A GROUP of stitchers making face masks for care workers and frontline health staff are appealing for donations of materials.
The Community Stitchers for PPE group in Barnard Castle has been working with Barnard Castle School to produce the masks that staff are supplying to care homes as well as frontline workers in shops.
The face masks, which are washable, can be worn under protective vizors also being produced at Barnard Castle School
Emma Rowell, who helps co-ordinate the delivery of the items, said: “We have covered all of the care homes in Barnard Castle and further afield.
“We have also given some to the Co-op in Middleton and in Barnard Castle.
“We have three stitchers – Fiona Brookes, Sally McCollin and Lucie Nicholson – who came together to supply face masks when there were none to be had in the area.
“The group quickly adapted and improved a design which provides a snug washable non-medical, reusable face mask.
“It offers some protection to the elderly and vulnerable people from their carers.
“It isn’t the best PPE but in the absence of any, it is certainly better than nothing.
“These women are engineers – they have got it down to 15 minutes a mask.’
The stitchers and vizor makers are providing everything from their own stocks and would welcome any donations of fabric, elastic or thread or buttons.
Other places to have benefited are Butterknowle Surgery and Herons, in Barnard Castle
People who have materials to donate can contact Emma Rowell on 07547 931296.
