Sophia is an engineer cleaning up data centres for work, and in spare time, a Restart Party host, picker of fruit, reader, singer, and patriarchy smasher.
Restarters
We call volunteers who share their repair skills Restarters. They help with basic electrical fixing involving changing fuses and plugs. Others deal with software issues on laptops and mobiles. Yet others take on intricate electronics repairs involving soldering.
And still others will help to facilitate these repairs, welcoming people, finding chairs, facilitating conversation, and helping the event to run smoothly.
What unites Restarters is the love of a repair challenge and their collaborative approach, they love to share skills.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life, and no formal qualifications are needed. We are a radically open, diverse community – join us!
Restarter Profile: Meet Junaid
Junaid is a pro repairer at his store Sara’s Fix in Charing Cross. He enjoys sharing his skills at community events. He’s a keen motorcyclist. And he started repairing toys as a child.
Restart Party Host Profile: Meet Rosemary
Rosemary hosts Restart Parties in West London. As an environmentalist and Friends of the Earth coordinator, repair is close to her heart. She still uses a Nokia 3410, now on its second replacement battery.
Restarter Profile: Meet Alison
Alison is a life-long DIYer who has a real can-do spirit about maintenance and fixing, and a budding interest in brewing. She laments the fact that some women feel discouraged to repair, and loves being involved in our Rosie the Restarter skillshares.
Restarter profile: Meet Steve
Steve is a life-long tinkerer and fixer, who loves the “Marie Kondo” repairs the best — the ones that spark joy. He enjoys repurposing electronics with his kids, cycling and running. He still remembers his first repair – a Walkman – at age 10.
Restarter profile: Meet Jamie
Jamie started fixing a couple of years ago after getting fed up with headphones breaking. A Maplin alum, he now fixes for a living, but finds time to volunteer and share his skills. He loves bass guitar, cycling, model trains and film.
Restarter profile: Meet Monique
Monique is a software developer who loves simple fixes and a decent pair of shoes. She fondly remembers her math teacher who abandoned the curriculum to teach her Fortran.
Restarter Profile: Meet Stefania
An Italian sound engineer, she shocked her future course convenors by acing the entrance exam, as a woman. Stefania loves repairing at community events because it helps her feel connected to others.