A community group will run free clothing repair workshops designed for neurodiverse residents after receiving a £1,500 grant from Hackney Council.
Nervous Systems is one of seven community groups to receive funding through the council’s Repair Café scheme.
The scheme allows residents to bring items such as clothing and electricals to free repair sessions run by volunteers, helping people repair and reuse items rather than throw them away.
Nervous Systems is run by neurodiverse facilitators and will run sessions that teach people how to add sensory labels or small sensory toys to clothing.
The group will also provide free-to-use sewing machines and half-hour clothing restoration slots, alongside lectures about the history and use of fabrics.
Lil Bolingbroke, the founder of Nervous Systems, said: “A Repair Café is great for us.
“It will help us to build a diverse community that promotes joy and empathy and allows people to embrace their neurodiversity without fear.”
The grant will fund two sessions including paying for materials, facilitators and vegan catering. The sessions have been designed with access in mind, with sensory toys and headphones being provided to support inclusive participation.
Nervous Systems also holds events combining interactive art installations with live music and DJs to bring neurodiverse and neurotypical people together.
Bolingbroke said: “Our philosophy is: being yourself, taking things slow, embracing the mess and welcoming everyone with open arms.
“At the first event we ran, people said they had never been in a space where they felt so free to be themselves.
“That event is the single most proud I’ve ever been of anything I’ve engaged with as a creative.”
The Repair Café scheme forms part of Hackney Council’s Circular Strategy and Action Plan, which encourages people to share, repair and reuse items.
Councillor Jacob Cable, Hackney Council’s cabinet member for climate, clean air, energy and transport, said: “Repair Cafés are a brilliant example of how our communities are leading the way towards a more sustainable Hackney.
“As chair of the North London Waste Authority, I know that the seven boroughs have much more to do to help divert valuable items from incineration with a bit of attention and skill.
“By helping residents repair everyday items instead of throwing them away, we’re reducing waste, saving people money and bringing neighbours together to share valuable skills.
“We’re proud to support local organisations that are making our circular economy a reality across the borough.”
An exact date for the Repair Cafés is yet to be confirmed, but they are expected to be held at Dalston CLR James Library in February 2027.
For more information on Nervous Systems and their events, you can follow their Instagram @nervous_systems_
Featured Image Credit: Peter Evemy
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