Emma, Author at Grace Cares

What Would the Planet Think? Reflections from the Care Talk ESG Roundtable

In April, I had the privilege of joining a roundtable at the Supreme Court in London for a conversation our sector has needed for a long time. The subject was ESG in social care, and the title told you exactly where we need to head: from compliance to culture.

The report from that discussion has now been published, and I would encourage everyone working in or alongside social care to read it. Chaired by Martin Green OBE of Care England, the panel brought together providers, charity leaders, technologists, and people who draw on care and support. What struck me most was how quickly the room agreed on one thing: ESG cannot be a box we tick. It has to be the way we think.

ESG is not just the ‘E’

When people hear ESG, they tend to jump straight to the environmental pillar. Energy use, waste, carbon. It is the easiest part to measure, so it gets the attention. But the social and governance pillars are where social care lives or dies. Fair pay, dignity, anti-racism, tackling the cost-of-living pressures that push brilliant care workers out of the sector. As the report puts it plainly, you cannot call a service sustainable if the people delivering and receiving care are not valued, listened to, and supported.

That tension came up again and again. There is a real moral disconnect when an organisation invests in a shiny sustainability project while its staff sit on minimum wage. We have to do both, and we have to be honest about the order of priorities.

The workforce is the foundation

If there was a single thread running through the whole conversation, it was this. Care work is skilled, complex, relational, mission-led work, and the language we use about it has to catch up. Phrases like “unskilled carers” and “managing demand” do quiet damage. They shape how the public values the sector, and they shape how the workforce values itself.

Co-production was the answer the panel kept returning to. Not consulting people who draw on care, but genuinely sharing power with them and with their families and unpaid carers. Measuring dignity, respect, belonging, and relationships, not just KPIs.

Why this conversation matters to me

At Grace Cares, the question I find myself asking before almost every decision is a simple one: what would the planet think about this choice that we are making? It is the line I shared at the roundtable, and it is the line that sits behind everything we do.

Our whole model is built on the report’s recommendations before I ever read them. We rescue, refurbish, and redistribute large bulky care equipment that would otherwise go to landfill, and we sell it on at no more than half the original retail price. The proceeds fund free community programmes for unpaid caregivers and older people. That is the circular economy in practice, and it is proof of one of the report’s clearest findings: many of the highest-value changes are also the lowest cost. You do not need large-scale reform to start. You need to look honestly at everyday practice and embed better choices into routine decisions.

From compliance to culture

The most encouraging part of the day was the agreement that change does not have to be daunting. Small, consistent actions create real long-term impact. Recognising and building on the good work providers and staff are already doing is where momentum comes from.

ESG, done properly, is not another obligation landing on an already stretched sector. It is a pathway to a more compassionate, more sustainable, and fairer system. One defined not by efficiency alone, but by dignity, respect, and the quality of human relationships at its heart.

You can read the full Care Talk report, “ESG in Social Care: From Compliance to Culture,” and download the PDF here: https://www.caretalk.co.uk/roundtable-discussion-esg-in-social-care-from-compliance-to-culture/

If your organisation is thinking about where to start, I am always happy to talk. Sometimes the first quick win is just asking a better question.

Hannah Montgomery is co-founder of Grace Cares 11.11 CIC and a panellist at the Care Talk ESG roundtable, held at the Supreme Court in April 2026.

National Tea Party Day Fundraiser Launch

A UK social care charity has partnered with British manufacturer Arthur Price to launch a National Tea Party Day fundraising campaign on 21 April. The campaign supports older people and unpaid caregivers who are at risk of loneliness and isolation.

Grace Cares, a not-for-profit organisation, delivers preventative community support. In addition, it promotes circular economy initiatives in health and social care. As part of the campaign, the charity is raffling an Arthur Price Everyday Classic 42-piece boxed cutlery set worth £279.

Tickets cost £10 each. Importantly, the funds will help expand community tea parties and Care Club sessions. These initiatives provide connection, trusted advice, and practical support before challenges become crises.

The organisation will draw the winning ticket on National Tea Party Day. This timing highlights how simple community activities can improve wellbeing and reduce pressure on public services.

Supporting Prevention Across the Care Pathway

Loneliness is now widely recognised as a major public health issue. It affects both older people and unpaid caregivers across the UK.

According to Age UK, around 1.4 million older people often feel lonely. Furthermore, data from the Office for National Statistics shows that persistent loneliness links to poorer physical health. It can also reduce independence and increase the need for support services.

However, community-based initiatives can help. For example, tea parties encourage connection and conversation. As a result, they support the wellbeing principles of the Care Act 2014. They also help people stay independent for longer and avoid crisis-level support.

Hannah Montgomery, co-founder of Grace Cares, said:
“Small moments of connection can make a significant difference. A cup of tea and conversation may seem simple, but they help people feel seen, supported and less alone. Prevention starts in communities, and National Tea Party Day is a powerful way to bring people together while supporting those who need it most.”

Supporting Unpaid Caregivers and Building Resilience

Across the UK, millions of unpaid caregivers provide essential support. They play a vital role in sustaining the health and social care system. However, many experience isolation, stress, and limited access to support.

Therefore, the raffle aims to make a difference. Funds will support hardship grants and community programmes run by Grace Cares. These programmes help both caregivers and older people. In turn, they strengthen resilience and reduce pressure on the wider care system.

Simon Price, chairman of Arthur Price, said:
“The statistics around loneliness are deeply concerning, and we are proud to support Grace Cares in their work bringing people together. We hope this campaign encourages more communities and organisations to take part and help create meaningful connections.”

Invitation to Communities and Care Organisations

Grace Cares is encouraging care providers, community groups, volunteers, and local organisations to get involved. Specifically, they can host their own tea parties as part of the campaign.

These events are simple and low-cost. Nevertheless, they can have a big impact. They support wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and improve quality of life for older people and unpaid caregivers.

Hannah added:
“We would love to see care organisations and communities across the country getting involved. Something as simple as tea and cake can create moments that genuinely change how people feel.”

How to Get Involved ☕

There are several easy ways to support the campaign:

Purchase a £10 raffle ticket to win the Arthur Price Everyday Classic 42-piece cutlery set
Host a tea party for older people or unpaid caregivers in your community
Share the campaign with colleagues, residents, families, and volunteers

Tickets are available at:
https://grace-cares.com/donations/arthur-price-raffle/

Find out more:
www.grace-cares.com
01543 730189
hello@grace-cares.com

From Reuse to Recognition: Grace Cares Named in UK Green Growth 100

Grace Cares recognised nationally for sustainability-led success

Lichfield-based Grace Cares has earned a place in the prestigious Green Growth 100. Small Business Britain launched the initiative in partnership with BT to spotlight small businesses that use sustainability as a core driver of growth. As a result, the list highlights companies that turn environmental responsibility into measurable commercial success.

The Green Growth 100 champions 100 small businesses across the UK. These organisations embed sustainable practices into daily operations, from cutting waste and energy use to rethinking supply chains. In addition, they attract new customers and strengthen long-term resilience.

A Circular Model at the Heart

Founded in 2023 by Hannah Montgomery, Emma Smith and Adam Harrison, Grace Cares places sustainability at the centre of its mission. From day one, the founders built the business around circular economy principles.

The organisation runs a circular reuse model that collects, redistributes and resells quality pre-loved care equipment. Instead of sending these essential items to landfill, the team extends their lifespan through resale, donation and responsible recycling. Consequently, Grace Cares reduces environmental waste while also making care more affordable and accessible for families.

Moreover, the business commits to a zero-to-landfill policy. It aims to sell, donate or recycle 100% of collected equipment through trusted circular economy partnerships.

Creating Social and Environmental Impact

Beyond environmental action, Grace Cares actively reinvests in community initiatives such as Care Club. Through this programme, the organisation supports unpaid carers with education, connection and practical advice.

By combining environmental responsibility with social impact, the business proves that sustainable models can drive commercial growth. At the same time, it strengthens communities and builds long-term resilience.

Industry Recognition for Sustainability Led Growth

On being named in the Green Growth 100, Hannah Montgomery said:

“Grace Cares is committed to a zero-to-landfill policy. We aim to sell, donate and recycle 100% of our pre-loved care equipment and are proud of our circular economy partnerships. Being recognised in the Green Growth 100 is a huge honour and proof that purpose-led, circular business models can drive meaningful growth while creating lasting positive change.”

Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain, said:

“The Green Growth 100 celebrates the small businesses that are showing sustainability and growth go hand in hand. These businesses are not only reducing their environmental impact, but also strengthening their operations, engaging customers, and building more resilient business models. Grace Cares is a brilliant example of how sustainability can fuel long-term success.”

Building on the Work of The Willow Review

The Green Growth 100 builds on the work of The Willow Review, an independent, Government-backed review into the financial benefits of sustainability. Small Business Britain co-chaired the review, while BT contributed as a Steering Board member.

Last summer, the review published landmark recommendations that set out a roadmap to unlock the financial opportunities of sustainability for Britain’s 5.6 million small businesses. As such, the Green Growth 100 continues that momentum by showcasing real-world examples of sustainable growth.

Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT, added:

“The businesses in the Green Growth 100 are setting the benchmark for how sustainability can unlock innovation and commercial opportunity. It’s inspiring to see how small businesses across the UK are turning greener practices into real business growth. We’re proud to support this initiative and congratulate Grace Cares on being recognised.”

What’s Next: The Green Growth Awards 2026

As a featured business in the Green Growth 100, Grace Cares now progresses to the next stage: the Green Growth Awards. BT will host the awards on 12 March 2026.

At the event, judges will select two standout businesses to receive a £5,000 grant each. These grants will help them scale their sustainability ambitions and accelerate further positive change.