Hi Restarters Network!
I’m setting up a brand Repair Cafe in London and would welcome advice on how to recruit repair volunteers. We are volunteer-led project and currently have no funding secured yet, but we’re working on it! So for now, could really do with help from volunteer repairers to help us get started.
Any tips for how to locate and reach out to people with these skills who might be willing to volunteer at our new Repair Cafe?
Hi Lydia, welcome to the community!
It’s great to hear you’re keen to start a new repair group in London. There’s already quite an extensive network of groups across the city.
In which area are you hoping to run events?
It may be that you could team up with an existing group nearby. And in any case, we’d highly reccomend joining the London network. I’m tagging our London coordinator @Shelini_Kotecha, who may be able to advise further.
And in terms of recruiting volunteers, Shelini started a really useful topic on this not too long ago, which is full of handy tips and advice:
Hi @Lydia_Fraser-WardWanstead,
To echo what James said, please let me know if you’d like more info on how to set up a group on this platform and use it to recruit for volunteers. I’d be happy to set up a call with you!
I’ve summarised that thread in this document for easy reading: Top tips for recruiting fixers
Hi Lydia,
Off the top of my head…
You’re not that far from Hackney Fixers, Forest Fixers and a few other groups, such as Tower Hamlets Fixers so maybe you could nudge a few of the volunteers there to turn up and help, at least while you get going?
I presume you’re already in contact with Michaela at ELWA: can she maybe publicise it through their mailing list and put it on the website?
Also I notice that you’ve already got 2 volunteer fixers (plus me 
) signed up to your group, so you’re on the way!
I’m hoping that some people further afield, like me, might be persuaded to come along to the first couple of events to give you a leg up, as long as there is plenty of notice so we can fit it into our schedules.
Maybe I could even be persuaded to revive That Jacket for the first event 
Dear James,
Thank you so much for getting back to me. I really appreciate all this advice. I am actually in contact with Shelini already but I will follow up on your other suggestions too.
Many thanks and all the best,
Lydia
Wanstead Repair Cafe
Hi Dave,
Thank you so much for getting in touch! It’s great to hear that you are coming. Apologies, as I’m new to the Restart website I’m still working my way around it trying to figure things out!
It’s wonderful that you are signed up to help at our inaugural Repair Cafe in Wanstead on Sunday 13th October. We’d be delighted to have your help! I’m not in touch with ELWA directly myself as the local authority manage all the communication with them directly on our behalf but they are supporting the event with promotion etc.
I’ll be in touch again over the next few days with all the final details about the event next weekend. Until then, thank you so much for getting in touch, and for all your advice. And yes…please bring that jacket! That’s fantastic 
Speak soon,
Lydia
Wanstead Repair Cafe
Hi Lydia,
I said “might”!
I haven’t signed up to the event yet, I’ve only followed the group.
I’m hoping to be there on the 13th, but it’s not definite yet.
Cheers,
Dave.
Ok no worries!
Do let me know if you can.
All the best,
Lydia
Wanstead Repair Cafe