Nine local businesses awarded Repair, Reuse, Recycle grants
Each grant is worth £3,000 and comes with additional business mentoring and support, supporting projects that cut waste, help people save money on bills, take climate action and build practical skills across communities in Lewisham.
The funded projects span textile and tech repair, creative reuse of materials, food growing and composting, and innovative approaches to reducing waste. Together, they showcase the diversity, creativity and ambition of Lewisham’s growing circular economy.
The announcement comes as we celebrate Repair Week (2 to 8 March). Several of the funded projects will mark the week by hosting workshops and events that help residents repair everyday items, reuse materials and reduce waste. Join us in celebrating Repair Week
Deputy Mayor Louise Krupski, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Climate Action, said: “By investing in local action, we are empowering communities to be more resourceful, cut costs and reduce their environmental impact. These projects show what climate action looks like in practice: practical, inclusive and rooted in everyday life. Just as importantly, they demonstrate what’s possible, inspiring others to take action and helping to create the conditions for lasting, community-led change.”
Councillor Ese Erheriene, Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Skills, said: “We are working hard to help local businesses grow, adapt and succeed. These grants give businesses the confidence and resources to develop practical solutions that strengthen their operations while contributing to a stronger and more sustainable local economy.”
Successful grant recipients and their projects
Make Mee Studio CIC – Sewing school
Make Mee Studio will expand clothing and textile repair activity across Lewisham, working with partners to reach people who may not see repair as “for them”. The project will identify barriers to participation and help grow a strong local community of repairers.
The Somerville Centre – Youth centre and hire space
The Somerville Centre’s Upcycling Academy will teach children and young people aged 8–15 practical skills in repair, reuse and recycling. The project aims to build community resilience and environmental awareness through hands on learning.
The Albany – Theatre, café and community space
The Albany will improve the sustainability of its café by introducing a reusable cup scheme and building new compost bays in the Albany Garden. This will reduce single use waste and support food growing for use in the café.
Blue Garage – Makerspace
Blue Garage will create a circular materials hub with dedicated recycling stations and reuse storage for wood, metals, cardboard, plastics and textiles. The project will help reduce waste sent for incineration and enable more than 40 local businesses to share reusable materials.
Mads Do & Mend CIC – Textile repair workshops
Mads Do & Mend will deliver a programme of textile repair workshops across Lewisham, helping residents build practical skills, reduce reliance on new clothing and challenge throwaway culture.
Colechi – Knitting club and events
Colechi will launch its You (can) Knit With Us knitting club in South East London, starting with a series of knitwear repair workshops in Lewisham. Six monthly workshops will take place at Blue Garage using second hand knitwear supplied by Traid.
CatBytes CIC – Tech repair social enterprise
CatBytes will refurbish 100 donated laptops and offer low cost repairs for residents’ own devices. By funding spare parts and tools, the project will divert more than 250kg of e-waste from incineration and support digitally excluded communities.
PageMasters – Risograph printers and makerspace
PageMasters will build a reclaimed materials shelving and sorting system to reuse paper offcuts from its eco print studio. The project will reduce waste, cut carbon emissions and create a community reuse station for libraries, schools, youth arts groups and local creatives.
Upcycled Upholstery – Furniture workshop
Upcycled Upholstery will develop sustainable cushion fillings made from recycled polyurethane foam waste generated through its upholstery work. The project aims to divert waste from landfill, lower carbon emissions and replace virgin foam in new products.
First round of funding completed projects
Residents can learn more about previous Repair, Reuse, Recycle projects and their impact through video case studies from the 2025 programme:
- Fixing fashion with Make Mee Studio
Climate Grants funding
The Repair, Reuse, Recycle grants form part of Lewisham Council’s wider Climate Grants programme, which supports local organisations and businesses to take action on climate change while building a more inclusive and sustainable borough. All projects must take place in Lewisham and demonstrate clear benefits for the local community.