Electrical repair parties for families in cost-of-living crisis

Dab hands at repairing toasters and iPhones – or those keen to learn – are being asked to help out at regular workshops designed to help families trying to save a few pennies during the cost-of-living crisis. 

Residents can attend an Electrical Repair Party to have broken electrical items fixed for free in Kensington and Chelsea to help. 

One was held on Sunday and the plan is to hold another at The Dalgarno Trust, Webb Close, Kensington, in September, but more people with expertise in the field or free time to help as volunteers, are being urged to come forward. 

So far, the events have helped save residents money and prevented 86kg of waste from landfill and more than 1,339kg of CO2 carbon emissions. 

Kensington and Chelsea councillor Johnny Thalassites said: “Rising costs are a pressure for many households. Repairing what you already have is one of the best ways to reduce costs and the amount of waste in our borough. 

“Our Electrical Repair Parties make it easier for residents to learn how to give new life to old items so they can save money where possible.  

“We’re looking for volunteers to learn new skills and help support the events, so we can repair more for people to save money and send less to landfill.” 

In partnership with the West Central London Fixers group and the Restart Project, the council has now held six Electrical Repair Parties in the borough this year.  

Volunteers will buddy up with a fixer and learn repair skills or to welcome people in and help with running the events. Interested residents should email wcl.fixers@gmail.com

Picture: Mark Phillips