care equipment Archives - Page 3 of 3

Following a heartwarming 1st Year Birthday Brunch celebration, Grace Cares, the dedicated not-for-profit providing Pre-Loved Care Equipment, extends a massive thank you to everyone who has contributed to their success. Co-founders Emma, Adam, and Hannah have tirelessly worked on Grace Cares without financial gain, investing their own resources and pouring heart and soul into the cause because they believe it is the right thing to do.

Why Grace Cares?

The past year has highlighted the critical need for support in various aspects of our society. Grace Cares is on a mission to fight for older individuals who find themselves without anyone in their corner. Additionally, they aim to support the health and social care workforce, advocate for sustainability, and create a planet worth living in for the future. The co-founders are passionate about being the change they want to see in the world and many people now are believing in their mission and becoming part of their tribe.

Celebrating Milestones at the 1st Year Birthday Brunch:

The 1st Year Birthday Brunch, held on Valentine’s Day, was a heartfelt celebration and a moment of reflection on the incredible journey and progress made over the past year. Reflecting on the people they have been able to support, the difference they have already made to the environment, the awards from Aviva, Lichfield District Council and the health and social care sector already under their belts and support from Kartcher and the Commonwealth Games. Attendees enjoyed a delightful brunch featuring croissants, pastries, and beverages, capturing memories during the selfie time, and indulging in self-care with hand and Indian head massages provided by professional therapists from Senses and Siam and Serenity.

The event also provided a valuable networking opportunity, allowing attendees to learn more about Friends of Grace Cares and explore potential collaborations to further their mission of positive impact.

Ways to Support Grace Cares:

For those unable to attend the celebration, there are still various ways to support Grace Cares, whether that be volunteering, donating care equipment, becoming a friend of Grace Cares, or becoming a Corporate Partnership.

A Heartfelt Thank You from Grace Cares:

Emma, Adam, and Hannah express their deep appreciation and love to everyone who has joined their tribe and believed in their mission. In the words of Emma, one of the founders, “Grace Cares has been a journey of passion and purpose. We are immensely grateful for the support we’ve received and in turn the amount of people we have been able to help. Together, we are making a positive impact, and this celebration is a testament to the power of collective effort. THANK YOU”

Grace Cares, the renowned not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing pre-loved care equipment and fostering community engagement, is thrilled to announce the official opening of its new unit at Elmhurst Business Park in Lichfield. The recycled paper chain ceremony, graced by the presence of the Mayor of Lichfield and the President of the Chamber of Commerce, marks a significant milestone in Grace Cares mission to make care equipment accessible, reduce landfill waste, and support those in need.

Less than a year since its inception, Grace Cares has experienced exponential growth, prompting the move to a larger unit. This expansion allows the team to process more pre-loved care equipment, host additional events, and further contribute to its overarching goals of sustainability and community support.

The not-for-profit’s commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. As the Grace Cares team recently earned the prestigious title of “Sustainable Business of the Year” from the Lichfield District Council. This recognition highlights the positive impact the team has had in promoting environmental responsibility and addressing the pressing issue of care equipment waste.

Grace Cares operates with a unique model – providing pre-loved care equipment at less than half the retail price, preventing unnecessary waste, and channeling profits to support care workers, older individuals, and their families through hardship grants nationwide. Additionally, they actively contribute to the local community by organising social groups and activities, offering a sense of belonging and camaraderie to local residents.

Reflecting on this achievement, Emma Smith, Co-Founder of Grace Cares 11.11 CIC, expressed gratitude, stating, “Our new unit symbolises not just growth but our collective commitment to sustainability and community welfare. We are excited about the positive impact we can make in the lives of individuals and the environment.”

The Mayor of Lichfield, Ann Hughes, conveyed congratulations, saying, “Grace Cares is a wonderful idea and exemplifies the spirit of community support. The opening of their new unit is a testament to their dedication to make a difference.”

The President of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce, Fiona Rouse, added, “It’s inspiring to witness the success of organisations like Grace Cares that combine business acumen with a deep sense of social responsibility. We look forward to their continued positive impact on our community.”

Grace Cares 11.11 CIC invites the public to join in the celebration of their new unit at their 1st birthday party next year on Valentine’s day emphasising the importance of collaboration in building a sustainable and caring community. In the meantime, please drop in and say hello!

Why not click here to see the video of the official paper chain cutting! Be the change you want to see.

The Social Care Premier Supplier Awards Grace Cares

Grace Cares are finalists in The Social Care Premier Supplier Awards – Manufacturers & Suppliers of Products & Services Category

THANK YOU TO WHOMEVER NOMINATED US

A panel of independent judges headed up by Prof Martin Green, CEO at Care England, now have the difficult task of choosing the category winners.

Wish us luck for the 12th October down in the Big Smoke

Care Home Professional Grace Cares Power List 2023

Care Home Professional have recognised Hannah as an Innovator In Care in this years Power List.

If we are honest, she is a little shell shocked (which we are glad of as gives us a moments peace! 🤣) and may have had a little happy cry and a team hug.

This journey is a team effort and wouldn’t be possible without the unstoppable Emma Smith and Ad Harrison and all the support from family, friends, volunteers and the business and health and social care community. We have a long way to go but together we have already achieved so much. The more we do, the more we can help people – It’s compound effect!

We are driven by the need to save the planet, support health and social care and do what’s right.

Cheesy as it sounds – Care really is at the heart of everything we do

Here is the write up

Hannah Montgomery is founder of Grace Cares, a not-for-profit organisation which launched this past Valentine’s Day.

It collects, donates and sells pre-loved care equipment to enhance people’s quality of life, support care workers and older people in need with grants and community groups, and leave a better planet for future generations.

The charitable organisation’s formation came from a lightbulb moment of Hannah’s: she asked a colleague in the sector about where she could acquire a stairlift, and he mentioned that a lot of care equipment goes to landfill. There had to be a way to repurpose this care equipment for those who needed it, Hannah decided.

Grace Cares has already had donations from the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and has secured formal partnerships with Birmingham and Midlands NHS Trusts and Barchester, while Hannah Montgomery is the driving force that has made the organisation a reality.

Find out more

Read about the other individuals featured in the Innovators in Care category here.

Care Home Professional – The Power List 2023: Read more click here.

Grace Cares Lichfield District Council Beacon Awards 2023

Grace Cares have not only been nominated but also in the final 3 for not just one but THREE awards at the Lichfield District Council Beacon Awards 2023.

OH MY GOSH!

So what are they?

“The Beacon Awards will bring together the brightest and most talented individuals from businesses of all sizes from across the district and recognise their hard work, dedication, and contributions to their industries. From entertainment and sports to business and technology, The Beacon Awards will honour the best of the best.”

Council Leader Doug Pullen says:

“I am thrilled that the council has been approached to establish a new award to recognise the fantastic work and achievements that take place across the district. The community and business awards will shine a spotlight on people who might not otherwise be celebrated and on businesses that are at the heart of our economy.”

Grace Cares are in the final 3 for the below categories:

💚 BEST SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
💙 COMMUNITY HERO
💚 CHARITY OR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR

A massive thank you to John Moore for nominating and believing in us.

If we are honest we know of far more deserving community heroes such as Elaine Hutchings, Wai-Lee Ho and Jonathan ‘Jono’ Oates to name just a few. So here’s a shout out to you and all you do for our local community.

Whatever the outcome CONGRATULATIONS to all of the other nominees, especially our friends at JCFX Media James Cooper, THE LISTENING CENTRE (EAP) LTD Sharon McCormick, Lichfield PAT Testing Graham Shipton, The Hub at St Mary’s Sarah Clark, FRIARY SHOES LIMITED, Lichfield Garrick Theatre, Duke of York, Chase Terrace Academy Julie Poppleton.

We are very excited to attend the presentation evening on Thursday 12 October at the National Memorial Arboretum with our supporters and health and social care colleagues. Wish us luck 🤞

Get your tickets and find out more click here.

Grace Cares Pre-Loved Care equipment sustainable care sustainability in care

The provision of high-quality health and social care is vital to the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. To achieve this, health and social care workers and those receiving care need access to the best tools and equipment available. However, purchasing new equipment can be costly, and not always the most sustainable option. Pre-loved care equipment is an excellent alternative, and we need to think about its benefits.

Pre-loved care equipment refers to previously owned medical and social care equipment that has been professionally refurbished to be reused. These pieces of equipment can range from mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames, to more complex medical equipment like profiling beds and rise and recliner chairs. They can also be issued with an infection control certification.

There are several benefits to using pre-loved care equipment in the health and social care sector.

Firstly, pre-loved care equipment is cost-effective. The cost of new care equipment can be very high, making it difficult for many people and now care providers to afford. Pre-loved equipment, on the other hand, is much more affordable, allowing people to save money without sacrificing quality or safety. By investing in pre-loved equipment, care companies can reallocate their financial resources towards other important aspects of care provision, such as staff training, building upgrades, or community outreach programs.

Secondly, pre-loved care equipment is environmentally friendly. In today’s world, where environmental sustainability is more important than ever before, it is essential that the health and social care sector does its part. The purchase of new equipment is contributing to the growing problem of waste and pollution. By choosing pre-loved equipment, we are reducing carbon footprint, minimising waste, and preserving the planet’s resources.

Thirdly, pre-loved care equipment is readily available. Pre-loved equipment can be delivered quickly, ensuring that care providers can meet the needs of their patients and clients promptly as they aren’t waiting for the item to be made to order.

Fourthly, pre-loved care equipment is safe and reliable. Pre-loved equipment is professionally refurbished and tested to ensure that it meets safety standards and is fit for use. Care Providers can be confident that the equipment they purchase is of high quality, and that it will perform as expected.

In conclusion, pre-loved care equipment is an excellent alternative to new equipment, and health and social care workers need to think about its benefits. Pre-loved equipment is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, readily available, safe and reliable, and flexible. By investing in pre-loved equipment, care providers can save money, reduce waste, provide care to those who need it most, and improve the quality of care they provide. As the health and social care sector faces increasing pressure to do more with less, pre-loved equipment is an essential tool for ensuring that everyone receives the care they need and deserve.

Things are starting to feel real… how very exciting!

We now have our first Grace Cares depot in Lichfield which has been generously offered to us by a very kind Lichfield business women. She has previously supported children with special needs in the Lichfield community and is an all around lovely human. She’ll kill us for putting this, as she is not one for the limelight… hence not naming names, but it only feels right to publicly thank her.

This means care equipment donations can be dropped off with ease, we even have a roller door so you can back in right to the entrance of the depot.

People are also able to come and see our care equipment before choosing which item best fits their needs.

Currently you need to pre-book an appointment to donate or to have a look and pick up a care item so we can ensure a member of the team is there to meet you. Especially if you are donating bulky items as we will need to ensure our manual lifting trained staff are there to ensure everyone’s safety.

As we grow we will be looking to get this manned at regular hours. We would welcome if anyone would like to volunteer to support.

You may or may not see Adam, Emma and Hannah in wheelchair races around the estate… BUT there will always be time for a cuppa and a natter (might even stretch to biscuits if we have raised enough money!).

Please note: Unfortunately for health and safety reasons we can only take working equipment and any furniture donations need to have the fire label and not be over a certain age due to the use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).