Staffordshire homebuilders help healthcare charity reuse, recycle and recover
Barratt and David Wilson Homes have donated £500 to Lichfield charity, Grace Cares, which is committed to making healthcare more sustainable.
Grace Cares, based close to the homebuilders’ Anson Gardens and Fradley Manor developments, is a not-for-profit organisation that saves care equipment from ending up in landfills. It redistributes it at half the original standard retail price or less to care providers and the public.
Through its partnerships with Staffordshire County Council, several NHS Trusts, and health and social care providers nationwide, the charity is able to extend its support beyond environmental work to include social impact projects.
These projects include companionship tea parties, sustainable activities and hardship grants for health and social care workers who are struggling.
Hannah Montgomery, Sustainability and Care Lead at Grace Cares, said: “Since our launch on Valentine’s Day in 2023, we’ve supported over 1,000 people and kept nearly 1,000 pieces of care equipment in use, creating a circular economy of care that benefits both the planet and people.
“Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ £500 donation will help us raise money for an additional storage container, which is essential for our operation.
“When we have enough funds, this storage will give us more space to safely house equipment and supplies until they can be rehomed, allowing us to meet the increasing demand for care items in the local area and nationally.”
According to a report by the UK Parliament, record demand, an ageing population and inflation are all factors that are putting pressure on NHS services and causing significant delays.
In England, waiting lists for hospitals peaked at 7.8 million in 2023, which means that people are unable to access the healthcare equipment which will make their lives easier. This is where charities like Grace Cares can help ease the pressure on the NHS.
Hannah continued: “The work that Grace Cares does is vital to our community, as we focus not only on environmental benefits, but also on social welfare.
“In addition to finding new homes for care equipment, we support older people through activities and events, including our annual anti-January blues meal and intergenerational projects.”
The charity’s outreach has positively impacted more than a thousand individuals in Lichfield and the surrounding areas, helping to combat loneliness, reduce waste and provide practical support for those in need.
Hannah added: “Local donations like this one from Barratt and David Wilson Homes play a crucial role in sustaining organisations like Grace Cares. They allow us to respond directly to the needs of the community, creating a more resilient local support network.
“Additionally, our recent ESG Leader Award win at the Social Care Leadership Awards in London highlights the recognition our work has received on a broader scale, thanks to the generous support of local sponsors and community-minded organisers.”
Adrian Evans, Managing Director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: “Charities like Grace Cares solve key issues facing communities, not only when it comes to healthcare assistance but also environmental issues as well.”
Helen Lewis, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “We are proud to support Grace Cares and it’s invaluable work with the local community.”
