainable Living Fair

Saturday 21st September 10am–3pm at Queen’s Park, Loughborough

A brilliant free day out featuring local groups, stalls, eco ideas, and resources.

See the event on Facebook.

Every small change adds up — and together, our community really can make a difference.