Harrow School’s Design and Technology department has produced protective masks for Harrow Carers to keep their Support Workers safer in the midst of the Covid-19 epidemic.
Harrow Carers look after some of society’s most vulnerable, visiting homes and often facing difficult working environments. Their vital work helps to keep these clients out of local hospitals at a time when they are stretched to capacity.
Charmian Boyd of Harrow Carers said, “We are so grateful to Harrow School for this and all the other amazing support they have given us. Keeping our care support workers safe is our top priority – so they remain as protected as possible to enable us to continue to look after clients in their homes.
“We will also use the masks to protect our fantastic volunteers who are helping with shopping and food distribution to those isolating at home. Harrow School’s generosity and speed of response is therefore all the more welcome.”
Prototypes were developed in the School’s workshop at Harrow on the Hill using 3D printing. After further research, a laser cut version was adapted and the School has since donated more than 100 masks to Harrow Carers and other healthcare services, with capacity to produce many more.
Polypropylene plastic sheets form the main headband and the face shield is made from Acetate which clips to the front of the mask. They are finished with an adjustable strap to fit varying head sizes.
Tim Dalton, Director of the School’s charitable programme Shaftesbury Enterprise, said, “Our capacity to support our wider community at an unprecedented time of difficulty is significant. Our strong relationship with Harrow Carers has ensured that we can deliver vital personal protection equipment to the unsung heroes in our community and who support those looking after the most vulnerable people in our society.”
Harrow School have also donated a significant amount of food, hand sanitiser, aprons and £4,000 of fundraising to Harrow Carers as part of the Shaftesbury Enterprise response to the current crisis.
Harrow Carers provides services to carers in the borough of Harrow and other parts of London and is busy providing outreach services including befriending, benefits advice, shopping services, food parcel delivery, home care visits, counselling and emotional support. Our crowdfunding page is https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/harrow-carers-coronavirus-appeal for those who would like to help us provide financial assistance to our support workers.
