What is The Repair Shed?

The Repair Shed is an environmental social enterprise that is financially self-sustaining by, making, mending, selling products and services as appropriate. It is a vibrant community where people come together who enjoy making or mending to pursue practical interests, practice skills, make social connections and friendships.

For a long time research has shown the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on a person’s health and wellbeing. Recently we have seen more evidence come to light that shows loneliness and isolation can be as hazardous to our health as obesity and excessive smoking. Surveys from mental health charities are finding that millions of people report feeling lonely on a daily basis.

Men typically find it more difficult to build social connections than women, and unlike women of a similar age, less older men have networks of friends and rarely share personal concerns about health and personal worries. It is not the case for all men, but for some, when retirement comes, it can feel like personal identity and purpose is lost. The Repair Shed can change all of that.

We provide a place for you to meet like-minded people and have someone to share your worries with. It’s about having fun, sharing skills and knowledge with like-minded people and gaining a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. As a by-product of all of that the Repair Shed reduces isolation and feelings of loneliness, it allows you to deal with mental health challenges more easily and remain independent.

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When a space becomes available, Tony will arrange for you to come and have a chat at Northchurch, St Luke’s, or Sunnyside, whichever suits you best. You will be invited to a “taster” session where you can meet some of our SHEDDERS, get a feel for what our SHEDs looks like and above all tell us what you are interested in doing. If you then want to become a full member, we will go through a thorough induction process to ensure you are fully aware of the workplace risks and the responsibilities you will have as a member of our team.

Opening times

Whilst the Shed movement was started by men, everyone is welcome, we even have a “Sewing Café” at our Redbourn Shed.

The Repair Sheds, Sewing Café and Repair Cafe run on the following days:

Northchurch Repair Shed
📍 C/O Sunnyside Trust, Upper Allotments, New Road, Northchurch, HP4 1NJ
🕒 Monday, Wednesday & Friday — 10:00am to 3:00pm

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Redbourn Repair Shed & Sewing Café
📍 C/O St Luke’s Foundation School, Crouch Hall Lane, Redbourn, AL3 7ET
Repair Shed Hours:
🕒 Tuesday & Wednesday — 9:00am to 2:00pm
Sewing Café:
🕒 Thursday — 10:00am to 12:30pm

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Sunnyside Repair Shed
📍 C/O Sunnyside Trust, Hemel Food Garden, Two Waters Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9BY
🕒 Wednesday & Thursday — 10:00am to 3:00pm

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Kings Langley Repair Shed (COMING SOON)
📍 C/O Rudolf Steiner School, Langley Hill, Kings Langley, Herts. WD4 9HG
🕒 Opening days and times coming soon

Grovehill Repair Cafe📍 C/O Grovehill Community Centre, behind Henry Wells Square, Hemel Hempstead HP2 6BJ
🕒 1st Saturday Monthly – 10am to 1pm