Community and businesses rally together restore hundreds of NHS mattresses

A volunteer day run by Lichfield not-for-profit Grace Cares turned Elmhurst Business Park into a hub of teamwork, laughter and purpose while saving vital equipment from landfill.

It was described as a “huge community effort” when over 80 volunteers joined Grace Cares for a 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.

Funds raised will 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.”