“We’re delighted to be partnering with Grace Cares to recycle pre-loved care and medical equipment, giving usable items a new lease of life and helping those in need.
Unwanted items can be donated at the collection points in any of our 14 household waste recycling centres. Typical items donated include walking aids, bathroom equipment, bed risers and commodes.
Grace Cares clean, repair, and refurbish the equipment as needed, ensuring it’s safe and ready for someone new to use.
This not only helps individuals who might otherwise struggle to afford these items, but it also keeps perfectly usable equipment out of landfill, benefiting the environment for everyone.
This is just one of many ways we’re working towards a greener future.
We believe that even small changes, like this recycling initiative, can make a big difference. Together, by doing our bit, we can achieve our goal of becoming net zero by 2050. Any unwanted care aids on loan should be returned to the provider.”
Volunteer Opportunity: Customer Care and Admin Support for Grace Cares Pre-Loved Care Equipment
Position:
Customer Care and Admin Support Volunteer
Location:
Grace Cares Hub 💚 Unit 2 the Portal, Elmhurst Business Park, Elmhurst, Lichfield WS13 8EX
Commitment:
Flexible hours, no minimum hours per week. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-3pm so you could do any time to suit you within those days and hours.
About Us:
Grace Cares is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals who need care and support. We provide pre-loved care equipment to those in need, promoting sustainability and affordability. Our mission is to create a positive impact daily by serving our community, supporting Health and Social Care nationwide and championing sustainability. Our core values underpin everything we do:
Care: Care is at the heart of everything we do
Accessibility: Including providing affordable, safe, and accessible care equipment.
Respect: Demonstrating empathy and respect to all, valuing their unique needs and circumstances.
Environmental Commitment: Promoting sustainability through recycling, reusing, refusing, repurposing, repairing, and reducing waste in all our operations, while supporting health and social care providers in their sustainability journey.
Social Impact: Empowering our tribe, customers, and community through collaborative donations and initiatives to foster positive social change.
Role Overview:
We are seeking enthusiastic and compassionate volunteers to join the Grace Cares tribe as Customer Care and Admin Support at our pre-loved care equipment shop. This role is perfect for individuals who enjoy interacting with people, have a knack for sales, and possess a genuine desire to help others. Additionally, you will assist with administrative tasks, including photographing stock and conducting online searches for product details.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist customers in finding suitable pre-loved care equipment.
Provide information about the benefits and usage of various care items.
Maintain the organisation and cleanliness of the product area.
Handle transactions and manage the cash register.
Help in setting up displays and promoting new arrivals.
Photograph and catalogue stock items for online listings. We will provide training and equipment.
Conduct online searches for product information and updates.
Support with general administrative tasks as needed.
Ideal Candidate:
A warm, approachable, and empathetic individual.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Basic understanding of care equipment and its importance.
Enthusiastic about sustainability and helping the community.
Comfortable using a computer, or willing to learn with provided training.
Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy.
Experience in retail, customer service, or admin work is a plus, but not required.
Benefits:
You’ll get a Grace Cares t-shirt and hoody.
There are always drinks, snacks and food at the hub.
You’ll be invited to all of our events and training.
Opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Gain experience in customer service, sales, and administrative tasks.
Be a part of a supportive and passionate tribe.
Flexible volunteering hours to fit your schedule.
Develop new skills and build connections within the community.
Tailored role to match your strengths and interests for the right fit within the Grace Cares tribe.
How to Apply:
If you’re excited about this opportunity to support Grace Cares and contribute to our mission, please contact Hannah and Emma at hello@grace-cares.com or call 01543 730189.
Grace Cares is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds, ages and experiences to apply.
Thank you for considering volunteering with Grace Cares. Your time and effort can create a positive impact on countless lives.
Be The Change You Want To See ♻️💚
Grace Cares, a Lichfield-based not-for-profit organisation, proudly hosted the VIP launch of its groundbreaking intergenerational art exhibition, “Pimp My Ride,” on 27th June at The Hub at St Mary’s in the centre of Lichfield. This unique exhibition aimed to highlight the issue of waste in care through the creative transformation of zimmer frames by local students. The event drew an impressive crowd of over 130 attendees, including Tony Christie, Mayor of Lichfield, Leader of Lichfield District Council, Leader of Lichfield City Council, students, older adults supported by Grace Cares, care providers, corporate sponsors, health and social care professionals, local businesses, councilors, and friends and family.
The “Pimp My Ride” exhibition featured 11 zimmer frames artistically revamped by students from Landau Forte QEMS, South Staffordshire College, The Bridge, Liberty Jamboree, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, King Edward VI School, and Staffordshire Youth Union. Each exhibit provided a unique commentary on waste and sustainability, showcasing the students’ creativity and dedication.
The exhibition received media attention, being featured on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and ITV Central News programmes, further amplifying its reach and impact.
Grace Cares’ co-founder, Hannah Montgomery, opened the event with a heartfelt speech, emphasising the project’s dual mission of promoting sustainability and raising awareness about waste in care. “The thoughts and efforts behind each of these zimmer frames are truly inspiring,” said Hannah Montgomery. “This exhibition not only raises awareness about waste in care but also demonstrates the incredible potential of creative solutions.”
Following the VIP launch, the exhibition was opened to the general public, who were invited to cast their votes for their favorite zimmer frame until Tuesday 2nd July. The response was overwhelming, with over 270 people participating in the voting process. The competition was close, but exhibit 10 titled “The Chariot” by students at South Staffordshire College, emerged as the winner. This zimmer frame captivated the audience and earned its creators the top prize of £200, generously donated by Top Cashback.
In addition to the prize money, the top six exhibits will be featured in the first ever Sustainability Zone at The Care Show, the UK’s largest health and social care event, taking place at the NEC on October 9-10th. Here, health and social care workers will have the opportunity to vote for the ultimate “pimped up ride,” with another £200 prize up for grabs sponsored by Attis Care by Attis Insurance Brokers. The aim is to show the students the many facets working in health and social care has to offer and further the conversation about sustainability and innovation in care.
Grace Cares extends its deepest gratitude to the students, teachers, community partners, sponsors, the public and supporters who made this exhibition possible. Special thanks are due to the national media outlets that covered the event, helping to spread the message far and wide.
For more information about the “Pimp My Ride” exhibition, to get involved in or sponsor the Pimp Our Ride 2025 campaign or to learn more about Grace Cares’ initiatives, please visit www.grace-cares.com or contact hello@grace-cares.com or 01543 730189.
Triton Telecom Supports Grace Cares with Free Telephony Services as Charity of the Year
Triton Telecom, a leading provider of innovative telecommunication solutions, is proud to announce its partnership with Grace Cares, a midlands based not-for-profit dedicated to supporting health and social care, the local community and stopping care equipment going to landfill. As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Triton Telecom has chosen Grace Cares as its Charity of the Year and will be offering comprehensive telephony services to support their mission.
Empowering Communities Through Connectivity
Grace Cares are creating a positive impact by serving their community, supporting Health and Social Care nationwide and championing sustainability. By offering free telephony services, Triton Telecom aims to enhance the communication infrastructure of Grace Cares, thereby enabling them to reach more people and streamline their operations.
“We are thrilled to partner with Grace Cares and support their incredible work,” said Dean Billington, Managing Director of Triton Telecom. “Effective communication is crucial for the success of any organisation. By providing free telephony services and support, we hope to empower Grace Cares to connect with those in need of care equipment and their support more efficiently and effectively.”
A Year of Impact
“Having reliable and advanced telephony services will make a huge difference in our ability to coordinate effort and provide ongoing support,” said Hannah Montgomery, co-founder of Grace Cares. “We are very grateful to Triton Telecom for their generosity and support.”
Building Stronger Communities Together
This partnership is a testament to Triton Telecom’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting organisations that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. By collaborating with Grace Cares, Triton Telecom is not only providing essential services but also fostering a spirit of solidarity and community engagement.
About Triton Telecom
Triton Telecom is a premier provider of telecommunications solutions, offering a wide range of services including business phone systems, VoIP, and unified communications. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Triton Telecom delivers reliable and scalable solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses across various industries.
Grace Cares and Barchester Care Home Host Successful Corporate Afternoon Tea During Care Home Open Week 2024
Grace Cares, in partnership with Barchester Care Home, hosted a memorable corporate afternoon tea event as part of the Care Home Open Week 2024. The event provided an engaging and insightful experience for the wider business community while offering delightful entertainment for both guests and residents.
The afternoon was filled with a harmonious performance by a barbershop quartet, adding a touch of nostalgia and charm to the atmosphere. Guests and residents alike enjoyed the melodic tunes, creating a joyful and communal spirit.
A highlight of the event was the raffle, organized to raise funds for Grace Cares. Participants eagerly took part in the heads and tails game, adding an element of fun and friendly competition to the afternoon. Both activities were met with enthusiasm, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among attendees.
In line with the theme of sustainability, Grace Cares shared important facts about sustainability in care, emphasising their commitment to environmentally conscious practices within the care home setting. These insights resonated with the audience, inspiring discussions about integrating sustainable measures into everyday operations.
The centerpiece of the event was the delicious afternoon tea, meticulously prepared to cater to diverse tastes. The spread included a variety of savory and sweet treats, ensuring that every guest found something to enjoy. The afternoon tea provided an excellent opportunity for networking, with business professionals and care home staff exchanging ideas and building connections.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Barchester Care Home for this wonderful event,” said Emma Smith, Founder of Grace Cares. “It was heartening to see the business community come together to learn more about the care home environment and to share in the joy of our residents. Events like these highlight the importance of community, compassion, and sustainability in our industry.”
The corporate afternoon tea during Care Home Open Week 2024 successfully showcased the vibrant and caring environment of The Spires – Barchester Care Home, demonstrating the positive impact of community involvement and sustainable practices. Grace Cares looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering connections and promoting well-being within the care community.
For more information about Grace Cares’ mission, please call 01543 730189 or email hello@grace-cares.com .
Grace Cares, a Lichfield based not-for-profit dedicated to saving care equipment and supporting health and social care, is thrilled to announce its first highly anticipated event, “Pimp My Ride 2024.” Taking place at the vibrant The Hub at St. Mary’s in Lichfield, this exhibition showcases the imaginative prowess of local schools and colleges as they transform Zimmer Frames into remarkable works of art.
Hannah Montgomery, co-founder of Grace Cares, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “Pimp My Ride embodies the spirit of creativity and community that Grace Cares stands for. We’re thrilled to see how each participant has brought their unique vision to life, while also supporting our mission of repurposing care equipment and fostering understanding across generations.”
Louise Fleming, CEO of The Hub at St. Mary’s, echoed Hannah’s sentiments, emphasising the significance of collaborative efforts. “We’re honored to host such a fantastic exhibition that brings together individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Pimp My Ride exemplifies the power of creativity to spark meaningful connections and inspire positive change.”
Maggie Candlish, Deputy Head Teacher at Saxon Hill Academy, shared her enthusiasm for the exhibition, highlighting its educational value. “Participating as judges in Pimp My Ride will be an incredible learning experience for our students. It’s not just about creating art; it’s about understanding the importance of empathy, collaboration, and making a difference in the community.”
The Pimp My Ride 2024 exhibition will run from 28th June to 2nd July at The Hub at St. Mary’s, inviting members of the community to explore the transformed Zimmer Frames and cast their votes for their favorite designs. Plus, the winning entrant will walk away with £200!
Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about Grace Cares’ impactful initiatives such as their sustainability support for care providers nationwide, their monthly programme of activities for older people and the hardship grants they distribute and how they can get involved.
Attis Care by Attis Insurance Brokers, renowned for its innovative insurance solutions, proudly announces its collaboration with Grace Cares, a not-for-profit on a mission to support health and social care and the planet. This strategic alliance not only marks a milestone in community support but also underscores a shared commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and sustainability.
Who?
Attis Care is known for it integrity-driven approach and commitment to client-centric service. With a focus on ESG factors and sustainability, Attis Care has consistently sought to align its operations with responsible care business practices, recognising the interconnectedness between business success and societal well-being.
Grace Cares, shares a similar ethos, placing emphasis on sustainability and social equity and has been at the forefront of driving positive change and fostering a more equitable and sustainable future for the care sector.
The decision to unite as partners reflects a mutual dedication to advancing ESG goals and sustainability initiatives. By combining their expertise and resources, Attis Care and Grace Cares aim to make meaningful progress in addressing pressing social and environmental challenges in the sector. They will collaborate on initiatives that support care providers to evolve their ESG strategies.
Why?
“This partnership exemplifies our firm belief in the power of collaboration to drive positive change,” remarked James Burgan, at Attis Care by Attis Insurance Brokers. “At Attis Care, we recognise the importance of integrating ESG considerations into our business strategy to support our care home customers. Partnering with Grace Cares allows us to further enhance our impact and contribute to building resilient and sustainable communities.”
Likewise, Hannah Montgomery at Grace Cares, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s potential, stating, “By joining forces with Attis Care, we are strengthening our collective ability to address challenges in the sector we love and create lasting positive change. We are very excited to launch some joint project work later on this year, watch this space! Be the change you want to see.”
Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce have announced that their chosen charity for 2024-25 will be Grace Cares, after a charity selection event at Drayton Manor Hotel.
There were three charities shortlisted – Grace Cares, Heart of Tamworth Community Project and Pathway Project.
After the charities shared their pitches to be the charity of the year, a vote took place with Grace Cares chosen as the winning charity.
Grace Cares are a Lichfield based not-for-profit on a mission to save care equipment from landfill – making it available to the public, NHS, health and social care providers at less than half the original RRP and use those profits to support health and social care workers and older people nationwide.
The charity provides grants for health and social care workers and support for the local community of Lichfield and Tamworth with monthly sustainable activities and support such as companionship tea parties and dementia friendly, sustainable kindness rock painting.
Fiona Rouse, president of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was a fantastic event, and the committee and I are really looking forward to working with Grace Cares over the next couple of years.”
Pictured (L-R): Adam Gadsby (Future Faces committee), Clare Lubrano (Lichfield and Tamworth committee), Fiona Rouse (Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber president), Emma Smith (Grace Cares), Hannah Mongomery (Grace Cares), John Moore (Lichfield and Tamworth committee), Matthew Small (T150 Energy – sponsor), Richard Wileman (Burton committee)
Are you a Community Engagement & Volunteer Hero?
🕰 25 hours per week (flexiblehours)
We are very much up for a discussion on how you see this role suiting you. Finding the right people is far more important to us.
Grace Cares are a Lichfield based not-for-profit on a mission to save care equipment from landfill – make it available to the public, NHS, health and social care providers at less than half the original RRP and use those profits to support health and social care workers and older people nationwide with grants and support our local community of Lichfield district with monthly sustainable activities and support such as companionship tea parties, befriending calls and dementia friendly, sustainable kindness rock painting.
We are looking for a hero to embrace the role of our Community Engagement and Volunteer Officer. We are very happy to offer flexible working hours for the right people. The role will be predominately based at the beautiful Elmhurst Business Park, Lichfield (there are horses and lots of lovely outdoor spaces), with travel to local community groups in the Lichfield district (travel costs will be covered).
What are the duties and responsibilities?
The role of the Community Engagement & Volunteer Hero will flex with the needs of the day. We can promise you won’t be bored, and you will feel immense job satisfaction – you’re going to be making a real difference. Some of your responsibilities will include:
Grace Cares Hub Support
Responding to customer enquiries via the phone, social media channels and emails to ensure they receive the very best experience when dealing with Grace Cares.
Showing people the care equipment that we have in stock when they come to the Grace Cares Hub.
Administration support, including monitoring and ordering required supplies, updating collection and delivery timetables, and updating display boards.
Assist in carrying out weekly and monthly sustainability and health and safety checks.
Open and close the Grace Cares hub as required, including ensuring adequate security and key holding.
Ensure the Grace Cares Hub is clean and tidy on a day-to-day basis.
Help to organise Grace Cares events, such as our birthday parties.
Volunteer Program
Help to develop, recruit, evaluate, and maintain our volunteer program, including supporting volunteers, and records skills, performance, availability, and scheduling when they will be in each week (we need to make sure we have enough lunch in!) or when they will be supporting sustainable activities or hosting/driving for a companionship tea party.
Develop a volunteer manual for internal use that provides information and guidelines for our lovely volunteers.
Maintain high levels of communication to keep volunteers properly informed about what’s happening at Grace Cares Hub each week and be on hand for a chinwag when they come in.
Ensure compliance with volunteer-specific and organisational guidelines, policies and procedures, including actioning DBS checks when the volunteers come on board.
Assist the co-founders to report on our volunteer program.
Community Interaction
Support us to deliver sustainable activities in more local care homes such as Kindness Rock Painting Sessions, including communications with the care homes, ensuring we have the supplies to deliver the sessions and the supporting volunteers.
Support us to offer more companionship tea parties to the local community, including calling the older people to see if they still want to come to the tea party and double checking the guest volunteers can still host.
Support the delivery of our annual school focused Intergenerational community project. This year we have a pimp my ride exhibition happening in July at St Mary’s The Hub.
Reach out and collaborate with our local community group partners, including Lichfield Dementia Community and Lichfield Repair and Share café. We are strong all working and supporting each other.
Assist the co-founders to report on our community interaction.
We need you to…
Able to communicate effectively with the team, customers and our community partners by telephone, face to face and email.
Self-motivated with very strong interpersonal, organisational and IT skills
Ability to analyse information from a variety of sources, together with written and verbal skills needed to present and discuss opinions and conclusions.
Have a high attention to detail.
Ability to prioritise and manage own working hours with flexibility.
Ability to confidently recruit, train and manage volunteers.
Ability to communicate with people of all ages and abilities effectively.
Be passionate about great quality service and working together as a team.
Be organised, proactive and efficient.
Track and manage projects to ensure deadlines are met and timescales maintained.
Be passionate about the Grace Cares mission.
It would be nice for you to have…
An understanding of health and social care and the demographics of the local community we support.
Customer service experience.
Experience of delivering activities to older people.
Experience of working with volunteers.
Worked in an office environment in a previous role.
Have experience working in or with an administrative role.
Expected Start Date:
As soon as possible, but happy to be flexible for the right people.
Benefits:
On-site free parking
Tea, coffee and snacks – we are feeders!
Company pension
Health & wellbeing programme
Company uniform provided – have a look on the website – don’t worry they are nice, branded hoodies and t-shirts.
External independent HR services
Travel expenses.
Education:
We don’t care – its all about your attitude and what experience you have in the real world.
If you would like to make a real difference to the sustainability of our planet, our precious health and social care system and within the local community please send the following to hello@grace-cares.com :
CV
Covering letter to better describe you as an individual and how you could fit into the team – this could be a video snippet if you preferred.
Grace Cares, a Lichfield not-for-profit organisation based in Lichfield, recently organised a rewarding volunteer day in collaboration with the dedicated staff from HBFS Equity Release, Prizm Insurance, and Aviva. The event aimed to contribute to the community by engaging in various activities, with a particular focus on promoting well-being among residents of local care homes.
The volunteer day kicked off with teams from HBFS Equity Release, Prizm Insurance, and Aviva joining forces at local care homes – The Spires Barchester and Rosemary Lodge. The primary activity for the day was kindness rock painting, a therapeutic and creative pursuit known to benefit individuals, especially those with dementia. The teams actively interacted with residents, fostering a sense of joy and connection through artistic expression.
In addition to the engaging activities, volunteers received hands-on training in care equipment cleaning at the Grace Cares Hub, had insightful discussions with the Grace Cares fixer team, and participated in a photography session capturing images of care equipment. Notably, the volunteers also took part in uploading information about the care equipment onto the Grace Cares website and various reseller platforms.
One heartwarming highlight of the day was a volunteer from the team delivering a wheelchair to a local resident on their way home. This act of kindness exemplifies the commitment of Grace Cares and its partners to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals within the community.
“We believe in the power of collaboration and community engagement,” said Emma Smith, Founder of Grace Cares CIC. “The volunteer day was a wonderful opportunity for our team and the staff from HBFS Equity Release, Prizm Insurance, and Aviva to come together, share experiences, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Aviva, one of the participating organisations, expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative. “At Aviva, we are committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change in communities and the environment. Grace Cares offers both and we look forward to future collaborations that make a meaningful impact,” said Stacey Combellack, Broker Development Manager, Aviva
Grace Cares CIC encourages other organisations to join in and contribute to the community and the environment. If your company is interested in volunteering with Grace Cares, please contact hello@grace-cares.com or 01543 326819.