Residents support Love Grace appeal

The team and residents at our Lyons Court home in Chelmsford have donated pre-loved handbags to the Love Grace appeal, a campaign supporting domestic abuse survivors. 

The Love Grace appeal remembers 21-year-old Grace Millane, who grew up in Wickford in Essex, and was murdered in New Zealand in 2018. 

The campaign, which was set up by Grace’s family and friends, combines her love of handbags with a legacy in her name to end violence towards women.

The handbags are donated to women’s refuges or local hospitals and are given to women who have been admitted due to domestic violence, have no possessions and are unable to return home.

Lyons Court Residential Care Home is the first UK care home to get behind the Love Grace appeal. The project has seen the residents donate pre-loved handbags filled with essential items, such as toiletries, for women in need. To each handbag, a small tag is tied bearing the message, “Love Grace x”.

Gemma Court, Manager of Sanctuary Care’s Lyons Court Residential Care Home, commented: “It’s important to everyone here at Lyons Court Residential Care Home that we give back to and support our community.

“As a project with local roots, the Love Grace appeal is cause which is close to many of our residents’ hearts. We hope their donations can help to contribute to the valuable work of the appeal.

“Getting involved in projects like this also helps to create a wonderful sense of community and achievement amongst our residents, which we know is so important for an enriched life.”

The care home residents are now calling on members of Chelmsford community to bolster its efforts by donating their own handbags and toiletries to the appeal.

Donations can be dropped off at Lyons Court Residential Care Home, Canvey Walk, North Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 6LB.

For more about life in our Sanctuary Care homes, our Enquiry Support Team are here to talk on 0800 331 7422.