About us
Re-Utilise is a not-for-profit company based in Lowestoft
It was founded by Director Carol Dean as a community resource for improving health and well-being, and a key organisation for promoting environmental responsibility.
From waste things to great things
At Re-Utilise, we are committed to a sustainable, environmentally-friendly way of living – one that is an alternative to modern society’s ‘throw-away’ culture.
As part of this, we run a Scrap and Paint Hub that keeps quality re-usable and saleable items out of landfill.
These items are for sale at affordable prices in the Scrap and Paint Stores, and used for creative art and play in the Community Hub and Drop-in Workshops.
‘Making waste thing into great things’ is one of our core aims.
Bringing people together
And we recognise the value of bringing people together – as a way to combat isolation, and help improve each person’s sense of well-being and belonging.
Our Community Hub is open to everyone, whoever they are and whatever their situation.
It’s where we run our Craft Workshops such as Pottery, Glass Fusing and Scrapbooking.
And it’s where the free Community Drop-in sessions take place every Friday – a meeting place where you can transform unwanted ‘scrap’ materials into works of art or creative play.
About the organisation
Re-Utilise is registered with Companies House as a Community Interest Company (CIC), company number 12450414.
Our values
Our care for, and commitment to, our community and the environment is summed up in our two guiding principles:
Making waste things into great things,
and
Bringing people together.
At the heart of this is Carol’s recognition that craft is an invaluable way to improve people’s lives, through discovering creativity and self-expression, and should be accessible to everyone whatever their circumstances.
As well as reducing waste through the Scrap & Paint Hub, we are taking on the challenge in our new premises of working towards being carbon neutral.
And we offer all people an open, welcoming space, that’s non-judgemental and inclusive.
Awards nominations
We were excited to be among the finalists for the Environmental Business Award 2021 for Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce.
And we were nominated for a Suffolk Small Business Award in 2024.
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Community RePaint
We are part of the UK-wide Community RePaint scheme, that collects leftover paint and redistributes it to individuals and groups in the community.
See the Paint Store page for the range of paints available and to find out more about Community RePaint.
A brief history
Re-Utilise was set up in 2020 by its current Director, Carol Dean, starting in a former warehouse in Whapload Road.
It was born out her commitment to the health and well-being not just of the local community, but the planet as a whole.
Already a life-long crafter and environmentalist, she was drawn to the idea of Scrap Stores after first visiting one in Milton Keynes.
And on learning about the thousands of litres of usable paint thrown away each year, she was keen for Re-Utilise to become part of the nation-wide Community Repaint Scheme.
Also, from her own experience of dealing with mental health difficulties, she recognised the importance of making Re-Utilise an affordable, accessible and supportive community resource for all people in and around Lowestoft.
Re-Utilise is registered with Companies House as a Community Interest Company (CIC), company number 12450414.
Our values
Our care for, and commitment to, our community and the environment is summed up in our two guiding principles:
Making waste things into great things,
and
Bringing people together.
At the heart of this is Carol’s recognition that craft is an invaluable way to improve people’s lives, through discovering creativity and self-expression, and should be accessible to everyone whatever their circumstances.
As well as reducing waste through the Scrap & Paint Hub, we are taking on the challenge in our new premises of working towards being carbon neutral.
And we offer all people an open, welcoming space, that’s non-judgemental and inclusive.
Awards nominations
We were excited to be among the finalists for the Environmental Business Award 2021 for Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce.
And we were nominated for a Suffolk Small Business Award in 2024.
(Each link opens in a new tab.)
Community RePaint
We are part of the UK-wide Community RePaint scheme, that collects leftover paint and redistributes it to individuals and groups in the community.
See the Paint Store page for the range of paints available and to find out more about Community RePaint.
A brief history
Re-Utilise was set up in 2020 by Founding Director, Carol Dean, starting in a former warehouse in Whapload Road.
It was born out her commitment to the health and well-being not just of the local community, but the planet as a whole.
Already a life-long crafter and environmentalist, she was drawn to the idea of Scrap Stores after first visiting one in Milton Keynes.
And on learning about the thousands of litres of usable paint thrown away each year, she was keen for Re-Utilise to become part of the nation-wide Community Repaint Scheme.
Also, from her own experience of dealing with mental health difficulties, she recognised the importance of making Re-Utilise an affordable, accessible and supportive community resource for all people in and around Lowestoft.
Meet the team
Carol Dean
Founder and Director
Carol is the energy behind Re-Utilise and the new Community Hub and Scrap & Paint Hub.
She got the business off the ground in 2021 and continues to be its driving force.
She is full of ideas, and the plans for the new hubs are amazing and far-reaching.
Watch this space!
Lisa Lawson
Director
Lisa is responsible for the workshops and activities for children and young people in the Community Hub.
An experienced carer and foster mother, LL (as she is affectionately known) has a heart for children and has developed a range of sessions that are full of education and fun.
She also loves playing with Lego – and luckily we have a lot of this.
David Artherton
Director
David is recognised as the calming influence behind the exuberance and energy of Lisa and Carol.
Working full-time in addition to his role as Director, David looks after the website and is always available for helpful advice or wise opinion.
Gypsy
Meeter & greeter
Gypsy extends a warm, friendly and slightly soppy Re-Utilise welcome to everyone.
She’s pleased to meet other dogs too, and makes sure we’re all as well-behaved as she is.
Re-Utilise in numbers
Since we opened in 2020, our workshops and holiday activities have provided space for hundreds of adults and children to enjoy creative learning and play.
In our new premises, we are looking to continue our care for the environment by reducing our carbon footprint to zero.
70+
Visitors each week
500+
Children’s places since 2020
1000s
Items saved from landfill
0
Supporting Net Zero