Lancaster furniture business partners with Scope to spotlight power of art and autism

On October 17, founder Cole Clover, partnered with Scope Lancaster charity – the disability equality charity - who have offered to source small items of furniture that Cole can upcycle.

The twenty-year-old is a business and finance student and launched the business to create an environmentally friendly business that encourages creativity whilst reducing landfill.

Whilst Cole launched the business with the intention to help the environment, he also discovered the benefits Upcite offered people living with disabilities and is now working with Scope to continue raising awareness.

Cole Glover and shop manager Alison (Image: Cole Glover)

He said: “My business and Scope have very similar values so it’s great that we’ve started this partnership.

“I think they really appreciated the process of turning something old into something brand new with their own personal touch.

“It doesn’t matter what your background is anyone can take part in this and introducing a younger audience to upcycling is fantastic. I think providing a platform is quite cool and they’re helping raise awareness for that.

“One of the artists that sells on the website has autism and has mentioned how therapeutic transforming furniture can be for her.”

Research has proven that art can help people with autism express themselves through images while it also being a calming activity.

The professional artist that uses Cole’s business to sell is Helena Kearns, owner of Gink Designs who enjoys making one-of-a-kind “magical pieces.”

After she discovered that people on the autism spectrum have higher levels of unemployment, she launched a family business selling her uniquely painted furniture.

The pandemic triggered huge changes in the way people lived but autistic people tend to struggle with changes more than neurotypical people.

However, transforming old furniture into something beautiful gave Helena and her three teenage children an “artistic release” that got them through lockdown.

The professional artist is devoted to raising awareness of autism and how art can be a “master of therapy”.

Scope Lancaster shop manager Alison Goodman said: "We've got a couple of people with autism that help out here which is great and there are certain jobs that they really like to do, which are jobs that others would find time-consuming because it's something they can focus and concentrate on so it's brilliant.

“We’re delighted to be working with Cole at Upcite selling our pre-loved donations that need a little sprucing up.

“Scope charity shops are dedicated to supporting their communities and Cole’s absolute passion for thrifting and upcycling is the perfect match for us. We get incredible donations every day that are given a new home and a new lease of life."

Alison also mentioned how the partnership can help people who may be struggling with the cost of living increasing.

She added: "It's affecting everyone as we’re all having to tighten our purse strings. Charity shops, like Scope in Lancaster, are helping their customers to still afford fantastic pre-loved outfits and homeware. Customers upcycling at home is a great way to make something unique with that added 'wow factor'.

“Cole and our shop at 1 Cheapside began our fabulous partnership last week. He’s definitely got such a wonderful talent and I’m so excited to see what he can create from our donations.”

Buyers and sellers can promote and purchase unique and quirky furniture on Upcite which so far, has saved over 260 pieces of furniture from landfill and donated 20 per cent of profits to organisations that help animals and nature.

Scope exists to make the UK a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else.

They provide support, information, and advice to more than a quarter of a million disabled people and their families every year.

If you want to sell your old furniture or just browse all of the fun and unique furniture pieces, visit the Upcite website.

A spokesperson for Scope UK has been contacted for comment.