Swap shop to hit the road

The next free swap shop and repair cafe is taking to the road as it sets up in Treowen.

With events that champion repair, reuse, and sharing, Open Energy, a three-year initiative funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, is taking its efforts to the next level by bringing repair cafés and swap shops “on the road.”

Since its launch, Open Energy has hosted a variety of community events at Hafan yr Afon, including swap shops and workshops that provide free access to second-hand clothes, books, toys, and more. These events have fostered a spirit of collaboration, with local organizations playing a key role. One standout event was the ‘Sustainable Fashion Week’ held in September 2024 in partnership with Textile Junkies. The event drew an impressive 300 attendees and featured hands-on textile repair workshops, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm for sustainable practices.

Building on its success, Open Energy is now set to make repair cafés and swap shops mobile, reaching even more areas of Newtown. These mobile repair cafés will serve as free meeting places where residents can bring items to be fixed by a growing network of skilled “fixperts.” By extending the life of everyday items, these initiatives help reduce waste and promote a circular economy.

The next event in this exciting series will take place on Saturday, February 8th, at Treowen Community Hall from 12 PM to 4 PM. This family-friendly event is open to everyone, and attendance is encouraged even if you don’t have anything to repair or swap.

Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities:

• Swap Shop: Exchange clothes, books, and children’s toys for free.
• Repair Services: Fix textiles and soft toys with the Textile Junkies, bikes with Bike to the Future, and computers with Bluesdigital.
• Other Activities: Children’s craft workshops, information stalls, and free food and refreshments.

These mobile events aim to make sustainability accessible and fun while strengthening the sense of community in Newtown.

Whether you’re looking to give new life to a beloved item, find a hidden gem in the swap shop, or simply enjoy the community atmosphere, Open Energy’s upcoming event is not to be missed.