The Big Den officially launched this month following a successful first three months of trading, celebrating what the reuse shop has already achieved across Blaenau Gwent.
Following the positive impact of The Den in Roseheyworth, the charity Wastesavers and Blaenau Gwent Council have partnered once again to bring The Big Den to Ebbw Vale.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a unique piece of artwork created by local community groups working with artist Stephanie Roberts, through a project supported by BG Arts. Visitors also enjoyed the striking exterior artwork created by Tee2Sugars and had the opportunity to see Willowtown Primary School pupils taking part in activities exploring reuse, sustainability and the circular economy.
Located alongside the Household Recycling Centre in Ebbw Vale, The Big Den gives residents the opportunity to donate good quality items for reuse. Furniture, household items, toys and more, can all be given a second life through the shop.
As well as taking donations, The Big Den provides affordable, pre-loved goods for the community. Any profits made are reinvested into Wastesavers Charitable Trust, helping to support a range of community support initiatives that benefit Blaenau Gwent residents. This includes a comprehensive volunteering programme, a real nappy library and recycling and reuse education lessons to local schools. Items are also donated to support local people and families in need.
The Big Den first opened its doors in June and has already diverted over 23 tonnes of reusable items from the waste stream. To mark this strong start, the official launch brought together council representatives, community groups and pupils from Willowtown Primary School to celebrate the shop's success and the partnerships that have helped make it possible.
Penny Goodwin, CEO of Wastesavers, said:
"Although The Big Den has been welcoming customers since June, we wanted to take the opportunity to officially launch the shop and celebrate everything that has been achieved so far.
Diverting 23 tonnes of items in just a few months is a fantastic achievement, but we're equally proud of the community that's growing around the shop.
We'd like to thank Blaenau Gwent Council, BG Arts, our volunteers, customers and supporters for helping make The Big Den such a success. We would encourage anyone who hasn't visited yet to come and see what we have to offer, whether you're looking for a bargain or have items you'd like to donate."
Councillor Morgan, Climate Champion for Blaenau Gwent Council, said:
"Y Den Mawr is a fantastic partnership project that demonstrates our continued commitment to reducing waste, promoting reuse and protecting our environment. By giving unwanted items a second life, the shop helps support local residents, reduce waste and encourage more sustainable lifestyles.
I would like to thank everyone involved in making this project a reality and encourage residents to support the shop by donating and shopping, helping us build a greener Blaenau Gwent together. Thank you also to the Welsh Government, who helped us to bring this project to fruition and provided funding to help make it possible.”
The Big Den is encouraging residents to visit the shop, discover affordable pre-loved items and donate quality unwanted goods before heading to the Household Recycling Centre. Whether it's a piece of furniture, a box of books or a household item that is no longer needed, donating it for reuse can help someone else while keeping it out of the waste stream.
About The Big Den
The Big Den is a community reuse shop operated by Wastesavers Charitable Trust in partnership with Blaenau Gwent Council. Located alongside the Household Recycling Centre in Ebbw Vale, the shop offers affordable pre-loved furniture, household items and other reusable goods. Residents can also donate unwanted items in good condition, helping them find a new home rather than becoming waste. Building on the success of the Roseheyworth Reuse Shop, The Big Den makes it easier for people across Blaenau Gwent to reuse, donate and shop sustainably.
