Emmaus Bolton — Local services in Bolton

After a 16 year gap between visits the changes were noticeable. This is probably the biggest charity depot I've ever been in. An indoor warehouse has now been supplemented by an additional outside warehouse, all containing large furniture. A set of maybe 3 or 4 mill cottages are now the clothing/books/music and audio section, with a small tea room (which I didn't have time to sample as I was so busy fielding the blessings I was picking up). The main building is, I think, a hostel where the actual work of changing the lives of homeless people goes on. There's a garden section (which I didn't have time to visit) and a good amount of car parking inside the compound. Located just off Bolton centre, not far from the Jason Kenny Centre, I was able to arrange delivery of 2 pieces of furniture, with simultaneous pickup of the three pieces being replaced. Be warned - furniture donations have to be able to be lifted in one piece, by two men. Oversized flat pack like my 6ft by 6 ft double mirrored door wardrobe isn't accepted. Otherwise, all went well and prices are standard for the furniture, and good for bric-a-brac. I wouldn't mind visiting again, as this exchange triggered a major declutter - but I daren't do so: even I can have too many bargains! ONE THING OCCURS TO ME: the staff and many of the Trustees are themselves people who need or have needed the help that Emmaus provides. If you go expecting social graces and to be treated as you would in a supermarket or a shopping centre store, then please open your eyes and ears to the reality that challenges the people your purchase is helping. Your attitude towards the people who are learning life skills here will do as much if not more good than your purchase in...

Disappointed. I had called into the store last week to ask about some furniture being donated. I showed the person on the office clear photographs of 2 wardrobes and a table, and was assured that they would be acceptable.

Today, a crew of 3 turned up to take the items away, but instead they told me they couldn't take them due to their age and there being no chairs with the table.. Somewhat annoying, as I had taken a day out for this, and the office had accepted them. There seemed to be some sort of internal politics going on. At least they explained that they had to be able to sell items on. I'm aware of that as I have bought stuff from them in the past, and pointed friends to them.

Previously they have been great taking in textile offcuts and crafting materials, as well as plant pots for the gardening department.

The cafe is great too.

I just feel let down, and feel as if my...

The cafe was due to close around 2.40pm on a Saturday so, there was very little food left, so I was told by the staff. I ordered a cheese toasty and 2 cups of coffee for my partner and I. I noticed 25 minutes later that people coming in after us, were being served drinks so, I had to get up and ask for them. I had to ask again for my toasty which arrived around 3.10pm. I’d just finished eating it when they announced can people please exit the cafe, as they were about to close. It all seemed very disorganised and chaotic, nobody was watching orders or being in charge. The toasty was 5/10, could’ve done with more cheese on it because it was a bit dry but, very good prices as only about £5-6 for the order. Parking is a nightmare for this place but, if you’re after used furniture, at a cheap price, in the other units, this...