Repair cafes bringing new life to cherished items, building communities and boosting sustainability
By Nathan Hylands
A huge number of people - around 60% in Northern Ireland research suggests, throw away something that could be fixed or given a second life.
Groups like Repair Cafe Northern Ireland are helping to cut down waste, save money and connect communities, boosting both sustainability and mental health.
No matter what the item is, volunteers will be sure to try and fix it. The pop-up project in Carryduff is one of 12 across Northern Ireland.
People bring their broken bits along hoping to get them fixed and to stop them going into the skip.
A recent UK-wide survey found a lack of repair skills is also to blame for people opting for the bin before reaching for the tool box.
The National Lottery Community Fund is backing community-led solutions such as repair cafes to teach skills such as up-cycling and sewing, to reduce the impact on the environment.
Repair Cafe Northern Ireland is expanding its network of 12 outlets. The group believes the projects are making a big difference.
Chris McCartney who co-ordinates the network said so far they have mended at least 3,500 items and saved 7.5 tonnes from going to waste.
Items such as old keepsakes like clocks, clothes, electricals and dolls, are brought back to life. Volunteer fixer Karen Donnelly has found a niche in repairing dolls.
"We had to re-attach arms and legs, the clothes were all washed and refitted, the hair was so matted," she said.
"The owner of the doll doesn't know anything about the fix which I think is absolutely amazing.
"We are going to paint on new eyes, new lips and she's going to get new shoes as well.
"With dolls, there's always a sentimental thing with them. It's not the first time there has been some tears over dolls at the cafe."
Donna Drew's family loves a Disney-themed Christmas but this year she is worried the lights could go out.
"We are disappointed we have a lovely ornament and unfortunately after less than a minute, it lights off."
Bill Owen, who specialises in fixing electrical items added: "We think there is an intermittent fault. Even just moving the tree may have improved something on the ornament."
The community group is run by volunteers who keep their range of skills sharpened during their work.
Preserving the personal value of what is brought along is just as important as physically mending.
Ian McClure described himself as the "clock man".
"The clocks keep me full time here as there are currently not many people repairing clocks."
"Ian fixed a cuckoo clock for me that was originally my fathers," said Brydie.
"My late husband hated the music from the clock because it interfered with our television.
"I didn't know what he did when he stopped the clock but Ian was able to fix it."
Carryduff Repair Cafe Secretary Catriona Booth said they have built a community where "the cup of tea, the buns and the chats are just as important as the fix itself."
"Our main aim is to stop things going into landfill and reduce the environmental impact but there's a really positive, social impact as well."
An Indian plate brought along by Deirdre Beattie was a successful fix at the event.
It was bought at the Taj Mahal by her daughter and son-in-law as a present but cracked in transit.
Repair cafes are a practical way of extending the life of many cherished items, which are helping build local communities while also caring for the environment.
Catch up with the latest UTV Live on ITVX
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.