Farnham Repair Café celebrated a landmark event in Parliament on March 25 when representatives from more than 100 Repair Cafés across the UK gathered with MPs to champion repair, reuse and sustainability.

Among the MPs in attendance was Farnham and Bordon MP Greg Stafford, who demonstrated his support by signing the national Repair and Reuse Declaration.

Professor Martin Charter, chairman of Farnham Repair Café (FRC), said: “The declaration calls for greater action to make repair more accessible and affordable, encouraging longer product lifespans and reducing environmental impact. By signing, Greg joins a nationwide coalition advocating for policies that support local communities and a circular economy.”

FRC has been at the forefront of the movement locally, providing a welcoming space where volunteers help residents fix broken items, from household appliances to clothing.

Since its launch in 2015, FRC has saved thousands of items from landfill, reduced carbon emissions and strengthened community connection.

Mr Charter added: “We are delighted to see such strong support in Parliament for repair and reuse initiatives. Having our local MP, Greg Stafford, attend the event and sign the declaration is a powerful endorsement of the positive impact repair cafés are making.

“The success of Farnham Repair Café reflects a broader national trend, with repair cafés across the UK playing a vital role in tackling waste and promoting sustainable living.”

Mr Stafford said: “The idea behind Farnham Repair Café really matters. It’s about fixing things, cutting waste and making better use of what we already have.

“It was fantastic in 2024 to see FRC’s team recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service and I was pleased to welcome them to Westminster. Hearing directly from the team while also seeing the work of repair cafés from across the country was a highlight, with Farnham’s great effort being, of course, the standout.”