Circular Resources Library

Building Reuse and Repair Through Member Collaboration

The Circular Resources Library is a member-to-member offering within the NIRN network, where members share knowledge, practical skills, and resources in reuse and repair. The library brings together workshops, site visits, and shared learning opportunities hosted across member locations throughout Northern Ireland.

By connecting through hands-on sessions and real-world examples, members exchange expertise, strengthen their own organisations, and support growth. This collaborative approach helps expand reuse and repair practices, ensuring that the benefits of experience and innovation are shared across the entire NIRN network

How the Circular Resources Library Works

To learn more about how the Circular Resources Library works, please read the document that explains how it operates and how members can get involved

Download Guidelines

Click below for Case Studies

CAN and Via Wings – This case study examines the collaboration between Compass Advocacy Network (Ballymoney) and Via Wings (Dromore). Through a structured site visit, Via Wings staff studied Compass’s models for effective charity shop management and integrated service delivery for children and adults.

Tools for Solidarity and Repair & Share Foyle – This case study focused on skill-sharing, with TFS providing sewing machine repair training to R&SF. Participants reported significant benefits and expressed a strong interest in future collaboration with each other and the wider NIRN network.

Repair & Share Foyle and Neighbourhood Management Team – This case study examines how R&SF hosted NMT for further experience in PAT testing. This was specifically focused on the practicalities of the PAT testing machine to enable NMT to carry out their own internal PAT testing.

Tools for Solidarity and Life Changes Lives – This case study focused on the repair and reuse of industrial sewing machines, with TfS not only restoring donated equipment for LCCL but also providing hands-on training to LCCL members. This initiative sought to enhance skills, promote self-sufficiency, and sustainable resource use within the community.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council – This case study outlines the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) initiatives to reduce textile waste through Halloween costume swaps for children.
Tully Meadow Men’s Shed & Garrsion Men’s Shed. This case study gives insight into Men’s Sheds – looking at Tully Meadow and The Garrison, discover how the men’s sheds provide comfort and companionship in their local community.
The Remakery and Life Changes Change Lives. This case study details an exploratory visit by the Remakery Studio to the creative community organisation, LCCL. This was to gain first-hand insight into the operational structure and practices of LCCL, with a view to exchanging ideas and identifying opportunities for improvement.