The ymca is on deansgate in Bolton. When I first came to Bolton I didn't know anybody and I needed…read moresomewhere to stay urgently. The YMCA were really helpful. They put a roof over my head for nerly two weeks for very little money and they severed really cheap quality breakfast as well. The staff in here were really nice and very easy to get a long with. They were very interested in what I was studying at college and made me for really welcome. They keep all of the rooms very clean and too a very high standard. I would recommend the YMCA to anybody who needs a place to stay.

And yet another charity shop in Bolton. Seriously, these things are everywhere around Newport…read moreStreet! Cancer Research, apart from being a bloomin' great charity to support, have actually made quite a good job of this charity shop here on Newport Street. It's clean and spacious, has lovely, smiley staff and an excellent range of puzzles. Everyone loves a good puzzle. Furthermore, there are lots of trinkets here. You know, cups and sauces. Things for your mantelpiece. That kind of thing. The one mistake that Cancer Research have made with this otheriwse great charity shop is the lack of colour coding in the clothing section. I like to walk in to a charity shop and for the whole thing to look like a bloody great rainbow. An opportunity missed, I think.

A good not great charity shop just on the corner of Bury New Road; this is where you can find some…read morebargains but nothing life changing.. unless someone just gets there before me and I just need to be more sly?? I'd recommend having a quick look through their shoes plus some of their costume jewellery is cute (in the glass cabinet by the till). Why would you go to Topshop and pay for fakes when you can get the real thing that someone's grannie has donated? Back to the shoes- if you're willing to stand a little mark you can get some real gorgeous pairs. Lets face it, you'll wear them once and they'll be marked anyway.. The stock is always kept tidy and it feels brighter than most charity shops; they do normally have loads of VHS videos but I wonder if they don't finally take them down now we're in the midst of a "digital switchover"... There are two changing rooms which are ACTUAL rooms and not just a curtain in the corner.. although if that curtain is even the least bit open, people from the street would be able to see in. A bit disconcerting to say the least. One last note: the staff (well, volunteers) are pretty friendly except when they're about to shut..