At Lily Arkwright, our values go beyond offering exquisite jewellery — we also believe in giving back to the communities that support us. To celebrate the grand opening of our new showrooms in Bristol and Glasgow, we wanted to do something meaningful that reflects our commitment to positive social impact. That’s why we launched the Social Champions Grant. This initiative was designed to highlight local heroes, organisations, and grassroots efforts that make a real difference in their communities.

The response to the Social Champions Grant has been nothing short of incredible. We received an overwhelming number of applications, each one filled with stories of passion, hard work, and dedication to helping others. It was both inspiring and humbling to learn about all the fantastic work happening right in our local area. After careful consideration, we are thrilled to announce the two winners, who will each receive £1,000 to continue their life-changing efforts: Nostalgia and Baby Bank Network Bristol.

Supporting the Elderly: Nostalgia 

The Nostalgia Group is a community-focused initiative that is on a mission to combat loneliness and isolation among elderly people. It’s a sad truth that as people age, they often face increasing social isolation. Family and friends may move away, and mobility issues can make it harder to engage in everyday activities. This can lead to feelings of depression and a shrinking social world for many older adults.

The Nostalgia Group tackles this issue head-on by organising free community events designed to bring joy, connection, and a sense of belonging to older people. Their events often take place in local halls or care homes and include activities like live music, group meals, and games — all in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. What makes their work truly special is the emphasis on fostering genuine connections and friendship. For many elderly people who may be struggling with feelings of loneliness, these events offer a critical lifeline of support.

With the £1,000 grant from Lily Arkwright, the Nostalgia Group is planning a special Christmas Day celebration. They will open a local hall to welcome elderly residents, especially those who might otherwise spend the holiday alone. The event will be filled with festive food, live music, games, and a cheerful, community-driven atmosphere. For a few hours, attendees will be able to forget their troubles, celebrate the holiday season, and connect with others.

As Geraldine Baird MBE, a representative from Nostalgia Group, shared: “ “Many older people can be victims of depression as loneliness seeps into their lives. Nostalgia offers the hand of friendship and a sense of being valued and belonging, as well  as a chance to make new friends.”

 

Supporting Families in Need: Baby Bank Network Bristol

In its tenth year, Baby Bank Network Bristol has become a critical support system for families struggling to provide the essentials for their young children. As financial pressures continue to mount for many, Baby Bank Network offers pre-loved baby items — such as cots, pushchairs, clothes, and toys — to families who need them most. Their mission is twofold: not only do they help alleviate child poverty, but they also promote sustainability by encouraging families to donate items they no longer need, reducing waste in the process.

The £1,000 grant will help Baby Bank Network provide essential toiletry bundles to families living in hygiene poverty. These bundles will include items like nappies, baby wipes, soap, shampoo, towels, and post-natal care supplies for mothers. By providing these essentials at no cost to struggling families, Baby Bank Network helps to relieve a major source of stress during what can already be a very challenging time.

Baby Bank Network is supported by an incredible team of dedicated volunteers and a wide network of referral partners. Together, they work to ensure that no child in the area has to go without the basics, and that families in need are met with compassion and support. If you’d like to learn more about their work or make a donation to support their efforts, please visit Baby Bank Network.

Join Us in Supporting Local Heroes

At Lily Arkwright, we are beyond excited to be a part of these inspiring initiatives. Both the Nostalgia Group and Baby Bank Network Bristol exemplify the kind of community spirit and compassion that we believe in. By supporting their work through the Social Champions Grant, we hope to bring even more joy, relief, and connection to those who need it most.

As we celebrate the opening of our new showroom, we encourage everyone to get involved in supporting these incredible organisations. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing their stories with others, every contribution helps make a positive difference in our communities.

We’re excited to continue building on the Social Champions Grant initiative in the future, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact these funds will have on the winners and their communities. Stay tuned for more updates from Lily Arkwright, and don’t forget to visit our showroom to see our latest collections!

For more information on the Social Champions Grant or to learn more about the winners, visit our Social Champions page.