What we do

We have a large showroom, based in Chilton, County Durham, where we sell a wide range of pre-loved items of furniture, domestic appliances, household items and clothing at affordable prices.

In addition to the pre-loved items, generously donated by many kind people from across the region, we also have a display area for brand new items ranging from beds to white goods. This is a recent addition and aims to provide a low-cost source of new items that will not break the bank.

Our friendly and supportive team are always on hand to assist. They’ll be easy to spot in their CDFHS uniforms, so please just ask them for help.

All of the stock available in the showroom is now available for online purchase from our virtual showroom.

If you are unable to visit us, there is now the option to browse our online store and either purchase directly or decide what you need and contact the team to make your purchase over the phone.

In addition to our online store, we also sell items via eBay.

Links to both can be found using this ‘shop’ button.

CDFHS provide a ‘one stop shop’ service for many of the local authority support teams where we provide a wide range of new and pre-loved items ranging from cleaning packs and towels to fridges and washing machines.

In addition to delivery, we also offer installation, house clearance, waste removal/recycling, decorating and handyman services.

We work closely with teams including welfare assistance, housing solutions, humanitarian, best start for life, emergency furniture provision, stronger families and Durham County Council Homes.

Via this network of partnerships, we are able to provide support to those in poverty, whether individuals or families, adult or children. Additional support covers refugee, those escaping domestic violence, homeless and those recently released from prison.

CDFHS works closely with a number of housing providers including Bernicia, believe, Cornerstone, Inspire North and Red Supported Living to supply a wide range of new and pre-loved items ranging from cleaning packs and towels to fridges and washing machines.

In addition to delivery, we also offer installation, waste removal/recycling, decorating and handyman services.

The Household Support Fund Scheme is awarded and managed by specialist, qualified partners such as CDFHS, who have significant experience and history of positive impact provision.

It is designed to assist those most vulnerable and/or of low income, in meeting their immediate short-term needs or maintaining their independence in the community in accordance with Durham County Council’s equality and child poverty duties.

Support can be provided to those leaving long term hospital stay, residential or nursing care; prison or foster care; help to remain in the community or to help set up home as part of a planned resettlement programme.

These are some examples of typical support circumstances:

Individuals that have been/are experiencing:
• Long term stay in hospital or another medical establishment
• Care or nursing home stays
• Hostel, intensive sheltered or supported housing, local authority care
• Prison or detention centre
• Bed and breakfast accommodation with a high level of floating support
• Homelessness, using a night shelter, sleeping on the streets or in a makeshift shelter on the streets.
• Staying in temporary accommodation provided by the Home Office pending a decision on asylum application.
• Moving to prevent a move to residential care or hospital
• Moving to flee domestic violence or hate crime
• Moving to specially adapted accommodation

Goods and services we can provide as part of the HSFS grant include:
• Beds
• Bedding
• Chairs/Sofas
• Tables
• Wardrobes
• White goods and domestic appliances
• Pans, utensils, crockery and cutlery
• Curtains

Durham University and CDFHS are partners in the Green Move Out scheme, which aims to reduce waste and support local charities. The scheme involves students and Durham residents donating and collecting unwanted items for reuse.

In 2024, 14 Tonnes of unwanted items were collected from departing students.

CDFHS is a Work Experience and Employment Venue supported by the Job Centre and Local Authority. Thousands of individuals gain valuable references, essential qualifications, interview guidance, and CV support, leading to a high percentage of candidates transitioning to permanent employment.

CDFHS are beginning to develop partnerships with other charities in order that both can benefit.

The latest initiative involves us providing a virtual showroom for charities with retail outlets that have limited space, stock, and staff.

The partner charity receives access, via a tablet or screen in their charity shop, to all CDFHS online stock. The partner charity customer can purchase the CDFHS stock, and we then donate a percentage of the sale value back to the partner charity.

The partner charity customer can be certain that they have purchased an item that they want and helped out two charities, rather than just one.