Grace Cares Announces Winner of National Tea Party Day Fundraiser and Invites Volunteers to Help Tackle Loneliness

A not-for-profit social care charity has announced the winner of its National Tea Party Day fundraising raffle, raising £550 to support older people and unpaid caregivers at risk of loneliness and isolation.

Grace Cares ran the campaign in partnership with British manufacturer Arthur Price, offering supporters the chance to win an Arthur Price Everyday Classic 42-piece boxed cutlery set worth £279.

The winning ticket was drawn on 21 April – National Tea Party Day. The winner was Jan, who is a nurse and always puts people first!

A total of 55 tickets were purchased by supporters across the community, helping raise vital funds for preventative support programmes that reduce isolation and strengthen wellbeing.

Alongside celebrating the success of the fundraiser, Grace Cares is now encouraging more people to join its growing volunteer “tribe” by becoming community tea party hosts, helping create regular opportunities for connection across local neighbourhoods.

Supporting Connection Before Crisis

Funds raised will directly support Grace Cares’ community tea parties, Care Club sessions, and hardship grants, helping older people and unpaid caregivers access connection, trusted advice, and practical support before challenges escalate.

Loneliness is now widely recognised as a major public health issue. According to Age UK, around 1.4 million older people often feel lonely, while many unpaid caregivers experience social isolation alongside caring responsibilities.

Community-based initiatives such as tea parties play an important preventative role by:

supporting independence and wellbeing
strengthening local networks
reducing escalation to crisis support
easing pressure on health and social care services

Hannah Montgomery, co-founder of Grace Cares, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the raffle and to the generosity of Arthur Price. Something as simple as sharing tea and conversation can make a profound difference. The funds raised will help us reach more older people and unpaid caregivers with connection, advice and practical support when they need it most.

We’re now inviting more people to join the Grace Cares tribe as volunteer tea party hosts. You don’t need specialist skills – just warmth, kindness and a willingness to bring people together.”

Strengthening Communities Through Small Moments of Connection

National Tea Party Day highlights how everyday community activities can improve wellbeing and reduce isolation. Across the UK, local groups, care providers, and volunteers hosted tea parties to mark the occasion and encourage meaningful social interaction.

Grace Cares’ approach focuses on early intervention and prevention, helping people stay independent for longer while building stronger local support networks.

Simon Price, chairman of Arthur Price, said:

“We are delighted to support Grace Cares and the important work they do bringing people together. Campaigns like this show how simple acts of connection can have a lasting impact.”

Join the Grace Cares Tribe as a Volunteer Tea Party Host

Following the success of the campaign, Grace Cares is encouraging individuals, community groups, and organisations to continue the momentum by hosting tea parties throughout the year.

Volunteer tea party hosts help:

reduce loneliness in their community
support unpaid caregivers
create welcoming local spaces for conversation and connection
strengthen neighbourhood resilience

Hannah added:

“National Tea Party Day maybe one day in the calendar, but the need for connection continues every day. Hosting a tea party is one of the simplest and most powerful ways people can make a difference locally. We would love more people to join our tribe and help us bring communities together.”

Supporting Image: James and Karanjeet Grace Cares Placement students

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.

Grace Cares Turns 3 – Celebrating Impact, Community and a Mission to Make Care Sustainable

Grace Cares marked its third anniversary on Valentine’s Day – the day it was founded in 2023 because care is at the heart of everything it does – by bringing together volunteers on Friday and then hosting a special companionship tea party for some of the older people it supports.

From the beginning, Grace Cares has had one clear mission: Making Care Sustainable

The award-winning not-for-profit exists to ensure care is environmentally responsible, financially accessible and socially connected.

Three years on, that mission is delivering measurable impact across Staffordshire, West Midlands and beyond.

Three Years of Sustainable Impact

Since launching, Grace Cares has:

♻️ Helped over 3,500 people
♻️ Saved more than 4,000 pieces of care equipment from landfill
♻️ Shown that every £1 invested generates between £4 and £7 in social, economic and environmental value

By rescuing surplus care equipment and redistributing it at affordable prices – alongside hardship support where needed – Grace Cares reduces waste, eases financial pressure on families and unpaid caregivers, and supports a more resilient health and social care system.

Profits are reinvested into community initiatives including companionship tea parties, care club to support unpaid care givers, intergenerational activities and hardship grants – ensuring sustainability is not only environmental, but social and economic too.

Celebrating the People Behind the Mission

The Valentine’s gathering celebrated the volunteers who make sustainable care possible every week – from fixing equipment, warehouse management, van collections and deliveries to administration and community events.

It also honoured the older people and families supported, reinforcing that sustainable care is about more than equipment reuse. It is about dignity, connection and community.

The Next Chapter – Scaling Sustainable Care

Grace Cares’ long-term ambition is bold – to help one million people.

The next milestone is clear: Supporting 10,000 people by the end of 2028.

To achieve this, the organisation’s priorities for the next two quarters include:

Strengthening volunteer roles, recruitment and induction
Developing strategic partnerships
Improving stock management and warehouse efficiency
Delivering a focused external communications plan
Investing in CRM, automation and process improvement
Enhancing the website to improve access and reach

These foundations will enable Grace Cares to scale its sustainable model responsibly and efficiently.

An Invitation to Local Funders and Partners

As Grace Cares enters its fourth year, the message to local businesses, funders, health organisations and community leaders is clear – sustainable care requires collaboration.

From supporting van operations and warehouse improvements to investing in volunteer growth and digital systems, partnership with Grace Cares is not simply charitable giving. It is measurable local impact. With every £1 invested generating between £4 and £7 in value, partners are strengthening the local care system, reducing environmental waste and building more connected communities.

Three years on from launching on Valentine’s Day, Grace Cares continues to prove that care does not have to cost the earth.

Because making care sustainable is not just a mission. It is a shared responsibility – Be the change you want to see.

Photo shows the Grace Cares Tribe