Featured
The Benefits of Buying Second-Hand Household Items
The Benefits of Buying Second-Hand Household Items ![Customers buying used goods]()
In a world where sustainability and cost-saving are becoming increasingly important, buying second-hand household items is a smart and responsible choice. From furniture and kitchenware to appliances and décor, opting for pre-loved goods benefits both the environment and your wallet. Here’s why buying second-hand should be your first choice.
Environmental Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of purchasing second-hand items is reducing waste. Every year, millions of tonnes of furniture, appliances, and other household items end up in landfills. In the UK alone, an estimated 1.6 million tonnes of bulky waste, including furniture and white goods, is discarded annually, with only 17% being reused. Additionally, around 300,000 tonnes of reusable furniture is sent to landfill each year, contributing significantly to environmental pollution.
Manufacturing new household goods requires a significant amount of raw materials, energy, and water. When you buy second-hand, you are reducing the demand for new production, which helps conserve resources and lowers carbon emissions. Less production means fewer factories polluting our air and water, making a significant impact on global sustainability efforts.
Financial Savings
Beyond being eco-friendly, buying second-hand is a fantastic way to save money. Many gently used household items are available at a fraction of their original price, allowing you to furnish your home for a much lower cost. High-quality furniture, appliances, and home décor can be found in excellent condition at charity shops, online marketplaces, and second-hand stores.
Additionally, you can often find unique, vintage, or high-end pieces that may no longer be available in retail stores. Instead of spending a fortune on mass-produced items, you can invest in durable, well-crafted goods that stand the test of time.
Supporting the Local Community
When you buy second-hand from charity shops or local resale businesses, you are also supporting community initiatives. Many organisations use proceeds from second-hand sales to fund important social causes, such as homelessness support, food banks, and volunteer services. This means your purchase is not only good for you but also benefits others in need.
Final Thoughts
Buying second-hand household items is a simple yet powerful way to live more sustainably while keeping your budget in check. By choosing pre-loved goods, you reduce waste, conserve resources, and save money—all while supporting charitable efforts in your community. Next time you need something for your home, consider looking for second-hand options first. It’s a decision that benefits both you and the planet.
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS APPEAL 2024
Donations for Ystradgynlais Foodbank Christmas Hampers in collaboration with Community Dreams
Each year, Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre Foodbank and Community Dreams team up to provide Christmas Hampers to our community. Last year, we saw an increased demand of 85% on the previous year and delivered 111 hampers.
Satisfying this need is only possible with the generosity and support of local businesses and the residents of the Ystradgynlais area who contribute to the cause.
This year, as in previous years, we need the following items
- Luxury biscuits, crisps, savoury snacks and crackers.
- Christmas puddings, cakes and mince pies.
- Cartons of fruit juices and soft drinks.
- Cranberry sauce, pickles and chutneys.
- Custard, stuffing mixes and gravy granules.
- Luxury toiletries and of course, Christmas crackers!
If you can help us to make Christmas a better time by donating any of the above please stop off at the Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre between 10 am and 4 pm, Tuesday to Friday. You'll find us opposite Tesco at Wind Road, Ystradgynlais, SA9 1AF. Telephone 01639 845475.
Craft & Wellbeing Fair
Featuring Photography and Art Exhibitions
at
Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre
Friday, 6th December 2024
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
- Local Craft Stalls
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Sessions
- Refreshments Available
- Free Entry - All Welcome
 |
Legacy in the Community is a registered charity in England and Wales No. 1196556 | Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre is a registered charity in England and Wales No. 1160733 |  |
![]()
The Benefits of Numeracy Training in Our Community
The Benefits of Numeracy Training in Our CommunityIn today’s fast-paced, information-driven world, numeracy skills are more important than ever. Despite this, many adults struggle with basic mathematical concepts that impact their daily lives, from managing finances to making informed decisions. Providing numeracy training in our community could empower individuals, improve opportunities, and enhance the overall well-being of many.
Financial Confidence and Independence
One of the most practical benefits of improving numeracy is gaining greater control over personal finances. Many adults face challenges when it comes to budgeting, understanding interest rates, or comparing prices effectively. According to a study by National Numeracy, individuals with poor numeracy skills are more likely to encounter debt or financial insecurity. By offering training, we can equip people with the tools they need to manage their money better. This means understanding how to save effectively, calculating loan repayments, or even making sound decisions when purchasing on sale or credit.
For example, understanding percentages helps someone evaluate discounts, while a grasp of basic arithmetic enables better budgeting decisions. In this way, numeracy training contributes to financial independence and reduces stress related to money management.
Employment and Career Opportunities
Numeracy skills are also key to career advancement. Many jobs require basic numeracy, whether it’s managing stock in retail, calculating quotes in construction, or dealing with spreadsheets in administration. Employers highly value employees who can approach tasks confidently with numbers, and for many positions, this is a core requirement. Adults who lack these skills may find their job options limited or feel overwhelmed by tasks involving numbers.
Providing numeracy training could open up opportunities for promotions or enable job-seekers to pursue careers that previously felt unattainable. For those considering a return to education or vocational training, improving numeracy is often a critical step toward broader learning and success.
Health and Well-being
Less obvious but equally important is how numeracy can positively impact health and well-being. From measuring doses of medication to reading nutritional information on food labels, having good numeracy skills enables individuals to make healthier choices. It also helps in understanding medical information, such as calculating the correct dosage of a prescription or interpreting a doctor's instructions.
Furthermore, research shows that adults with lower numeracy skills tend to experience higher levels of stress and anxiety when confronted with numbers. This can spill into various areas of life, from avoiding essential tasks like bill payments to feeling overwhelmed when reading through financial documents. Training that boosts confidence in these areas can reduce this anxiety, making day-to-day life smoother and more manageable.
Building a More Resilient Community
When members of a community are confident in their numeracy skills, it creates a ripple effect. Parents with stronger numeracy skills can better help their children with schoolwork, setting them up for success. Local businesses benefit from a more skilled workforce, and the community, as a whole, becomes more resilient to financial challenges.
Investing in numeracy training isn’t just about improving individual skills—it’s about strengthening the foundation of our community. By supporting one another in this effort, we can create a more empowered, confident, and financially secure environment for everyone.
Numeracy training offers significant benefits for individuals and the community, from improving job prospects to reducing financial stress. As we continue to build a stronger, more resilient community, providing access to these learning opportunities will be a critical step forward.
We'll be looking at what we can do to offer help to adults in our community struggling with numeracy.