Ontex partners with Grace Cares to launch new initiative in support of unpaid carers

Leading global personal hygiene firm Ontex has joined forces with Lichfield-based not for profit support group Grace Cares to launch a new project supporting unpaid carers.

The Carer Connect initiative is aimed at understanding and supporting the millions of unpaid carers across the UK.

At the heart of Carer Connect is a nationwide consultation, led by Vicki Marshall, who recently joined Grace Cares in a newly created part-time role, part-funded by Ontex, global provider of personal hygiene products.

Drawing on over two decades of NHS experience and a personal passion for community wellbeing, Vicki has led both a wide-reaching survey and a series of face-to-face listening sessions with unpaid carers and reached out to local support networks, councils and the Carers Trust.

“Unpaid carers are often the invisible support holding families and communities together,” said Vicki. “Many don’t even recognise themselves as carers, they’re simply looking after someone they love. But they deserve to be recognised, respected, and supported.”

The findings from the consultation are now being compiled into a white paper of recommendations called Caring by Love, not by Pay: Stories and solutions from unpaid carers, which will shape the foundation of Carer Connect’s first support offer later this year.

Unpaid carers play a critical yet under-supported role in society. According to Carers UK, there are an estimated 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK, contributing care worth around £132 billion annually. That is the equivalent of a second NHS, yet many go without access to even the most basic support or recognition.

“Partnering with Ontex has given us the opportunity to truly listen,” said Hannah Montgomery, Co-Founder of Grace Cares. “Carer Connect is about more than resources – it’s about building a movement. We want unpaid carers to feel seen, valued, and supported, not left to carry the weight in silence.”

Michelle Garvey, marketing manager (UK Healthcare) at Ontex, added: “Supporting unpaid carers aligns perfectly with our mission to make everyday life easier for people of all generations. Grace Cares brings real innovation and compassion to the table, and we’re proud to stand behind a project that’s both practical and impactful.”

Pictured: From left - Hannah Montgomery (Grace Cares), Michelle Garvey (Ontex International) and Vicki Marshall (Grace Cares)