Don’t forget Salisbury’s charity shops this Christmas

There is only a week left before Christmas Day but don’t panic if you haven’t ticked off everything on the present buying shopping list because Salisbury city centre is the perfect place to pick-up last-minute gifts.

Salisbury is home to an abundant of independent shops and national brands, but an option that can often be overlooked are the charity shops.

They stock new and pre-owned options, with a wide range of prices to suit every pocket. There is a lot on offer from clothes to books and gadgets to furniture.

Not only are they cost effective but buying something pre-owned is also environmentally friendly.

The Covid-19 crisis has had a devastating impact on many charities and spending a little with them this Christmas really would help.

Salisbury city centre has 13 charity shops:

• Alabaré on Catherine Street Supporting homeless adults, young people, veterans and those with learning disabilities
• Barnardo's on Catherine Street Helping children, young people, parents and carers across the UK
• British Red Cross on Winchester Street Helping anyone, anywhere in the UK and around the world, get the support they need if crisis strikes
• Cancer Research on UK Catherine Street Funding vital cancer research
• South Wilts Mencap on Catherine Street Supporting people with learning disabilities; inspiring them to achieve their full potential and enabling them and their families to lead fuller lives
• Dorothy House Hospice Care on Catherine Street Providing compassionate care and support for people in our community with a life-limiting illness
• The Trussell Trust on Catherine Street & High Street They support a nationwide network of food banks to provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty
• British Heart Foundation on Fisherton Street & New Canal Funding research into all heart and circulatory diseases and the things that cause them
• The Children's Society on Crane Street Providing specialist support that empowers young people to make positive changes and rediscover their hope
• Dogs Trust on Crane Street Dog welfare charity which also runs rehoming centres
• Julia's House Children’s Hospice on Fisherton Street Providing practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, including regular support in their own homes, in the community or at their hospices
• Naomi House in Priory Square Hospices providing expert care to more than 525 life limited and life threatened children, young adults and their extended families from the local area
• Sue Ryder in Priory Square Supporting people who are living with a terminal illness, a neurological condition or who have lost a loved one

All shops are Covid-secure and new measures have been put in place to ensure customer and staff safety, but, if you are still feeling wary about heading out to do your shopping then many shops are offering dedicated shopping hours for vulnerable people and private shopping experiences by appointment. Please contact shops to find out how they can help.

And, with a different Christmas ahead for many of us, one of our local charity shops – The British Heart Foundation - is calling on people to show their support by taking on their Charity Shop Challenge to buy at least one preloved gift from them. The British Heart Foundation shops in Salisbury are also in need of volunteers. There are various roles from customer service, eBay operatives and warehouse support if you are interested please contact the Furniture and Electrical store on Fisherton Street on 01722 622300 for further information.

Matthew Thornby from the British Heart Foundation shop in Salisbury said, “It’s been a challenging year for businesses, but in particular retailers like ourselves have really struggled. Charity shops regularly get forgotten about, so we’re asking everyone to come out and show their support for Salisbury’s charity shops by buying just one item from them this Christmas. The funds we raise from our charity shops is vital to allow us to continue the good work we do.”