November Update
We have some feedback and updates for you on what we have achieved and ongoing issues. Read on.
First and foremost a big thank you to ..
We are truly thankful to our loyal team of volunteers, helpers and supporters for everything they do, from the industrious sewing teams, cutters, assemblers, drivers, and those who just give of themselves.You are all invaluable!
By way of proof of that - we have delivered over 17,000 items since the start of February 2020.
We also have to thank lots of other people and organisations, without whom we wouldn’t function quite as well. In no particular order we want to mention:-
The Bank of England for allowing us to use the squash courts, and cottage for the Scrub Hub, and also agreeing to promote The Scrubbery with a banner in Bank Lane.
The ITF who have generously loaned us a printer, and donated hand sanitiser and occasional food parcels.
To John Henry Hire for the very kind short term loan of the catwalk staging for our first improvised cutting table – it made such a difference!
To the Jim McKinny Fund – a Roehampton based charity – that funded the cost of all building materials of a new more permanent cutting table.
To Matt Price from the Parish of Putney for his stalwart efforts in building the new cutting table and repatriating the staging. We hope he enjoyed the thank you chocolate cake donated by Cook!
Year 12 from Ibstock School who have started to come in for a couple of afternoons each week, to help out, initially assembling mask kits for a request from Wandsworth Council for 1,000 masks.
Photobox Ltd., who, following an enquiry from Rosie, donated 9,000 masks, provided and created for free, for St Georges University Hospital. These masks protect NHS staff, while outside of the hospital, when travelling to and from work for example. Nicola a Respiratory Nurse Specialist there said: “The re-useable face masks are fab and amazing quality… We’re so grateful to people like Rosie, Christo and the team at Photobox who recognise the vital role the NHS plays in all our lives and are motivated to give back and say thank-you”
Behind the Scenes
We did a small survey of our lovely team members and thought we should share some highlights with you:
Age of volunteers: these range from 13 year olds to a 94 year old youngster.
Post codes covered: TW, SW, KT, but we also go as far afield as Dorest, Surrey and Edinburgh.
Some comments made in the survey:
‘It has connected me to other people in a time of uncertainty.’
‘Nice to find a volunteering opportunity that is also fun to do, in my own time, and at my own pace.’
‘It gave me focus’
‘Glad to do something useful’
‘I have a reason to sew and it’s therapeutic - it’s great to help the NHS - makes me feel good’
‘Our time and effort helps the big project run smoothly - small cog in big wheel’
‘It has given me a sense of purpose, got me out, and helps me feel less hopeless during the pandemic’
It’s good to interact with other gals in the Putney Women's Institute team, to chat, have lunch. I almost feel ‘normal’, thumbs up to our leader Rosie’
“I feel I have done something worthwhile”
“It kept me sane and focussed”
“It has taught me to sew”
London Borough of Wandsworth - Funds made available to us.
We are delighted to share the news that the Mayor and Burgesses of the London Borough of Wandsworth have allocated us £5,000 from the Covid 19 Food and Essentials Fund. This money will cover the cost of making 1,000 masks that will be distributed to vulnerable people in the Borough of Wandsworth.
Other Milestones
We have been working closely with carers in the community. We continue to supply dentists, doctor’s surgeries, as well as hospitals, medical centres and care homes. We have a full range of carefully designed scrubs, gowns, hats, headbands, masks and scrub bags that we can deliver.
The list below is some of the hospitals we have created, cut out, and sewed scrubs for :
St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust
Hammersmith Hospital Imperial College Healthcare Trust
Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
West Middlesex University Hospital
Northwick Park Hospital
Kings College Hospital
Hillingdon Hospital
Central Middlesex Hospital London North West University Healthcare