In December 2019 it was reported that a virus unknown to the world had broken out with fatalities increasing as a result. The virus began to spread and within weeks, the first reported case was announced here in the UK.
Care In Hand recognised the potential implications and following an operational meeting began preparing and placing orders for additional PPE in February 2020. It was clear very early on that certain types of PPE were already in high demand and that we were going to struggle to obtain adequate stock for our care workers without help.
As the world declared a global pandemic the need for additional items such as masks and eye protection became ever more pressing and we knew we had to do as much as we could to protect both our service users and our dedicated care staff.
On 27th March 2020 we launched a public appeal for volunteers to help with the supply of face masks. The response was simply staggering, with our post being viewed by over 14,000 people, we were overwhelmed as the messages began flooding in. The kindness and community spirit surpassed our expectations and what started with a request for face masks led to eye protection and visors also being donated to our staff on the frontline. Almost every day parcels were being left on the doorstep of our office from members of the public and local organisations with a quick note to wish us well and to contact them if we needed more.
Without the support of the local people we would have been without vital PPE during a crucial time so we want to say a special thank you to you all.
Face Mask Volunteers
Anthea – East Williamston
Lynne – Haverfordwest
Bronwen – Carew
Rowena Milford Haven
Sarah – Cosheston
Helen – Goodwick
Jay – Saundersfoot
Pippa and Georgie – Goodwick
Paddy – Pembroke Dock
Anna – Milford Haven
Pat – Narberth
Sue – Pembroke
Denise – Narberth
Mrs Adams – St Florence
Jolette – Goodwick
Lorraine – Pembroke Dock
Carol – Goodwick
Sharon and family – Narberth
Eye Protection & Visors Donated
Stephen Vaughan – visors and face protection Pembrokeshire @ 3d printing Pembrokeshire. Care In Hand have donated towards materials and if you would like to, please donate here via their GoFundMe Page.
Crymych Community Project – Visors
Other Items Donated
Narberth Round Table – bottled water and fruit and veg hampers.
Adam Vincent @ Trehale Farm Mathry – cotton membrane
Catrin & Family – headbands
Councils and Welsh government have been very responsive to testing for carers and clients and really helpful with cash flow and PPE as they too found obtaining PPE to distribute very challenging. Our partnership working with the NHS and ward staff has been comprehensive and effective in safeguarding everyone concerned and we are extremely grateful for all you do.
Last but by no means least… a huge thank you to our clients, their families and our dedicated and professional carers for all of your hard work and support during this crisis. Without your passion and commitment, navigating these difficult times would simply have been impossible and we are very proud to have you on our team.
To everyone else who got in touch, sending us contacts and directing us to where we could find materials for the mask makers and all others who were unfortunately too far away for us to deliver to but did their part by sharing our public appeal post for volunteers… we thank you all.
