Kate moved to Leeds 20 years ago with the hope of going to university. A single mum, she ended up volunteering, where she met Cat, an art graduate. A world of colour literally opened up after they retired to Kate’s kitchen to start up an enterprise.
Key Fund enabled Seagulls Reuse to expand after securing a five-year contract with the council, with investments totalling £30k.
Who
The Seagulls Reuse team collects 375 tonnes a year of waste paint from the council’s paint banks, removing the toxic waste destined for landfill. It’s taken back to base, separated into type, mixed and re-sold in their bespoke shop.
Seagulls offers volunteering and work placements for young adults with learning difficulties, ex-prisoners, and people with mental health problems.
Since forming in 2014, they’ve supported 552 volunteers, averaging 50 a year. Seagulls also runs a mosaic community art workshop.
The Challenge
They heard there was a need for paint collection so badgered the council who agreed they could collect from one site. With Kate on benefits and Cat doing part-time jobs in galleries, they didn’t draw a wage for four years while establishing.
