Sheffield charity boss makes urgent PPE plea after making his own masks

15th April 2020

A Sheffield charity boss who’s been sewing his own face masks so his staff can continue their vital work helping isolated older people across the city has made an urgent PPE plea.

Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) is continuing its pivotal work throughout the pandemic, which includes helping older people get back home once they’ve been discharged from hospital and delivering food parcels to those who are isolating.

But Chief Executive Mark Storey has been so desperate to protect his staff and service users from the coronavirus threat he’s been forced to turn to his mother in law’s sewing machine to make his own reusable masks.

Now he’s calling on businesses with spare supplies of gloves, aprons and masks to donate what they can.

Mark said: “Government guidelines currently state that care workers should use personal protective equipment for activities that bring them into close personal contact with others.

“Therefore it is vitally important for our staff to have the PPE they require to keep themselves and our service users safe.

“Unfortunately supplies of these, particularly face masks, are in high demand. If you are a business who has provisions right now please consider donating what you can to us.”

So far, SCCCC has gratefully received donations from medical device company Granton Medical Limited, and Valley Park Community School.

But with new personal protective equipment needing to be used for each episode of care, the charity needs more for its daily work to continue safely.

Despite the pandemic, SCCCC is still extremely busy supporting older people on discharge from hospital, providing practical and emotional assistance at times of need and supporting the NHS where it can, safely.

And even though the charity’s award-winning Good Neighbours Scheme is postponed for face-to-face visits, older people are still receiving support from volunteers through telephone calls and hand written letters, helping them to feel less isolated and lonely.

Along with PPE, SCCCC are calling out for other urgent Covid-19 related donations via Amazon. The wish list includes simple low cost items like single duvets, pillows and bedding.

PPE donations can be sent to SCCCC, Unit 19 President Buildings ,Savile Street East, Sheffield, S4 7UQ, or collection can be arranged by calling 0114 250 5293.

To donate via Amazon wish list, visit https://amzn.eu/iMwseeb