Community and Businesses Rally Together in Lichfield to Restore 100’s of NHS Mattresses for Good Causes

Grace Cares’ volunteer day turns Elmhurst Business Park into a hub of teamwork, laughter, and purpose whilst saving vital equipment from landfill.

A huge community effort took place in Lichfield on 21st October, when over 80 volunteers joined local not-for-profit Grace Cares for a Mass Volunteer Day to refurbish hundreds of NHS mattresses helping the planet and people in need.

The event, held at the Grace Cares Hub on Elmhurst Business Park, saw individuals and teams from Crown Highways, Access Bookings, Oakland International, Fruition Accountancy, Prizm Insurance, Hillstart Nutrition, Radmoor Training and other local companies give their time to test, clean, and prepare hospital-grade mattresses for reuse.

The mattresses, all under three years old, were donated by the NHS and approved for redistribution. With support from Direct Health Care Group, the manufacturer, the mattresses will be refurbished and sold to care homes at a fraction of the original cost. In turn raising funds to support Grace Cares’ community work and cover a year’s rent for its new Lichfield base.

“It was a truly inspiring day,” said Emma Smith, Co-founder of Grace Cares. “We had businesses, volunteers, and friends from across the city come together to do something practical, positive, and planet-friendly. The teamwork, music, and BBQ kept everyone smiling, even when it got chilly in the warehouse!”

Grace Cares, which launched in 2023, rescues care equipment from landfill and reinvests the proceeds to support older people and unpaid caregivers through support, grants, and well-being activities.

Emma added: “It’s amazing what can happen when a community comes together, we would be nothing without the Grace Cares tribe. With every mattress refurbished, we’re helping someone who has physical limitations sleep safely and comfortably, saving carbon, and creating social value for those in our community that need support.”

Image: L–R: shows some of the Grace Cares team and volunteers rallying together

Grace Cares launches next Care Club sessions for unpaid caregivers

Grace Cares is inviting unpaid caregivers to two upcoming Care Club sessions designed to offer practical help, connection, and expert guidance:

Face-to-face Care Club: Moving & handling made safer – practical tips with an NHS physiotherapist – 10-12 – Thursday 27 November 2025 (venue shared on registration)
Online Care Club: Caring for someone with dementia – advice and Q&A with Wonda, Admiral Nurse (Dementia UK) – Friday 5 December 2025, 10:30–11:30 (online)

“Care Club exists because people caring for others need care, too,” said Tasha Inan, Care Club volunteer at Grace Cares. “We’re creating a safe, friendly space where unpaid caregivers can learn practical skills, feel seen, and leave with confidence.”

Building on our most recent session: Dementia support in focus

The latest Care Club brought together local professionals and unpaid caregivers for a dementia-focused session led by Wonda, an Admiral Nurse from Dementia UK. Attendees described it as “reassuring and practical,” with specialist advice on day-to-day challenges and where to find help.

“Sessions like these are incredibly valuable,” said Cllr Richard Cox. “People walk away not just with information, but with reassurance, connection, and confidence. Tailored support like this can change lives.”

Why this matters

Unpaid caregivers are the backbone of our communities. The 2021 Census identified 5.8 million unpaid carers across the UK, and new analysis estimates their support is worth around £184 billion a year – roughly the value of a second NHS. It’s crucial we support the people who support others.

What attendees can expect

Hands-on guidance to make moving and handling at home safer
Expert insight on dementia care and navigating local/national support
Peer connection with others who understand the realities of caring
Signposting to services, grants and affordable care equipment

Register now

Unpaid caregivers are encouraged to register and all are encouraged to share these sessions so no one has to manage alone. Booking is essential.

To register please fill in the form (https://forms.gle/dzunihQ5mfrxh83s8) or call 01543 730189 to speak to a member of the Grace Cares team.

Image: L–R: Tracey (Social Prescriber), Wonda (Admiral Nurse), Cllr Richard Cox, Adele and Tasha (Grace Cares).

An Hour That Matters: Grace Cares Calls for 50 Volunteers to Save 300 Pieces of Care Equipment

Grace Cares, the award-winning not-for-profit making care more sustainable, is calling on local people and businesses to take part in a unique volunteering challenge on Wednesday 1st October 2025 at their unit at Elmhurst Business Park, Lichfield.

The challenge

A donation of 300 hybrid airflow mattresses – all under three years old and NHS-approved for reuse – has the potential to transform lives. Instead of being sent to landfill, they’ll be redistributed to people and care providers who need them most.

But before that can happen, the mattresses must be tested, prepared, and covered. With just an hour of community support, they can be saved and put back into use.

One hour, big impact

Grace Cares is asking for 50 volunteers, each giving just one hour between 9:30am – 4:00pm. Together, they can ensure all 300 mattresses are rescued in a single day.

“What else would you be doing for an hour? Scrolling, Netflix, another meeting? This is an hour that truly changes lives,” said Grace Cares co-founder, Hannah Montgomery.

A day to remember

The volunteering day promises to be lively and welcoming, with pizzas, drinks, and tunes to keep spirits high. Businesses can use it as a meaningful CSR activity, while individuals can play their part in supporting dignity for older people and unpaid caregivers, while protecting the planet.

Grace Cares already delivers £4–£7 of social value for every £1 spent, and is on a mission to support 1 million people, with the next milestone being 10,000 by 2028.

👉 Sign up here: Grace Cares Volunteer Form
📞 Call 01543 730189
📧 Email hello@grace-cares.com

Be one of the 50 volunteers to give An Hour That Matters – and help save 300 mattresses in just one day.

New White Paper Exposes Hidden Crisis Facing Unpaid Caregivers in the UK

Grace Cares, in collaboration with Ontex Global, has released a powerful new white paper highlighting the urgent need to support the UK’s millions of Unpaid Caregivers. This group is too often overlooked in policy, services, and public understanding.

Titled “Caring by Love, not by Pay: Stories and Solutions from Unpaid Caregivers”, the report is based on a national survey and in-person consultations with over 75 Unpaid Caregivers. It brings their lived experiences into sharp focus, revealing a widespread lack of recognition, poor access to support, and serious impacts on emotional and mental wellbeing.

“Unpaid Caregivers are the hidden backbone of our health and care system. They save the government billions – yet many are exhausted, isolated, and invisible. This white paper is about listening and acting,” said Hannah Montgomery, Co-Founder of Grace Cares.

According to Carers UK, there are around 5.7 million Unpaid Caregivers in the UK, providing care worth an estimated £132 billion per year – equivalent to a second NHS. Yet the white paper reveals:

54% of respondents feel the Unpaid Caregiver role is under-recognised
Over 50% reported emotional and psychological distress from their caregiving role
76% are unsure how to access support that already exists
Many do not initially identify as an Unpaid Caregiver, meaning they miss vital help

In response, Grace Cares and Ontex Global are co-developing a programme of local and national resources, drop-in sessions, and peer support initiatives, built directly from what Unpaid Caregivers said they need.

“At Ontex, we are proud to sponsor and support this vital work. Unpaid Caregivers deserve practical solutions, better recognition, and real-world support – not more barriers,” said Emily Vernon, UK Country Manager, Ontex Global.

Recommendations in the report include:

Better national and local recognition of the Unpaid Caregiver role
Improved signposting and awareness of existing services
Access to emotional and psychological support, including counselling and peer networks
Funding for respite care and training for complex caregiving tasks
A unified terminology and clearer pathway to identify as an Unpaid Caregiver

What’s next?

Grace Cares is inviting local authorities, health and care leaders, and community partners to act on these findings. Together with Ontex, they aim to build a national movement that ensures every Unpaid Caregiver has access to the support they deserve.

Download the White Paper

Available now click here.

L-R Stefan, Emma, Karanjeet and Hannah, Ontex Global with a copy of the white paper.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers Partners with Grace Cares to Support Sustainable Care and Community Impact

Richard Winterton Auctioneers has announced a new partnership with Grace Cares, a not-for-profit organisation on a mission to make care more sustainable – not just for the environment, but for the people at the heart of it all.

The family firm carries out around a dozen house clearances each week across the area and holds weekly sales at The Lichfield Auction Centre, featuring hundreds of lots. Going forward, care equipment sourced through these clearances will be donated to Grace Cares, where it will be rescued, refurbished, and rehomed to help those who need it most, rather than ending up in landfill.

This partnership aligns both organisations around shared values of reuse, dignity, and community care. It’s a commitment to play it forward: giving care items a second life while creating real social impact for older people, unpaid caregivers, and care providers across the UK.

“The auction world revolves around recycling in one way or another,” said Tom Winterton, auctioneer and associate director at Richard Winterton Auctioneers. “Buying and selling under the hammer ultimately prevents a huge amount of potential waste through reuse, upcycling, and restoration. We regularly come across care equipment that could still make a real difference to someone’s life. This partnership ensures that nothing goes to waste, and everything goes to those who need it. There is tremendous synergy with Grace Cares and we couldn’t be happier with this partnership.”

Grace Cares’ Vision: A world where…

Older people live with dignity, independence, and access to the tools they need
Unpaid caregivers feel empowered, supported, and never alone
Care is kinder to the planet through reuse and a circular care economy
Communities come together to build a more inclusive, sustainable future

This partnership supports Grace Cares’ bold long-term ambition: to help 1 million people through sustainable care equipment and social support.

“Richard Winterton Auctioneers joining our network is a brilliant example of local businesses stepping up to create real change,” said Hannah Montgomery, Founder of Grace Cares. “Together, we’re proving that care can be circular, community-driven, and full of compassion.”

How Grace Cares Makes a Difference

Pre-loved care equipment – Rescuing, refurbishing, and reselling essential items affordably, keeping them out of landfill
Support for older people – Helping people live with dignity and independence by improving access to the tools and equipment they need
Caregiver support programmes – Practical resources, advice, and a growing network of support for unpaid caregivers, delivered through dedicated specialists
Support for care providers – Providing affordable equipment and ESG guidance to help services reduce waste and demonstrate environmental leadership
Community action – Powered by volunteers, local partnerships, and people who care about making a difference
Proven social impact – For every £1 invested, Grace Cares creates £4–7 in social, economic, and environmental value

At a time when the UK’s 5.7 million unpaid carers are saving the economy £162 billion each year – often without adequate support – this partnership helps ensure that vital equipment reaches those who truly need it.

L-R Richard Winterton, Adam Harrison and Lawerence Smith, Grace Cares, Tom Winterton