Repair & Share Foyle
Repair & Share Foyle is a community interest company (CIC) dedicated to reducing waste, extending the life of everyday items, and helping build a more circular economy across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area. Working alongside local communities, volunteers and partner organisations, the organisation empowers people to repair, reuse and share rather than throw away, helping to reduce landfill while developing valuable skills and strengthening community connections.
Services
Repair Cafés
Repair Cafés are free, community-led events where skilled volunteers help repair broken household items instead of replacing them. Residents are encouraged to bring along small electrical appliances, textiles, bicycles, toys, tools, small furniture and other everyday items for repair wherever possible.
Repair Cafés not only save money and reduce waste but also provide opportunities for people to learn practical repair skills while meeting others in their community. The events are held regularly across the Derry City and Strabane district and are published on social media.
Fixing Factory
The Fixing Factory offers an expanded repair service for small household electrical items. Unlike Repair Cafés, where repairs are carried out during the event, the Fixing Factory allows residents to leave items with trained volunteers, giving them additional time to diagnose and complete more complex repairs.
The service also delivers workshops for schools, community groups and businesses, helping people develop repair skills and encouraging a culture of repair throughout the district.
Library of Things
The Library of Things at Repair & Share Foyle gives local people affordable access to a wide range of tools, equipment and household items that are only needed occasionally. Instead of buying new, members can borrow items such as DIY tools, gardening equipment, cleaning machines, decorating tools, camping gear and other practical equipment for short periods. By sharing resources, the Library of Things helps residents save money, reduce unnecessary purchases and cut waste, while making it easier for everyone to access the equipment they need. The initiative supports a more sustainable, circular economy by encouraging borrowing instead of buying, helping to reduce carbon emissions and making better use of the resources already available within the community.
Tech Connect
Tech Connect collects donated laptops and digital devices, securely erases all personal data, refurbishes suitable equipment and redistributes it to individuals and community organisations that need access to technology.
This initiative helps reduce electronic waste while improving digital inclusion and ensuring valuable equipment remains in use for longer.
Legenderry Colours
Legenderry Colours along with the support from Community RePaint prevents surplus paint from going to waste by collecting reusable paint, quality checking it, and making it available at affordable prices for local residents, community groups and charities. Unwanted paint can be dropped off at Pennyburn, Strathfoyle & Strahan’s Road Recycling Centres which is then collected and taken to Repair & Share Foyle and transformed.
The initiative helps reduce disposal costs, minimises waste and provides a sustainable source of paint for community projects and home improvements.
Electrical Recycling and Reuse
Repair & Share Foyle supports local efforts to reduce Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) by encouraging residents to repair, donate or recycle unwanted electrical items. Through community events, repair clinics and awareness campaigns, the organisation helps ensure valuable materials remain in circulation and fewer electrical items end up in landfill.
Volunteer Opportunities
Repair & Share Foyle welcomes volunteers with a wide range of skills, including electrical repairs, sewing, woodworking, bicycle maintenance, tool sharpening and general repair knowledge. Volunteers also support events by welcoming visitors, assisting with administration and promoting repair and reuse within their communities.
Whether you’re an experienced repairer or simply interested in learning new skills, volunteering is a great way to make a positive environmental and social impact.
Supporting a Circular Economy
Repair & Share Foyle is helping to create a culture where repairing, sharing and reusing become everyday choices. By keeping useful items in circulation, reducing waste and empowering local people with practical skills, the organisation is making a significant contribution to environmental sustainability across the Derry City and Strabane district.
Repair & Share Foyle continues to develop innovative projects that benefit both people and the planet.