Communities Connecting, Sharing and Inspiring Change at the East Somerset Repair and Reuse Roundtable

There is something incredibly powerful about bringing passionate people together in one room. The East Somerset Repair and Reuse Roundtable did exactly that, creating a space where community groups, charities, projects and volunteers could share ideas, celebrate successes and explore how we can work together to make an even greater impact across Somerset.

The event highlighted just how much great work is already happening across East Somerset, and how much potential there is when organisations collaborate, share resources and learn from one another.

Celebrating Growth and Innovation

We heard inspiring updates from both FromeBase and Share Frome, who shared the progress they have made and their ambitious plans for future growth. Their work is helping to make repair, reuse and skill-sharing more accessible, while building stronger, more connected communities.

We also welcomed Lily Graves from Community RePaint, who provided an overview of the RePaint network and exciting plans for expansion across the region.

Lily encouraged groups to explore paint reuse opportunities in their communities:

“We’re looking to see lots more organisations join our network, so if you hear of groups or organisations that might be keen to explore facilitating paint reuse in their community, we’d love to hear from them.

Equally, do get in touch next time you’re looking for paint for projects of any size!”

Community RePaint continues to demonstrate how simple, practical reuse schemes can reduce waste while creating valuable resources for local projects.

Stronger Together

One of the biggest themes of the day was collaboration.

Across the room, organisations shared examples of how partnership working is helping them reach new audiences, increase their impact and make better use of limited resources. From shared volunteer networks to community signposting and joint projects, there was a clear sense that no organisation needs to work in isolation.

Repair and Reuse Needs Room to Grow

A key challenge raised by several organisations was the need for suitable premises.

Repair and reuse projects often rely on storage space for donated items, tools and materials, while also needing welcoming environments where volunteers and community members can learn, repair and connect.

Taking Repair into the Community

The roundtable also explored innovative ways to raise awareness and engage new audiences.

Participants were inspired by the practical DIY workshops delivered by FromeBase, which are helping local people develop confidence and skills while encouraging a culture of repair.

There was particular enthusiasm for the work of Everyone Needs Pockets, whose public mending sessions bring repair activities directly into busy community spaces. By repairing clothing in highly visible locations, they are creating natural opportunities for conversations about repair, sustainability and skills.

Their approach has proven remarkably effective. On a busy high street, hundreds of people may see these activities within a single hour, making repair visible, approachable and normal.

The organisation has also successfully delivered workshops in colleges, helping younger people engage with repair culture in ways that fit naturally into their lives.

This generated significant interest among attendees, with many keen to explore similar approaches in their own communities.

Supporting Community Action

As part of the ongoing support available through CAG Somerset, organisations are encouraged to promote their events and activities through the CAG Somerset newsletter and website.

Free social media support is also available to member groups, helping organisations increase their visibility and connect with more people.

Continuing the Conversation

The roundtable reinforced the strength, creativity and commitment that already exists within Somerset’s repair and reuse sector. From community bike projects and repair cafés to paint reuse schemes and mending workshops, individuals and organisations are helping to create a more resilient, connected and resourceful county.

Most importantly, the event showed that when communities come together, share ideas and support one another, the potential for positive change grows exponentially.

We look forward to building on these conversations and seeing new partnerships, projects and opportunities emerge over the coming months.