A community group of stitchers is helping health and care workers in the island by creating free drawstring bags and sanitary clothing.
Manx Sewing for Safety has been supplying hundreds of colourful, handstitched scrubs and tote bags for health staff members across the island in response to a growth in demand caused by coronavirus.
The initiative started when a local nurse turned to a Manx Facebook group called the ’Secret Stitch Society’, led by Estelle Bagnall, who called for support as her practice was in need of the supplies.
Since then there have been a good number of volunteers offering fabric, sewing skills and pattern drafting skills, who have made the essential bags and clothing for nursing homes, group practices, community teams, Hospice and Rebecca House, and Isle of Man Prison staff.
Estelle said: ’The Manx Sewing for Safety group aim to make much needed scrubs for clinicians during a physically and emotionally demanding time, whilst ensuring volunteers abide by the social distancing rules.
’The response has already been wonderful. The generous island makers have created and distributed well over 200 bags to frontline workers, without contributing to non-essential travel. The group is humbled to see the government have been inspired to create their own production line factory at the University College Isle of Man, to provide extra scrubs to secondary staff within Noble’s Hospital.
’Receiving clinicians have been delighted with their gifts of hand-made cloth bags to transport their uniform and personal belongings home safely.’
The admin team has spent hours working behind the scenes, including accountant Jenny Moore who has helped with sponsorships.Most recently the Women’s Institute has come on board.
Estelle added: ’There are many orders to fulfil and still plenty more that need help.
’If you feel that you have the time and skills to donate to this great cause, please join "Manx Sewing for Safety" on Facebook, or email Estelle at [email protected].’