Author: katcorbett

Mayor of the West of England champions Circular Economy at UWE Bristol Repair Café

Author katcorbett | Posted on

We were delighted to welcome Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, to our March Repair Café at the School of Engineering. The Mayor brought along her family’s cuckoo clock for repair, which had stopped working, and was supported by a team of staff, students, and community volunteers.

The Repair Café is a free monthly event held every second Wednesday during term-time, offering UWE Bristol staff, students, and the wider public the chance to have broken items repaired. From electrical appliances to clothes, and anything that can be glued, soldered or stitched, the initiative embodies UWE Bristol’s commitment to the circular economy and sustainability.

Since launching in 2023, the Repair Café has hosted 22 events, with over 1,660 volunteer hours contributed. More than 600kg of waste has been kept out of landfill, preventing an estimated 4,628kg of CO2 emissions – the equivalent of growing 77 tree seedlings over ten years.

Mayor Helen Godwin said, Initiatives like this are such a great example of our community coming together. Experts are mentoring and working with young people, passing on practical skills while helping people to fix and reuse things they care about.

“It also shows how reuse and repair are part of our region’s DNA – bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and celebrating the good things happening across the West of England.”

Kat Corbett, Interim Head of Circular Economy at UWE Bristol, added, “We’re so happy Helen stopped by the Repair Café to make use of the skilled staff, students and members of the public that volunteer here and collectively support people with the cost of living while also helping them to live more sustainably.

“As a university, we’re committed to reducing waste and embracing a circular economy. We’d really encourage members of our local community to make use of this free service available to them and have their own items repaired, like Helen.”

Dr Laura Fogg Rogers, Associate Professor in Engineering in Society, who leads student engagement in the Repair Café, said, “Our Repair Café events empower students to develop their skills to repair items, as well as gaining employability experience. Events like this are a great example of the Everyday Economy, and a growing sector for green jobs. That’s why we support the Bristol Repair Coalition to grow the repair and reuse movement across the West of England.”

Members of the public interested in having items repaired can sign up for upcoming Repair Café events via UWE Bristol’s website.

Future Ambition Fair brings skills, support and opportunity to Lawrence Weston

Author katcorbett | Posted on

On Tuesday 15 July, UWE Bristol’s Inspire Sustainability Team partnered with Ambition Lawrence Weston to deliver the Future Ambition Fair – a community event designed to connect local residents with employment, training, and support opportunities.

Held at Ambition Lawrence Weston’s community hub, the fair brought together a wide range of local organisations offering advice on jobs, apprenticeships, further education and green career pathways. The event aimed to create a welcoming, practical space for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their next steps.

A group of year 10 students learning about retrofitting with the Green Register and their Retrofit Trailer

Practical Help in a Friendly Setting

Attendees had the opportunity to speak directly with stallholders from local colleges, employers, and support organisations, as well as access free, hands-on support including:

  • CV writing and interview preparation
  • Free professional LinkedIn portraits
  • Information about local training and job opportunities
  • Family-friendly activities and free food throughout the day

The fair also welcomed a group of Year 10 students from St Bede’s Catholic College, who engaged with stallholders and took part in career conversations as part of their wider career development learning.

Participating organisations included Bristol City Council – Employment, Skills and Learning, Babbasa, Severnnet, Bristol Energy Network, Youth Environmental Service (YES), The Green Register, Bristol Waste, Wheels to Work, and others. UWE Bristol’s own Degree Apprenticeships and School of Health and Social Wellbeing teams were also present to share information on pathways into healthcare and work-based learning.

Strengthening Local Collaboration

Stallholders and attendees alike emphasised the value of personal conversations and being able to explore opportunities in a supportive environment. Many of the organisations involved highlighted the importance of showing up in community spaces, especially where access to careers support and higher education can be limited.

UWE Bristol’s Inspire Sustainability Team, which leads projects focused on inclusive, community-led climate action and sustainable futures, organised the event as part of its work to connect green and healthy futures with real-world skills and employment pathways.

“We’re really pleased with how the event came together,” said Laura Fogg-Rogers, who leads on UWE Bristol’s Inspire Sustainability Team. “It was about creating a space where people could explore ideas without pressure – and where support felt genuinely accessible.”

Ambition Lawrence Weston, a long-standing community-led regeneration organisation, played a key role in shaping and promoting the event locally.

Looking Ahead

The Future Ambition Fair follows a successful similar event held in St Pauls earlier this year, and forms part of a growing programme of community-based career events co-organised by UWE Bristol and neighbourhood partners.

Plans are now in development for future events that build on these partnerships and continue to support residents in discovering new pathways into meaningful, sustainable work.

Shaping a circular future: UWE Bristol hosts collaborative workshop on new demonstrator project

Author katcorbett | Posted on

On Thursday 17 July, UWE Bristol’s School of Engineering and the Bristol Repair Coalition brought together more than 30 representatives from across the region for a dynamic workshop to co-design a new Circular Economy Demonstrator for Bristol.

Held at the Bristol Business School, the event convened participants from local authorities, community organisations, academia, industry, and the voluntary sector, all with a shared interest in building practical, community-driven solutions to reduce waste and support more sustainable use of resources.

The session was facilitated by Dr Laura Fogg-Rogers (UWE Bristol), Mark Jacobs (Environmental Scientist, Innovator, and Producer), and opened with a scene-setting address from Ken Lawson, Head of Waste, Recycling, Neighbourhood Enforcement and Street Scene Services at Bristol City Council.

What is a Circular Economy Demonstrator?

A Circular Economy Demonstrator is a dedicated, collaborative space where services like repair, reuse, refurbishment, and resource-sharing can be brought together and trialled at scale. Demonstrators act as real-world test beds – practical, visible models that help communities and organisations explore new ways of working while generating evidence, jobs, skills, and engagement.

Inspired by projects such as Manchester’s Renew Hub and Berlin’s NochMall, the proposed demonstrator for Bristol would support not only environmental goals but also skills development, social enterprise, and economic inclusion.

Energy, Ideas, and Collaboration

The workshop created space for lively, creative conversation around the opportunities and challenges involved in establishing such a site. Participants reflected on questions of scale, location, logistics, funding, and governance – as well as how to ensure the project remains inclusive, achievable, and rooted in Bristol’s existing reuse and repair networks.

Key themes from the session included:

  • Green jobs and skills: The demonstrator could serve as a training hub for emerging circular economy skills and support pathways into employment.
  • A just transition: By centring community participation and social value, the project has the potential to support inclusive, local economic development.
  • Net zero goals: Reducing waste and increasing reuse are critical elements of Bristol’s wider climate strategy, with the demonstrator offering a practical route to carbon reduction.
  • Enterprise and innovation: There was a strong call to develop income-generating activities to support long-term viability and reduce dependency on public sector funding.

Looking Ahead

Over the summer, the organisers will review all of the contributions and insights gathered during the workshop, with a view to sharing outcomes and proposed next steps in the autumn. A key focus will be refining the project’s value proposition, testing assumptions about demand, and strengthening cross-sector partnerships.

The School of Engineering would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to this important conversation. Together, we are building momentum toward a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for the city.

For more information on how to get involved, email kat.corbett@uwe.ac.uk.

Looking Back at the Green and Healthy Futures Fair: A Day of Opportunity, Learning and Community

Author katcorbett | Posted on

On Monday 19 May, the Green and Healthy Futures Fair brought new energy to the heart of St Pauls as residents from across Bristol gathered at the St Pauls Learning Centre for an afternoon of inspiration, connection, and practical support. Running from 1pm, the event created a welcoming space for people of all ages and stages to explore pathways towards greener and fairer futures.

Organised by UWE Bristol’s Inspire Sustainability Team and Bridging Histories, the Fair exemplified community partnership in action — a collaboration grounded in shared purpose and local voices.

A Celebration of Skills, Support and Shared Futures

With over a dozen local organisations in attendance, the Fair offered access to free workshops, advice services, job opportunities, and community initiatives — all under one roof. Visitors engaged with representatives from organisations including Babbasa, Youth Environmental Service, City of Bristol College, Employment, Skills and Learning (Bristol City Council), Life 2020, Wheels 2 Work, Centre for Sustainable Energy,bFare Share, Alibsa, UWE Bristol’s Degree Apprenticeship Hub, and more.

We were also pleased to welcome Bristol Energy Cooperative, who brought along an engaging, interactive display on community-led energy initiatives — sparking conversations around sustainable living and local climate action.

Uplifting Sessions and Student Involvement

One of the standout moments of the day was welcoming a group of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students from City of Bristol College, who actively participated in two key sessions:

  • A CV writing workshop led by the Babbasa Trailblazer programme, offering young people the tools and confidence to tell their story effectively on paper.
  • An interview workshop run by Xavier Baker, UWE Bristol’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Business Partner, who shared expert insights into professional interview techniques and mindset-building.

These workshops provided a safe and supportive environment for learners to develop essential employability skills — and were met with enthusiasm and appreciation from all involved.

Participants also had the opportunity to have a professional photo taken for their LinkedIn profile to help enhance their employability.

Making Connections and Sharing a Meal

As the afternoon rolled on, Glen’s Kitchen served up delicious hot meals, creating a space for conversation and connection over shared food. Whether catching up with friends, meeting local employers, or learning something new, attendees found countless ways to get involved and feel part of the community.

Free tech support from FixMyTek was also popular, with attendees bringing in their personal devices for one-to-one help and digital advice.

What’s Next?

We’re delighted to announce that a follow-up event will be taking place this summer:

Lawrence Weston Green and Healthy Futures Fair
Monday 15 July 2025, 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Ambition House, 2 Stile Acres Lawrence Weston BS11 0PZ

This will be another opportunity to explore job and training options, access free workshops, and connect with local services and green initiatives.

Reserve your free ticket and find full details here:
Lawrence Weston Green and Healthy Futures Fair – Eventbrite

Bristol Repair Coalition: building a city-wide culture of repair and reuse

Author katcorbett | Posted on

The Bristol Repair Coalition is a diverse alliance of community groups, social enterprises, local businesses, academic institutions, and city partners working together to rethink how we use and care for the materials, products, and waste in our city.

Founded in March 2024 through the Repair Acts initiative, the Coalition aims to create a regenerative material culture that prioritises repair, reuse, and resourcefulness — moving beyond simple recycling toward systemic change.

A City-Wide Movement for Regenerative Material Culture

The Coalition brings together a wide range of members, including community organisations, social enterprises, Bristol City Council, Bristol Waste, academic partners from UWE Bristol, Bristol University, and Winchester School of Art, as well as local businesses and repair specialists.

Together, this network collaborates to:

  • Support and connect repair and reuse initiatives across Bristol.
  • Advocate for policies that embed repair and reuse into city planning and waste management.
  • Build skills and capacity for sustainable repair in communities.
  • Foster an inclusive, participatory approach rooted in design justice.

Moving Repair and Reuse to the Forefront

While recycling remains an important part of waste management, repair and reuse offer a more impactful way to extend product lifespans, reduce emissions, and strengthen local economies. The Coalition is committed to making repair and reuse accessible, visible, and valued across Bristol.

This approach is timely given rising waste treatment costs driven by new government regulations, alongside ongoing social challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis. Repair and reuse initiatives not only reduce waste but also help people save money and build community resilience.

Partnering with Bristol City Council

The Coalition recently engaged with Bristol City Council to align efforts with the Council’s new Waste Strategy. Both parties see potential in embedding repair and reuse more deeply into future waste contracts and city-wide policies.

Bristol Waste Company’s reuse shops have already made a significant impact by diverting thousands of items from disposal, keeping valuable materials in circulation and reducing landfill. Beyond environmental benefits, these shops provide affordable goods to local residents, helping to ease the cost-of-living pressures faced by many in Bristol.

There is strong potential to expand reuse and repair facilities and services across the city. The Coalition is keen to work with its partners to explore how existing successes can be built upon, creating a more robust circular economy that delivers lasting environmental and social benefits.

Exploring a Circular Economy Demonstrator

Inspired by successful initiatives like the Manchester Renew Hub, Berlin’s Nochmall, and ReTuna in Eskilstuna (Sweden), the Coalition is developing plans for a Bristol Circular Economy Demonstrator — a space to refurbish, repair, and resell furniture, electronics, and bicycles, and more, while creating jobs and training opportunities.

This demonstrator aims to support green skills development, provide affordable goods, and reduce emissions by keeping materials in use longer. A workshop is scheduled for July 2025 to help define its scope and build stakeholder support.

Mapping Bristol’s Repair Ecosystem

To highlight the city’s existing repair and reuse activities, the Coalition has created a public map showcasing community repair cafés, specialist services, social enterprises, and training opportunities throughout Bristol.

This resource helps identify gaps and opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Explore the Bristol Repair Map

Looking Forward

The Bristol Repair Coalition is committed to ongoing collaboration to strengthen repair and reuse across the city. By working together—across sectors, communities, and disciplines—the Coalition seeks to build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient Bristol.

For more information or to get involved, please contact kat.corbett@uwe.ac.uk.

Stitching confidence and sustainability: MAKERS Project supports young creatives at Fairfield Highschool

Author katcorbett | Posted on

This spring, the UWE Bristol MAKERS project proudly partnered with Fairfield Highschool, Sustainable Fashion Week’s Future Citizens Project, and the Old Library Community Hub in Eastville to deliver a series of hands-on sewing workshops that brought together sustainability, creativity, and personal growth.

Over the course of six weeks, a group of nine enthusiastic students aged 11 tto 15 took part in a practical learning journey exploring textile arts through a sustainability lens. Guided by expert facilitators and supported by MAKERS, the workshop provided a safe and inspiring space to experiment, create, and grow in confidence.

MAKING with Purpose

For the MAKERS project, which supports hands-on community learning through craft, repair and design, this collaboration was a perfect match. The students’ projects — from tote bags and pencil cases to scrunchies and hairbands — were more than creative exercises. They were learning tools. Each item represented hours of skill-building: from threading sewing machines and cutting fabric accurately to reading patterns and exploring the potential of reclaimed materials.

By working with salvaged textiles and repurposing what would otherwise be waste, the young participants also learned about the environmental impacts of fast fashion and the role they can play in shaping a more sustainable future — values that sit at the heart of MAKERS’ ethos.

Guided by a Skilled Team

The workshops were co-delivered by a dedicated and passionate team:

  • Ruth Squires, Senior Technical Instructor in the fashion sewing rooms at UWE Bristol
  • Ayat Said, Director of Science & Computing at Fairfield High School
  • Beth Cooper, Old Library Repair Café
  • Kat Corbett, Coordinator of the UWE MAKERS Project

Together, they supported the students not just to learn practical techniques, but to explore self-expression, resilience, and creativity.

“It was amazing to see how much the students grew over the six weeks,” said Ayat Said. “Not just in what they could make, but in how they saw themselves. You could really see their confidence building week by week. It was far beyond sewing — more about believing in what they could do.”

Celebrating the Journey

The series culminated in a celebration at the Old Library, where proud parents and carers were invited to view a mini exhibition of the students’ handmade creations. The event offered a moment to reflect on how far the group had come — from nervous beginners to capable makers with a genuine sense of ownership over their work.

Certificates were awarded in recognition of each student’s hard work and progress, marking not just the end of the workshop, but the beginning of a new confidence in their own creative abilities.

MAKERS Looking Forward

For the MAKERS project, this collaboration with Fairfield High School was a testament to the power of community-based, practical learning. It’s not just about making things — it’s about making change, making skills accessible, and making people feel they belong.

We’re grateful to all the students, facilitators and supporters who made this workshop such a success — and we look forward to sewing more seeds of creativity, confidence, and sustainability across Bristol and beyond.

Green and Healthy Futures Fair: A Celebration of Community, Opportunity and Sustainable Work

Author katcorbett | Posted on

On Monday 19 May 2025, residents of St Pauls and the wider Bristol community are warmly invited to the Green and Healthy Futures Fair, taking place from 1pm to 8pm at St Pauls Learning Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, BS2 8XJ.

Organised in collaboration by UWE Bristol’s Inspire Sustainability Team and Bridging Histories, this free event is rooted in community partnership and the shared goal of building fairer, greener futures. It brings together local organisations, employers, and educators to inform about practical support, training, and career opportunities — all in an open, inclusive setting.

A Fair for All

The Green and Healthy Futures Fair is for anyone thinking about their next steps – whether you’ve been out of work for some time, are exploring new possibilities, or simply want to find out what’s happening locally. The event is open to all ages and stages, and aims to create a welcoming space to ask questions, build confidence, and connect with others.

Throughout the day, attendees will be able to:

  • Explore stalls offering job opportunities, apprenticeships, and free courses
  • Receive advice on accessing support services, training, and further education
  • Enjoy warm food provided by Glen’s Kitchen from 3.30pm
  • Access free tech support from FixMyTek (bring your device for a check-up)

Free Workshops and Support

A number of bookable free sessions are available throughout the afternoon and evening, including:

  • Mock interviews (1:1 and pre-booked, 3pm–4.35pm)
  • Professional LinkedIn photos (5pm–7pm)
  • Interview skills workshop (5.15pm–5.45pm)
  • CV writing session with Babbasa (6pm–6.40pm)

These sessions are designed to support people in building the confidence and practical skills needed for job applications and interviews. Spaces are limited and can be booked when registering via Eventbrite.

Organisations attending

Attendees will have the chance to meet people from the following organisations:

All of these partners are working towards a shared vision: a city where everyone has the opportunity to develop their skills, access fulfilling work, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.

How to Attend

The event is free to attend and open to everyone. To take part in workshops or book a professional photo slot, please register in advance:

Book your free place on Eventbrite

If you have any questions about the event, contact: kat.corbett@uwe.ac.uk

Event Details:
Monday 19 May 2025
1:00pm–8:00pm
St Pauls Learning Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, BS2 8XJ
Please note: There is no parking available at the venue

MAKERS and Environmental Film Club team up to screen “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy”

Author katcorbett | Posted on

The MAKERS project is excited to partner with the Student Union’s Reel Nature: Environmental Film Club to host an exclusive screening of the ground-breaking documentary, “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy”, directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Nic Stacey.

This eye-opening documentary dives into the hidden strategies used by major corporations to trap consumers in an endless cycle of overconsumption. It exposes how products are intentionally designed to break or become obsolete, fuelling a global throwaway culture that wreaks havoc on our environment. Featuring interviews with industry changemakers like Kyle Wiens, founder of iFixit, the film also explores the growing movement to reclaim the right to repair our products and reduce waste.

📅 Date: 27th January 2025
⏰ Time: 5 PM
📍 Location: The Student Union, Meeting Room 1

This screening is an opportunity to explore pressing environmental issues, question the systems driving overconsumption, and learn about practical alternatives.

Following the screening, attendees are invited to join a discussion featuring local experts in repair, waste reduction, and sustainability. We will aim to unpack the documentary’s messages and storytelling tools, while also exploring practical solutions to these challenges.

For questions or additional information, contact kat.corbett@uwe.ac.uk.

UWE Bristol’s MAKERS Project Wins Staff Award for Sustainability

Author katcorbett | Posted on

UWE Bristol’s MAKERS project has been recognised with a Staff Award in the Sustainability category, celebrating its impactful work to improve diversity and inclusion in engineering while tackling the climate and ecological emergency. This recognition highlights the project’s contributions to fostering a sense of belonging among diverse engineering students and supporting sustainability in partnership with local communities.

MAKERS: A Hub for Connection, Creativity, and Sustainability

MAKERS, which stands for Making And Knowledge Exchange for Repair & Sustainability, bridges the gap between diverse engineering students at UWE Bristol and the local Maker and Repair communities in the West of England. With nearly £90,000 in funding from the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Diversity Impact Programme, the project has developed a series of co-creation workshops that address multiple challenges:

  • Belonging and inclusion: MAKERS provides students—especially women and individuals from minority backgrounds—with a welcoming environment to collaborate and grow as engineers.
  • Skill-building and employability: Students enhance their practical and professional skills, working alongside experienced community mentors and STEM industry professionals.
  • Sustainability: Through repair workshops and hands-on activities, students and community members contribute to reducing waste, preventing 303kg of waste from reaching landfill, and avoiding 2 tons of CO2 emissions.

The project embodies UWE Bristol’s commitment to sustainability while making tangible strides in improving diversity within STEM fields.

The Impact of MAKERS

Since its launch in 2023, MAKERS has delivered significant outcomes:

  • Increased diversity: 32% of regular student participants are women (compared to 16% in engineering nationally), and 77% come from Global Majority backgrounds.
  • Community engagement: MAKERS collaborated with 17 organisations and hosted repair and making workshops for over 70 community members.
  • Ongoing opportunities: A monthly Repair Café on UWE’s Frenchay Campus invites community members to bring broken items to repair, fostering hands-on learning and collaboration between students and community volunteers.

The project also connects students with STEM Ambassadors and retired engineers from the Bristol Repair Café network, providing invaluable mentoring opportunities.

Rewarding Engagement and Growth

MAKERS participants not only contribute to sustainability but also gain professional and personal benefits:

  • Networking opportunities: Students collaborate with industry professionals and community members, creating lasting connections.
  • Skill recognition: Participants earn digital skills badges (bronze, silver, or gold) to showcase their expertise on LinkedIn and other platforms.
  • Practical tools: After attending five events, students receive repair kits or vouchers to continue their sustainability efforts at home.

In addition, students have access to cutting-edge resources, including 3D printing facilities, sewing machines, and technician support to work on personal and community-focused repair projects.

Looking Ahead

The MAKERS project’s success is being recognised on multiple levels. It has been shortlisted for the prestigious Green Gown Awards in the Benefitting Society category and featured at conferences such as the International Symposium on Academic Maker Spaces and Science in Public. With plans to publish findings in academic journals, the team aims to further contribute to research on diversity in STEM education and sustainability practices.

This award is a testament to the MAKERS project’s ability to weave sustainability, skill development, and community into a meaningful initiative that transforms lives while addressing global challenges.

The MAKERS Team are continuing to develop the evaluation. You can find some of the outcomes so far in the following publications:

MAKERS poster Can a student-led Repair Café develop a sense of belonging and provide hands-on experiences for engineering students?

MAKERS Report Making and knowledge exchange for repair and sustainability

Empowering sustainable repair at UWE Bristol: a collaborative tech repair workshop with FixMyTek

Author katcorbett | Posted on

On October 30th, the MAKERS project collaborated with student start-up and device repair experts FixMyTek for a Tech Repair Workshop at UWE Bristol’s School of Engineering. The event aimed to empower students and staff to engage in hands-on repairs to reduce electronic waste.

The MAKERS Project, which stands for “Making and Knowledge Exchange for Repair and Sustainability,” serves as a unique initiative designed to foster repair skills and encourage the reuse of resources within the university community and beyond. Through workshops and collaborative activities, MAKERS creates an inclusive environment where students, staff, and members from the community can connect, learn repair skills, and ultimately embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

The turnout for the workshop was fantastic, with a strong mix of students and staff bringing in personal devices that required fixing or rejuvenating. Attendees tackled a wide range of electronics, including the brush roll of a vacuum cleaner, a charging adaptor with a shorted circuit, a faulty iron, and a particularly stubborn hair dryer. In just a few hours, participants collectively saved an estimated 4.15 kilograms of electronic waste—showcasing the significant impact of choosing repair over replacement.

Training in electrical engineering is a core mission of FixMyTek, whose team of technicians comprises university students from UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol got to work alongside their peers as part of the workshop. It was also fantastic to see that one of last year’s MAKERS students had since joined FixMyTek as a member of their team, turning their repair skills into a paid role.

The workshop atmosphere was both relaxed and educational, with participants learning from each other, viewing tutorials, sharing repair tips, and enjoying refreshments.

This experience further underscores the potential for tech repair and upcycling workshops to make a measurable impact in reducing waste and encouraging sustainable habits.

MAKERS and FixMyTek are continuing to collaborate, with a similar workshop planned in the community of St Paul’s later this year.

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