Golden Moments: A delightful afternoon tea for our over 70s community

Grace Cares warmly invites local over 70s and their loved ones to a delightful afternoon tea party on Sunday 20th July 3-5pm. This will be at the Grace Cares Hub on Elmhurst Business Park. This is a great afternoon in a relaxed environment where smiles are wide and conversations are free flowing.

We also have the lovely Dagmar and John from the Common Threads Project joining the Grace Cares tribe. They will be helping attendees to do some crafting, making it a really special day.

What to Expect

A selection of cakes and sandwiches
Arts and crafts with the lovely Dagmar and John
Friendly faces and new acquaintances
A warm and welcoming space where every guest feels special

This afternoon tea party is a way to show appreciation to the over 70s within our community who have seen so much, shared so much and still have much to give.

“We want to offer a joyful and welcoming space for our guests – a proper treat of an afternoon filled with tea, cake, creativity and conversation,” says Hannah Montgomery, Co-Founder of Grace Cares. “We’re thrilled to welcome Dagmar and John from the Common Threads Project to this special edition of our tea party on 20th July, and we hope it’s the start of something even bigger as we look to grow our monthly gatherings.”

Get Involved

If you’re interested in joining the tea party, it is free to attend but spaces are limited. Please book to avoid disappointment by filling in the google form (https://forms.gle/i4C55nG23iejjbha8) or calling the Grace Cares Hub on 01543 730 189.

Picture shows our recent afternoon tea party.

Green Groovy Dance Night Raises £500 to Help Keep Life-Changing Van on the Road

Rugeley event combines fun, sustainability, and community spirit in support of Grace Cares

A vibrant evening of sequins, sustainability and spectacular performances took centre stage in Rugeley, as the Green Groovy Dance Night raised £500 for local not-for-profit Grace Cares. The funds will help support the charity’s van crew, who will collect and redistribute vital care equipment across communities.

Hosted by Rebecca Cork from The Mount Rebecca Homes (a residential care provider supporting adults with additional needs) the event was inspired by the book Grace Cares launched last year Did You Deliver Sustainable Care Today? A Sustainability Guide for Care Managers. Determined to combine entertainment with purpose, Rebecca curated a night that celebrated climate-conscious choices, creativity, and community care.

Performers travelled from across the UK to take part, with the lineup including belly dance, burlesque, and hoop dance. A generous £200 donation from Foresters Financial helped fund the catering, while a packed raffle and late-night music added to the excitement.

“I wanted to create something that was fun, inclusive, and had a positive impact,” said organiser Rebecca Cork. “After reading the Grace Cares sustainability guide, I felt motivated to do something local that also contributed to the bigger picture. I’m so proud of everyone who came together to support this brilliant cause.”

Thank you and funds raised

The evening was made possible thanks to the generosity of local supporters. Special thanks go to Phil Tester who compared and DJ’d the evening free of charge, staying late to ensure the music kept playing. The venue, The Pear Tree Club in Rugeley, also kindly donated the room at no cost, with Mark Eustice providing exceptional support throughout. AJ Pillkington Photography generously offered their time to capture the event’s best moments.

The event raised an incredible £510 which will contribute to Grace Cares’ campaign to fund a part-time, two-person van crew for 12 months. The charity’s van is a vital part of its mission, collecting unwanted care equipment from NHS Trusts, care homes and community members, and ensuring it’s reused rather than sent to landfill.

Grace Cares Van Project

To date, the Grace Cares van project has:

Saved over 2,300 pieces of care equipment from landfill, including 770 through a partnership with Staffordshire County Council
Provided support to more than 1,800 people, including hardship grants and access to affordable equipment

“The van is so much more than a vehicle, it’s a lifeline,” said Hannah Montgomery, co-founder of Grace Cares. “It connects us with healthcare partners, care homes, and families in need. We’re incredibly grateful to Rebecca and everyone involved in Green Groovy. Events like these help us keep this vital work on the road.”

Each week, the Grace Cares van:

Visits NHS and care settings
Collects unwanted care equipment for second-life use
Rescues items from landfill
Supports the health and care workforce, older people, and the planet

Grace Cares is encouraging others to get involved. Whether by donating, volunteering, or hosting a fundraising event, every action helps extend the reach and impact of their work.

For more information, please contact:
Grace Cares
📞 01543 730189
📧 hello@grace-cares.com
🌐 www.grace-cares.com

Picture shows belly dancing group Sisters of Tribellica.

Innovation and Impact: Grace Cares Partners with the University of Birmingham for Impact Challenge 2025

Grace Cares, the award-winning not-for-profit based in Lichfield, was honoured to be one of just nine organisations invited to take part in the University of Birmingham’s Impact Challenge 2025. The week-long programme offers penultimate and final-year Birmingham Scholars a unique opportunity to collaborate with forward-thinking employers and tackle real-world business challenges with social impact at their core.

Over 50 students participated in this year’s challenge, each choosing to work alongside a business that aligned with their interests and values. Designed to foster innovation, the Impact Challenge connects the next generation of changemakers with purpose-driven organisations, and the results speak for themselves.

A Successful Collaboration

Grace Cares welcomed a team of six talented students to help develop creative ideas for their next intergenerational campaign. This is a key strand of the charity’s mission to build stronger, more connected communities.

Marketing Executive Karanjeet Basran reflected on the experience:

“The Impact Challenge was a brilliant success, not only for the students, but for us too. The group came up with thoughtful, values-driven campaign ideas rooted in care, sustainability and social impact. It was inspiring to see their passion and energy.”

Davi Walker, the Challenge lead at the University of Birmingham, praised the students’ commitment:

“I was incredibly proud of what the students achieved. Their professionalism, creativity and teamwork were outstanding. The outcomes and feedback across all the employer partners were truly inspirational. It was a fantastic week.”

Student Abbi Wood, who worked with the Grace Cares group, said:

“From the first day hearing the brief to presenting our ideas at the end of the week, the whole experience was amazing. We learnt so much, felt supported throughout, and the Grace Cares team’s enthusiasm was contagious. I can’t wait to see the Ageless Icon campaign idea come to life.”

Get Involved

If you’re interested in volunteering, gaining work experience, or collaborating on future campaigns, the Grace Cares team would love to hear from you.

📧 Email: hello@grace-cares.com
📞 Phone: 01543 730189
🌐 Visit: www.grace-cares.com

L-R – Tasnim Mahfuz, Abbi Wood, Olivia Hill, Karanjeet Basran, Ayyub Rahman, Yuen Ting and Zeba Hussain.

Grace Cares Volunteers Receive Mental Wellbeing Training as Part of Volunteer Week Thank You

As part of this year’s Volunteer Week 2025 celebrations, Grace Cares was proud to host a special training session focused on mental wellbeing, delivered by Amanda Jackson from Beacon Mental Health Training – who generously offered her time and expertise as a charitable donation.

Amanda delivered a powerful and practical session to Grace Cares’ dedicated team of volunteers, focusing on tools to support emotional resilience, confidence in supporting others, and self-care. The session was followed by a relaxed thank you lunch to celebrate the incredible work volunteers do all year round.

“Volunteers are often the quiet heroes supporting everyone else,” said Amanda. “It’s essential that they feel supported too. I was delighted to be invited to work with such a compassionate, community-focused team – and to give something back during Volunteer Week.”

Volunteering has well-known mental health benefits. According to the NCVO, 77% of volunteers say it improves their mental wellbeing, offering a sense of purpose, community and connection.

At Grace Cares, volunteers are at the heart of everything – from collecting and cleaning care equipment to hosting companionship tea parties, delivering sustainability workshops, and helping with behind-the-scenes logistics.

“We simply couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers,” said Pippa Moor, Community Engagement and Volunteer Lead at Grace Cares. “Amanda’s session was exactly what our team needed – uplifting, informative, and full of heart. It’s been a joy to celebrate our volunteers this week and remind them how much they’re valued.”

Grace Cares supports the over 70’s through sustainable care initiatives and community wellbeing programmes. To find out more about volunteering or to get involved, visit www.grace-cares.com, call 01543 730189 or email hello@grace-cares.com.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE 💚♻️

📚 Business, Books & Big Impact: Chamber Committee Rallies to Support Charity of the Year Grace Cares

The Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce committee is on a mission to make a difference – and they’re calling on the local business community to help. Their next event, Business, Books & Big Impact, promises an evening of networking with purpose, as the Chamber throws its full support behind its Charity of the Year, Grace Cares.

📅 Date: Monday 30th June
⏰ Time: 6.30–8.30pm
📍 Venue: PI-KEM, Unit 18, Tame Valley Business Centre, Wilnecote, Tamworth B77 5BY

This unique Chamber event brings together local businesses to connect over a shared commitment to supporting the local community, older people, their families – and the planet.

The highlight of the evening is the launch of the Grace Cares Sustainable Bookshop – a creative and eco-conscious fundraising initiative designed to raise vital funds to keep the charity’s community van on the road.

🚛 Why the Van Matters

Grace Cares rescues pre-loved care equipment from landfill and redistributes it to people in need across Staffordshire and beyond. Their community van is the backbone of this operation – visiting NHS Trusts and care homes, chatting with staff and residents, and collecting equipment that can be given a second life.

So far, the charity has helped over 1,500 people and saved more than 2,000 pieces of equipment from landfill. But with previous volunteer drivers now unable to continue due to health reasons, Grace Cares urgently needs funding to pay a dedicated crew. The Chamber committee has pledged to raise £5,000 to cover six months of van operations – half of the total annual cost.

📖 What to Expect on the Night

Guests are encouraged to bring:

A favourite book to use as a conversation starter
Extra pre-loved or inspiring books to donate
A willingness to get involved – from hosting book boxes in offices or coffee shops to helping with printing, fundraising, or logistics

The Grace Cares Sustainable Bookshop will stock these donated books in local venues, raising ongoing funds while promoting community sharing and sustainability.

Attendees can enjoy relaxed networking, a warm Chamber welcome, and the chance to make a tangible difference to people’s lives – all over a bite to eat (catering details to be confirmed).

💬 Chamber President Fiona Rouse said:

“The Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber is proud to stand behind Grace Cares and their inspiring mission to make care sustainable. This initiative perfectly reflects the community spirit, innovation, and social responsibility our local businesses are known for. I encourage every Chamber member to get involved – whether by donating a book or pledging support for the van, together we can create real impact.”

💬 Grace Cares Co-founder Hannah Montgomery added:

“This is more than a fundraiser – it’s a movement to make care more sustainable, more connected, and more community-driven. With the Chamber’s support, we can reach more people, save more equipment from landfill, and build a future where care and sustainability go hand in hand.”

🎯 Let’s Hit These Targets Together:

£1,000 = 1 month of van support
£2,500 = 3 months covered
£5,000 = Chamber goal: 6 months secured
£10,000 = A full year funded

🎟️ Book your place now

Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow businesses, give back, and be part of a local movement with national impact.

Bring your books. Bring your ideas. Bring your community spirit.

BOOK (excuse the pun) Here: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/event-calendar/joint-chamber-social-networking-june25.html

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE 💚♻️

Grace Cares Expands Capacity to Double Impact Thanks to Local Business Support

Grace Cares, the Lichfield-based not-for-profit on a mission to make care more sustainable, has taken a major step forward in its mission to rescue care equipment from landfill and support more people in need. Thanks to the generous support of local businesses Oakland International and Rack Collapse Prevention a brand-new racking system has now been installed at the Grace Cares Hub at Elmhurst Business Park.

The new racking system will significantly increase the hub’s storage capacity, allowing Grace Cares to sort, store and redistribute more equipment safely and efficiently. It’s a vital part of the charity’s bold goal to double the amount of care equipment saved from landfill and double the number of people they currently support across the UK.

“This new racking system might not sound glamorous, but it’s a total game-changer for us,” said Emma Smith, Co-Founder of Grace Cares. “It means we can process and store more equipment, respond faster to those in need, and ultimately do more good. We’re so grateful to the brilliant local businesses who’ve made this possible – it’s a fantastic example of community collaboration for social and environmental impact.” She added “It is such a joy to see the difference it has made to the working areas for a wonderful volunteers, they love the new space”

The installation was made possible through donations and support from businesses that share Grace Cares’ commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Dean Attwell, Co-Founder of Oakland International, added: “Grace Cares is a perfect example of a purpose-led organisation doing vital work for the planet and people at a grassroots level. We believe in backing initiatives that create long-term positive impact, and it’s been brilliant to use our logistical and warehousing knowledge to support Grace Care’s next stage of growth.”

Grace Cares has already redistributed over 2,000 pieces of care equipment, supported over 1,500 people, and delivered vital wellbeing activities and hardship grants across the country. With the added capacity from the new racking system, the team is now in a stronger position to build on that momentum.

Craig Attwell, Managing Director of Rack Collapse Prevention, commented: “We’re proud to support Grace Cares in such a meaningful way. Their work makes a real difference to people’s lives while tackling the huge issue of waste in the care sector. Helping them expand their operations is something we’re honoured to be part of.”

Grace Cares continues to welcome support from individuals and businesses who want to help build a more sustainable, compassionate future for care – locally, nationally, and beyond.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE 💚♻️

Grace Cares Unveils Winning Student Van Design at Lichfield Bower – A Celebration of Creativity, Community and Care

Local students recognised for their role in national design campaign supporting sustainability and social care

Lichfield-based not-for-profit Grace Cares is proud to celebrate the success of its second intergenerational ‘Pimp Our Ride’ creative competition, with the winning design now proudly featured on the back doors of the Grace Cares van.

The campaign invited students of all ages and abilities to design a graphic inspired by kindness, sustainability, and health and social care. After receiving 37 entries from across the country, the top 9 finalists were judged by a panel made up of older people supported by Grace Cares and care providers nationwide.

The winning design, created by Imogen from South Staffordshire College, was unveiled at the Lichfield Bower on 26th May, where it was seen for the first time on the Grace Cares van during the procession. The van will now be used to collect and redistribute care equipment across the UK.

🏆 The final results:

1st Place – Imogen, South Staffordshire College
2nd Place – Saxon Hill Academy
3rd Place – Landau Forte QEMS
People’s Choice Award – King Edward VI School
(winning the public vote with over 260 votes for their design)

“This campaign was a joyful blend of creativity, connection and community,” said Grace Cares Co-founder Hannah Montgomery. “It gave students the chance to use their talents to celebrate values we live by every day – care, sustainability, and social impact. The unveiling at the Bower was the perfect celebration.”

Fiona Rouse, President of Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce, added:
“As a former teacher, I know how powerful creative opportunities like this can be in helping young people feel seen, valued, and connected to their community. It was an honour to present the award to Imogen and support Grace Cares – our Charity of the Year – in such a meaningful, intergenerational initiative that brings real visibility to important social and environmental issues.”

Grace Cares would like to thank all participating students, schools, and judges – especially the older people and care professionals whose voices shaped the final decision.

To learn more about Grace Cares and their mission to make care sustainable ore register your interest in being part of the next intergenerational campaign, visit: www.grace-cares.com

📸 Image show the winning student Imogen being presented with a certificate and novelty cheque for £100 by the President of Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce during a special presentation ceremony.

L-R – Fiona Rouse, Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber President, Imogen Daws and Helen Plester from South Staffordshire College and Hannah Montgomery Grace Cares.

Grace Cares Partners with Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire to Support Hardship Grant Programme

Grace Cares, the pioneering not-for-profit on a mission to make care sustainable, have launched a strategic partnership with the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire to support a nationwide hardship grant programme supporting both health and social care workers and older people in financial difficulty.

Under this new partnership, the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire will administer and manage applications for hardship grants, ensuring that support reaches those most in need across the UK. The programme will be funded through Grace Cares’ sustainable business model of refurbishing and selling pre-loved care equipment.

“We’re delighted to join forces with the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, whose expertise in grant management will help us extend our support to vulnerable individuals nationwide,” said Hannah Montgomery, Co-Founder of Grace Cares. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to make care more sustainable, both environmentally and economically.”

Supporting Those Who Care and Those Who Need Care

The hardship grant programme supports at a critical time for both the care sector workforce and older people in the UK:

The average salary for care workers in the UK remains approximately £20,000 per year, significantly below the national average wage, with many care workers struggling to make ends meet amidst rising living costs.
Nearly 2 million pensioners in the UK are living in poverty, representing approximately 18% of people over 70, with many forced to choose between heating and eating during colder months.
An estimated 1.4 million older people in the UK face challenges accessing essential care services due to financial constraints.

“Care workers provide essential support to our most vulnerable, yet many struggle financially themselves,” said Joseph Smith, Head of Business Development & Philanthropy of the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire. “Similarly, too many older people find themselves in precarious financial situations after a lifetime of contribution. Grace Cares are looking to address both these pressing social issues simultaneously.”

Sustainable Care Model

Grace Cares’ innovative approach to sustainability involves collecting, refurbishing, and reselling pre-loved care equipment that would otherwise end up in landfill. This circular economy model not only reduces waste but also makes essential care equipment more affordable while generating funds for social impact initiatives.

How to Apply

Health and social care workers and people over 70 experiencing financial hardship can apply for grants through the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire website starting May 2025. Grants of up to £350 will be available to help with essential living costs, emergency situations, or specific care-related needs.

For more information, please see https://grace-cares.com/grants/ or contact the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire on 01785 339540.

The Photo: From left to right: Joseph Smith, Head of Business Development & Philanthropy at Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, Pippa Moor, Denny Middleton, Viv Lane of Grace Cares.

Let’s Make Care Sustainable – Be The Change You Want To See. 💚

Care Show London - Sustainable Care: How to Put Environmental and Social Policy into Practice

Care Show London 2025 – #CareShowESG

Thank you for attending the Care Show in London!

If you missed our session, this document captures the key points, discussions, and resources shared during our interactive panel.

Session Chair

Hannah Montgomery
We encouraged attendees to consider one key takeaway to ground their learning. Everyone is at a different stage in their sustainability journey – being part of the conversation is a powerful first step.

Meet the Panel

Lauri Smith – CEO, Josh’s Care Company
Laura Jordan – Partner, Anthony Collins LLP
Trudie Fell – CEO & Founder, BelleVie
Dr Matt Sawyer – Founder, SEE Sustainability
Hannah Montgomery – Co-Founder, Grace Cares

Key Discussion Points

How ESG Creates Measurable Value in Care Settings

Our panellists agreed that ESG is most impactful when it moves beyond compliance and becomes part of an organisation’s identity. She shared how her organisation was inspired by the Dutch Buurtzorg model and built ESG into its DNA from day one — especially the Social and Governance pillars:

Social (S):
- Decentralised teams that empower carers with autonomy
- Values-based recruitment to attract the right people
- Outcomes: better staff retention, stronger engagement, and attracting new talent into care
Governance (G):
- Coaching-style leadership instead of traditional hierarchy
- No managers – instead, self-managed, coached teams
Environmental (E):
- Office-free
- But one major opportunity area is transport: UK home care workers drive 4 million miles per day
- Launched an EV (electric vehicle) pilot in March 2025 to reduce carbon emissions sustainably

Takeaway:

ESG is most powerful when it’s embedded in everyday actions, not just policies. Building ESG principles into your culture drives better outcomes for your people, your organisation, and the planet.

Evaluating Suppliers’ ESG Credentials While Staying on Budget

Navigating ESG claims can be tricky – especially with limited resources. We explored five types of “greenwashing” to look out for:

Green Haloing – Spotlighting a single green initiative to distract from poor overall practices
Green Lighting – Highlighting minor wins while ignoring bigger sustainability issues
Green Shifting – Blaming the consumer or user for environmental harm
Green Crowding – Relying on “everyone else is doing it” to justify inaction
Green Rinsing – Constantly shifting ESG targets to appear progressive

Panellists recommended using third-party certifications (e.g. FSC, B Corp, Carbon Trust) and referencing the UK’s Green Claims Code to ensure honesty and evidence in supplier messaging. Trusted sources like ethicalsuperstore.com and socialenterprise.org.uk were highlighted.

Takeaway:

Choose suppliers carefully. Look for independent proof of sustainability claims, and don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions.

Creating Value Beyond Compliance Through ESG Audits

ESG audits are only powerful when they translate into action. Instead of focusing solely on paperwork, the panel emphasised:

Engaging the whole ecosystem — staff, families, and people supported
Making audits a living process, not a one-off document
Using audits as a vehicle for staff wellbeing initiatives, ESG champions, and inclusive conversations around Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

Embedding ESG into day-to-day operations — ensuring it’s part of the culture, not just an external report

Takeaway:

An ESG audit is only valuable if it drives real improvement. Involve your whole community and make ESG visible and meaningful every day.

Reducing Carbon Emissions Without Compromising Care

Reducing emissions in care is uniquely challenging due to:

24/7 service models
Energy-intensive medical and care equipment
Geographically spread-out workforces

But progress is achievable. Lauri Smith shared how her team created a ‘Sustainable Living with Care’ guide to empower clients and families:

Improve home energy efficiency
Switch to greener appliances
Engage in wellbeing-focused, low-energy activities like gardening or natural light use

They also introduced a ‘Carbon Pledge’, openly sharing annual emissions and action plans with all stakeholders.

Takeaway:

Sustainability and quality care can go hand in hand. Empower those you support to be part of the solution – and be transparent about your journey.

In Summary

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are no longer optional — they are strategic tools for delivering better, more sustainable care.

When implemented well, ESG transforms care organisations by:

Building stronger cultures and engaged teams
Enhancing the quality of care for the people we support
Strengthening financial resilience and reputation
Helping providers meet and exceed regulatory expectations

True ESG success comes from more than policies — it’s about implementation, collaboration, transparency, and continuous learning.
It’s a journey, not a destination — and every step forward matters.

Next Steps to Accelerate Your ESG Journey

✔️ Order your copy of Did you Deliver Sustainable Care Today?: The Sustainability Guide for Care Managers to support your planning

✔️ Follow the conversation at #CareShowESG to keep learning and sharing

✔️ Showcase your progress – celebrate small wins and inspire others!

Further Support from Caring For Tomorrow

Caring For Tomorrow is a quarterly online webinar series run by Grace Cares providing sustainability and ESG support for health and social care providers.

Each session offers practical ideas, funding updates, and real-world success stories to help you evidence and evolve your organisation’s sustainability strategy.

We’ll cover:
♻️ Current funding opportunities to boost your sustainability efforts
♻️ Success stories from care providers leading the way
♻️ Practical ideas to meet and exceed regulatory sustainability requirements

Upcoming Free Webinar Dates

💚 22nd May 2025 – Live case study: Royal British Legion
💚 25th September 2025 – Live case study: Anthony Collins LLP B Corp Health & Social Care Team
💚 4th December 2025 – Final Caring For Tomorrow webinar of the year

👉 Reserve your free place and find out more: grace-cares.com/caring-for-tomorrow

🌱 Together, we can create a future where care is not only compassionate, but truly sustainable.

Let’s Make Care Sustainable – Be The Change You Want To See. 💚

Grace Cares Sends Care Equipment to Ukraine in Support of War-Affected Patients

Grace Cares, the not-for-profit social enterprise committed to making care more sustainable, has delivered a van load of essential care equipment to Ukraine, supporting patients affected by war-related trauma, amputation, and post-surgical recovery. The donation was made in partnership with frontline medical volunteers, Driving Ukraine and humanitarian organisations working directly in conflict zones, ensuring the items reach those who need them most.

While Grace Cares primarily serves the UK by redistributing surplus care equipment to individuals, care homes, and community groups, this international donation supports their wider goal of reducing waste in the care sector through a responsible, circular approach.

The shipment includes mobility aids and trauma-support items. Items such as walking frames, crutches, wound dressings, catheters, and stoma care kits were all unable to be reused in the UK due to minor cosmetic damage, changes in infection control standards, or equipment upgrades – but remain fully functional and potentially life-saving in the right setting.

“We are heartbroken by the continued suffering caused by the war in Ukraine, and when we were asked if we could help, we knew we had the right resources to offer,” said Emma Smith, Co-Founder of Grace Cares. “These are items that are no longer usable in the UK – often due to missing parts or not meeting updated NHS standards – but they still have value and purpose. This is about compassion, dignity, and doing what we can to help, while staying true to our mission of sustainability.”

Previous humanitarian convoys have included defibrillators, ECG machines, and ultrasound units donated by UK hospitals, many of which were replaced due to system upgrades or had superficial issues such as cracked casings or worn wheels. Grace Cares’ donation complements these efforts by supplying practical, patient-centred equipment to support recovery and mobility in the wake of trauma.

“Much of the medical equipment we send out has cosmetic faults or has been replaced by newer versions – but is still entirely usable,” said Steve Eccleshall, one of the Ukraine convoy organisers from Driving Ukraine. “We’re grateful to Grace Cares for responding so quickly and generously. Every item they’ve provided will make a difference to people who have lost so much.”

Grace Cares ensures all international donations are carbon-offset and only send equipment that cannot be redistributed within the UK. Their UK-first approach means every opportunity is taken to support domestic care needs first, while ensuring that valuable resources are never wasted.