Following the outstanding success of Lindfield Repair Cafe, it is a pleasure to announce the launch of another local charity which aims to reduce waste and help residents to save money! Share Haywards Heath has recently been set up by Richard Bronze and several other Lindfield residents. Based on the model of a Library of Things (more info below), the aim is to reduce the number of things we need to buy but only rarely use. So, if you need occasionally to use a power tool, some camping equipment or a hedge trimmer, you can arrange to borrow one for a small fee, often as little as £1 per week, and then return it on the agreed date.
Richard says, ‘It’s only become a reality thanks to the hard work of my mum Pauline, who also lives in Lindfield and has been a real driving force in getting us up and running, as well as the enthusiasm of a growing group of volunteers.’
Richard hopes that Share Haywards Heath will become a popular resource for the local community, much like Lindfield Repair Cafe. ‘Whether it's for a DIY project or planning a party, it would be great to see people borrowing the items they need from the Share Haywards Heath Library of Things helping them save money and reducing our environmental impact along the way. We're keeping our overheads as low as possible so we can keep loan fees to the absolute minimum, and we want to ensure that the library is accessible to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances’ he enthuses.
The best way local people can support the charity is to sign up and start borrowing items. The team are also looking for volunteers who may be able to help with the maintenance and repair of tools and electrical items. They are grateful for donations of items in good working condition to add to the collection. A wish list of the most requested ones is listed on their website www.sharehh.org.uk.
The charity, which has grown from initial discussions to being up and running in about five months, already has over 80 items available to borrow and 50 members. It has already achieved a great level of support for which they are hugely grateful, including grants from Haywards Heath Town Council, West Sussex District Council and All Saints Lindfield.
Share Haywards Heath operates from
Lindfield Scout Hut, Eastern Road, Lindfield RH16 2LP
Opening Times:
Tuesdays 9.30am to 11am
Saturdays 9am to 10am
How it works
1. Visit www.sharehh.org.uk to register
2. Browse available items and reserve for as little as £1, payable online or on collection
3. Pop down to the Lindfield Scout Hut to collect your item (we accept walk-ins too)
4. Bring your item back on the agreed date
Contact: [email protected]
Charity No. 1203113
For more information on the Library of Things model: https://sharestarter.org/learn/
By Nicola Coughlin
