In her regular WSCT column Councillor Joanne Knowles, Chairperson of Horsham District Council, took us behind the scenes of community life following her recent visit. Her column shares stories from across our District, shining a light on the people, places and projects that make our community thrive and celebrating the spirit of our District.

Fix it, refill it, share it: why Horsham’s Sussex Green Hub deserves a spot in your diary
Picture a Saturday morning where you can mend your wobbly toaster, stock up on cleaning staples without the plastic, rescue a bag of free groceries and pick up ideas for trimming your energy bills. That’s a typical day at the Sussex Green Hub in Horsham, and it’s a lot more fun than it sounds. I love it! I’ve had clothes and a much-loved teddy bear repaired, filled up on shampoo and shower gel, and even switched my electricity supplier.
A one-stop shop for greener living
Run by the award-winning charity Sussex Green Living, the Hub brings eco-minded groups together under one roof at the United Reformed Church on Springfield Road, following the charity’s simple “three Rs”: refill, repair and recycle.

The Repair Café is the star. Bring along the small appliance, clothing or household item you’d normally give up on, and friendly volunteers will help give it a second life. It saves money, keeps good things out of landfill and is strangely satisfying to watch. Book your slot online at sussexgreenliving.org.uk/horsham-repair-cafe.The Refill Shop lets you top up on cleaning staples for yourself and your home without single-use packaging. The Horsham Community Fridge (10-11am) shares surplus food, so good groceries end up on tables, not in bins.

There’s also a Recycling Education Station to show what really goes where, and a carbon clinic offering practical, no-lecture advice on cutting your footprint and your bills.

Not just for the green-fingered
You don’t need to be an eco-expert to enjoy it. It’s relaxed and welcoming, with a café for a natter. Families are well catered for, with free arty activities for children each month. The new Growing Hub is perfect for budding gardeners, and Rob will be sharing his journey of greening up his savings, insurance and pensions too – small changes to where your money goes can make a big difference.

Powered by people
Sussex Green Living is a small charity with a big reach. Its work goes well beyond Horsham, from recycling drop-offs across the district to pollination stations for bees and other insects across Sussex. That community spirit is the real draw: you’ll meet neighbours, swap tips and leave feeling that small actions really do add up.

Come along and get involved
The Hub has been bringing people together since it launched during Great Big Green Week in 2021, and new volunteers are always welcome, particularly in public engagement and education.
So next time you have a free Saturday, skip the shopping centre. Bring a broken lamp, a refill container and a friend. You might just find your new favourite monthly habit.