Mayor Beryl Blackmore, along with other Councillors, and Council Officers, and the Chair and CEO of Groundwork North Wales and Refurbs have officially launched the new ‘Lend and Mend’ project; ahead of welcoming visitors from Thursday, May 1.
Supported through UK Government Shared Prosperity funding, Wrexham Council is working with Benthyg Cymru, Repair Café Wales, Lend Engine, Refurbs and Groundwork North Wales to provide the project.
What is a ‘Library of Things’?
The project is based on the ‘Library of Things’ concept, meaning that you can borrow useful items for a small cost (compared to what you’d pay to buy the item new yourself).
There’s lots of tools/equipment that people find handy to use every now and then – but shelling out for the full cost to buy it yourself doesn’t make sense if it’s going to sit in storage most of the time!
Types of items
There will be a variety of items available, including:
- DIY and gardening tools
- Cleaning equipment
- Camping gear
- Party games
You can browse the item catalogue on lendandmend.org.uk
Councillor Terry Evans, Lead Member for Environmental Services, said: “This project is set to be a fantastic initiative for the community; allowing residents to rent out items at low cost whilst also contributing to a more sustainable economy”.
Do you have items you could donate?
If you have any items you don’t need any more please get in touch by emailing info@lendandmend.org.uk to see if they could be added to the collection.
This could be tools or equipment that are useful around the house or garden, for hiking, or great for entertainment.
Collection /drop off
There are two large lockers (similar to parcel collection lockers) which can hold items of different sizes, one in the Lend and Mend unit itself and one in the corridor near to the unit.
Meaning you’ll be able to drop off items you are finished with anytime during Tŷ Pawb’s main building opening hours if the unit is closed.
The unit will be set to open:
- Tuesday – Friday: 11.30am – 2.30pm
- Saturdays: 10.30am – 3.30pm
- Closed on Sundays and Mondays
More than just a lending library
As well as items to borrow, the project aims to provide repair sessions and hands-on workshops each month – to help show people how to fix or upcycle existing items.
This helps towards a ‘circular economy’ where items are kept in use for longer, meaning less resources are used to create new items when an item could be fixed instead.
Karen Balmer, CEO Groundwork North Wales said “We have high hopes that this new facility will be good for people, the economy and the environment.
“We are looking forward to welcoming our first visitors on the 1st May”.
Keep up to date
You can keep an eye out for project updates on the Lend and Mend Facebook page (or get in touch via info@lendandmend.org.uk).
You might also like to read: New Community Space Lend & Mend coming soon to Ty Pawb, Wrexham
