Given the PPE shortage across the social care sector, two Yorkshire firms have teamed up to manufacture and donate face shields to over 30 facilities across the region.
With the National Care Association claiming that prices of PPE have been inflated by up to 400%, over 350 visors have been manufactured and donated to care homes and sheltered services by Leach and Blueberry – with deliveries already well underway.
Since the onset of the UK’s COVID-19 pandemic, graphic display specialist Leach has used its in-house expertise to manufacture face shields and social distancing graphics.
Concerned by the lack of protection for frontline workers, Leeds-based agency Blueberry Marketing Solutions approached Leach and subsequently donated in excess of £2,000 in joint-funding to cover the costs of production and distribution of visors for the region.
Faresh Maisuria, managing director at Blueberry Marketing Solutions, said: “We’ve all seen the stories in the news around the PPE shortages and it’s heartbreaking that frontline staff don’t always have the protection they need.
“After hearing that Leach were manufacturing PPE, we decided to donate some to care providers locally. It’s important for Blueberry to do our bit, give back to the community and show our appreciation for the terrific contribution care workers are making on the frontline.
“Many care homes have been struggling to source the PPE they need” Faresh continued; “and the National Care Association has highlighted that many are facing highly inflated costs, with some items 400% what they would be in the normal way.”
Janet Robinson, building manager at Stanhope Court in Horsforth, said: “Personally I feel relieved I have the added protection. It does make me feel so much safer going into work given the client base I work with is higher risk. I was genuinely really touched that they reached out to me and wanted to do something to help.”
Michael Trevethan, marketing manager at Leach, explained “Like many organisations, we’ve had to adapt our business model during these difficult times, while also seeing an opportunity to support essential industries and key workers.
“We were initially approached by an NHS Trust about our capabilities, and quickly made the decision to produce all PPE equipment at cost. For those firms which remain open – and those reopening in months ahead – we’ve also introduced a range of social distancing graphics to help businesses adjust to life post-lockdown.
“So far, the response has been fantastic and we’re just glad to be doing our bit and able to make a difference.”
