This branch of The British Heart Foundation has a spacious shop floor with which to display large…read moreitems of furniture that don't fit in the smaller outlets. It also carries smaller items of furniture, as well as white goods and general electricals. Sadly, the white goods and electricals are not reconditioned, and so they will only accept items that are working at the time of donation, but there's no guarantee that they will continue to do so once you get them home. They do perform function and PAT tests, so the portable appliances are likely to be more reliable. Nevertheless, white goods are the biggest sellers, which is pretty much the same story across the 87 outlets of this kind throughout the UK. Because of this they are always on the lookout for donations to replenish their white goods stock. It's always best to check with them first before loading heavy items into your car and hauling them all the way to the shop, as they will refuse certain items. They won't accept any gas cookers for instance. They also sell some new stock at reasonable prices. This is not damaged or redundant stock. Instead, they rely on buying in lesser known brands that do not carry such a hefty price tag.

Now we're talking. I've been looking for a place like this since I've moved to the UK - a showroom…read morewith an extensive range of second-hand furniture and electronics, not overpriced "antiques". Charity shops carrying larger home items are quite common in Florida, and all of the furniture in my respective family members' houses are sourced from these "thrift stores" and then reupholstered or repainted. Thankfully, this makes it difficult to spend £2,000 on a hutch or dining room table. Speaking of costs, the price here are rock bottom: Sturdy wooden dining sets for under £100, TVs for £25 and bedside tables for a fiver. For me, the appeal is owning a piece of furniture that can't be found in every home in Britain (ahem, IKEA). The staff here incredibly helpful - I wasn't in here five minutes before two members of staff politely informed me that the shop had an upstairs stock room, in case I couldn't find anything I wanted on the ground floor.

Track 2000 converts tat into treasure…read more This not-for-profit organisation offers second hand furniture to those on a low income, it also trains the unemployed and aids the recycling effort to boot. You can pick up second hand beds, settees, wardrobes and white goods from their warehouse. The ethos is great and it's a fantastic asset for the Cardiff community, but I did find some of the furniture a little overpriced and some of the sofas in need a clean. The building itself is Victorian red brick, with a number of large biodiesel powered lorries loitering outside. Look out for the washing machine drums on the side of the building, which offering fantastic natural drainage and have been converted into ingenious plant holders. Bonus: Just ask and Track 2000 will deliver your furniture purchases

This undiscovered gem is a student's best kept secret, so much so that it is only now I've…read moregraduated that I'm comfortable spreading the word. For a start, the chirpy members of staff have dedicated their whole first floor to what they deem as 'tasteless' items. To access this little-known room of delights you have to make your way through the staff room and up a staircase perilously laden with what can only be described as clutter. The journey is worth it though for, at the top of this petrifying ascent is a fabulous walk-in dressing up box crammed with wigs, sequins and accessories for every fancy-dress occasion you can imagine. Generally, the women working here don't tend to advertise the Tasteless Floor. In fact, I can only speculate on the reasons why they chose me as a suitable candidate upon which to disclose this information. Nevertheless, I'm glad they did and more than happy to share the knowledge. Downstairs, the book collection, although somewhat chaotic, is always a fantastic place to pick up some Shakespeare or course texts. If you can be bothered to look through all of the titles and, like me, are convinced the best things are always at the back, you are bound to find some treats here. Although, I must confess, the book supply has significantly fallen in standard since I bought out their Usbourne adventures last year. In short, Women's Aid is as disorganised as can be but a veritable Aladdin's cave of treasures you never knew you wanted. URBAN CHALLENGE: Wear something found on the Tasteless Floor to a date

Worth a visit - has expanded its kids section and is just around the corner from several other…read morecharities and the library - worth looking out for some name brands and interesting pieces also homeware. It used to be discount but is turning into a regular charity shop - found some good bargains last visit - team friendly and helpful. Its good to know that what you are spending goes towards research that could help your family later in life - pricing is competitive with other charities. Enjoy the weekend charity shop trail.

As I said in my previous review, I do not use the Grangetown branch of the Salvation Army because I…read moream religious, but because during the day it lends its space to various community groups and it provides a fantastic large space for my wee one to play. For those of you who would like to know more about the church I have been told by Eric, the musical director of the brass band that the illusive 'prayer books' are there in plain view! I mentioned the Sally Army's brass passion, but the Salvation Army also have a music Group (Piano, Guitars, Percussion etc ) and a mixed vocal choir to enhance their worship. Eric says: "We try not to ram our beliefs down anyone's throats as we have all faiths using our Church ( and they feel comfortable doing so) in this age of intolerance that is a mighty step forward."

Of course the salvation army bands have a high reputation as musicians The band playing Christmas…read morecarols in the city has almost become part of Christmas itself. This is the visual (and aural ) part of the army's work as they carry out unseen a high degree of social work that is done by filling in the gap left by the government social services or perhaps in areas where it does not function The 'soup run' for example is to be commended where volunteers give up their nightly beauty sleep to visit the 'down and out' living rough in Cardiff city ,taking hot soup, blankets and help when it is needed. Occasionally they have to deal with mentally confused people which is sometimes dangerous. They are really the good Samaritans . They are, of course, not the only organisation carrying out this good work but they are the forerunners of social care in this country. Whenever there is a disaster of any kind they are always there providing hot drinks and comfort to the victims. The list of social work that the army carries out is too extensive for this short note. One cannot praise the work of this (almost) unseen army too highly.

You wouldn't think looking at the urban front of the Adamsdown Resource Centre that there is a…read moresecret paradise of willow arches and fresh fruit, veg and flowers within, but there is and it's beautiful. This community garden is just one of the resources the Centre offers you as well as the chance to become involved in maintaining it. If you live in Adamsdown then you are lucky to have such a fantastic resource on your doorstep. Out of the Centre's offices come walks and workshops, classes, meetings, training, festivals and fun days. Their windows are plastered with posters offering a 'free homework club', 'summer woodwork project', the chance to 'sing in a community choir'. ...And they're open to other suggestions, this is a community space, this is your space. If you live in Adamsdown and want to get to know your neighbours, knock on this door, grab a cup of tea and get involved.

Following the Welsh Refugee Council's first Cupcakes & Cast-offs second-hand clothes and cake sale…read morein May they've decided to have another one on on Saturday, October 2 4:00pm - 7:00pm. For an Autumn feel they will be serving Chai tea and aren't stopping at clothes and cake! Come along for bric-a-brac, books, plants, a raffle, facepainting, a photography exhibition and more... For freshers as well as for students moving into new houses, this'll be the place to be to pick up ...things to brighten up your room, useful bits 'n pieces for the kitchen and decorations for your house - all for a good cause :) There will also be gorgeous clothes - men's, women's and children's, and delicious cakes of many a variety. They are raising money for their Women's Group held fortnightly at their Cardiff office. It provides a space for women to meet each other and chat over a cup of tea, take part in different activities such as knitting or beading, have trips out to the park and for their young children to be able to play. They are also raising money for their Hardship Fund for destitute asylum seekers - this fund pays for essentials such as food, clothes, transport and toiletries for people that do not receive financial support from the government. They are very welcoming and would love to see you all there! Please invite your friends and spread the word. They would also love donations of raffle prizes, clothes, bric-a-brac, CD's, DVD's and books, as well as lovely cake bakers! Please email lydia.james@welshrefugeecouncil.org to get involved.

Cupcakes & Cast-offs: The Festival, organised by Cardiff Student Action for Refugees (STAR), takes…read moreplace on Saturday 4th June from 12pm-4pm. It is at Cathays Community Centre, 36-38 Cathays Terrace, Cardiff, CF24 4HX. Free entry. Back for the third time, Cupcakes & Cast-offs unleashes its inner festival and will be a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention, as well as Refugee Week which will be held this year from 20th-26th June. There will be bunting, balloons, face-painting, themed activities, craftiness, an informal Silent Auction and an Indian Head Massage corner. Second-hand clothes and other pre-loved items as well as ample quantities of the gooey goodness that is cake will be on sale!' All profits raised from the event will be divided between three different charities; Asylum Justice, STAR and the Environmental Justice Foundation: Asylum Justice is a charity run by volunteers and helps Asylum Seekers who are without legal advice or representation and who cannot return home for fear of persecution. STAR is a student network that raises awareness of refugee issues, runs campaigns and is involved with projects to help integrate refugees and asylum seekers into their communities. Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) makes the link between the need for environmental security and the defence of basic human rights. One of their campaigns is on Climate Refugees for whom there is no legally binding or global agreement identifying and protecting them. For further information or if you would like to donate clothes, other items or cake and earn our undying gratitude, please see the facebook event group! https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid= ... 9295827617 We look forward to seeing you there :-) (P.s. Thank you so much Susie for the above post written in October 2010, just spotted it randomly on a google search and am really chuffed that you posted it! Lydia)

So far Save The Children has provided help to 500,000 people in Pakistan's devastated flood…read moreaffected area, including medical care, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene items, water purification sachets and food. They have established 63 child-friendly spaces and are working with communities to address issues that affect children's well-being. With the threat of water born diseases such as cholera taking hold, it is imperative to act quickly to avert many more deaths in this region. There are several ways of supporting these efforts. Money can be donated or you can sort through your unwanted household items and pop them down to the shop. Items wanted include ladies fashion, children's and menswear, books, DVDs, CD's and vinyl records. All of these items are clearly for sale as well... and now that the weather is turning you may want to consider getting your Christmas cards a little earlier this year?

As charity shops go this one has a lot of great stock from some pretty good donations. Clothes,…read morebooks and other nick nacks are everywhere. Many bargain hunters will be looking to get some retro or boutique quality wears from here, but for me I am on the hunt for that ever-elusive prey, a good book at lowest prices. Save the children is only slightly better kept than Vision gift shop and that a shame as a lot of the other charity shops put a lot of effort into sorting and making the shopping experience more professional.