Second Breath charity foundation
Social workshop «Repair Cafe»
CSS contribution, rubles
Total budget, rubles
Implementation period, months
Project idea
The Social Workshop “Repair Café” project is a unique social space where residents of Kostroma can have their household appliances, bicycles, computers, phones, clothes, and household items repaired for free. This space not only allows people to fix their belongings but also provides an opportunity to learn new skills, exchange experiences with other craftsmen, and strengthen the local community. Inspired by the first repair café opened in Amsterdam in 2009, this project will join a global network of more than 1,500 such workshops across 33 countries.
The main goal of the project is to support self-employment and enhance the financial stability of families, particularly those affected by the economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when many businesses have suspended operations and incomes have fallen, this project offers an alternative way for families to optimize their budgets by repairing and reusing items instead of purchasing new ones.
To achieve its goals, the Repair Café provides free access to equipment and materials, along with a co-working space where local craftsmen can work on their own projects. The project also incorporates educational initiatives, teaching practical skills to both children and adults, which fosters meaningful engagement and strengthens the local community. Experienced professionals ensure the safety and proper training of participants. Information about the project is spread through local media, raising awareness and engaging the public in the project’s mission.
Over the course of a year, more than 700 people will participate in the café, with at least 50 events held, and the workshop will remain open daily. In order to enhance the economic stability of participants, charity markets are regularly organized, where repaired and improved items are sold, generating additional income and orders for the craftsmen.
This project not only supports vulnerable families but also attracts creative youth and local residents, promoting inclusion and community development. As a result, the Repair Café becomes a hub for learning, collaboration, and economic growth, offering new opportunities for everyone involved.
Relevance
The Social Workshop in the format of Repair Café is a crucial initiative designed to support families facing difficult circumstances, particularly in the wake of the economic crisis. According to data provided by Anton Kotyakov, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, during April-May 2020, the number of registered unemployed in Russia rose by 1.05 million people, reaching 4.5 million. This highlights the relevance of the project, which can help families reduce their expenses and improve their financial self-sufficiency.
Research conducted by RANEPA shows that the risk of job loss or pay cuts is especially high in regional centers with developed service sectors, where this risk reaches 54%. In smaller towns, the risk decreases to 48%, and in rural areas, it falls to 44.5%. These statistics underscore the importance of this project for people in various regions, particularly those living in cities with high unemployment rates.
The project is also particularly meaningful for families raising children with special needs. According to the Unified Intersectoral Database, in Kostroma alone, more than 300 families are raising children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or Down syndrome. The project offers these children the opportunity to engage in creative activities, aiding their social inclusion and development.
Social effect
Supporting vulnerable families, strengthening social ties, and building a community focused on sustainable consumption and resource use.
KPI
KPI
Project Results
The “Social Workshop” project in Kostroma has provided city residents with a unique space for creativity and restoration. It is a place where anyone can give their belongings a second life, learn new skills, and connect with like-minded individuals. The project promotes the concept of sustainability and the responsible use of resources.
As part of the project, 53 master classes were held, attracting 447 participants. These individuals learned a variety of repair and recycling techniques, ranging from embroidery to transforming old clothing into new items. The co-working space provided essential equipment and materials, allowing 306 attendees to complete their projects independently while saving money.
The project also featured lectures and events focused on environmental education and conscious consumption. These activities fostered the creative and intellectual growth of participants and helped build a community of like-minded individuals.
Special attention was given to families raising children with special needs, who were actively involved as both participants and contributors. They were actively involved in the project as participants and authors. A summer camp and the inclusive festival “Tales of Kostroma” offered children and teenagers with disabilities a chance to socialize and develop their creative potential.
To support the financial sustainability of the workshop, charity markets were organized, where artisans could sell their handmade goods. These events not only generated financial support but also helped to promote the project’s philosophy of repair, creativity, and sustainable living.
The “Social Workshop” project has become an important step toward promoting repair culture, creativity, and sustainable consumption in Kostroma, creating new opportunities for the city’s residents and contributing to the ecological well-being of society.
Project progress after CSS funding
After the current funding concludes, the Social Workshop “Repair Café” project will continue its development by securing support from the Presidential Grants Fund, along with its own funds and other initiatives to maintain sustainability.
