Wight Mask Ask Urgently Seeks PPE for Isle of Wight’s Most Vulnerable
Care homes and home carers on the Isle of Wight are running dangerously low on masks and PPE. The elderly and those with health conditions face the highest risk from Covid-19, but protective gear is in short supply.
Charity Launches Campaign to Shield Island’s Frail
National charity Embracing Age has set up Wight Mask Ask to tackle this crisis head-on. Partnering with local project Care Home Friends, the initiative aims to get vital PPE to the island’s care sector fast.
Tina English, founder and director of Embracing Age, said:
“Care home residents and those receiving home care are some of the most frail and vulnerable people on the Isle of Wight. Dedicated carers are putting their lives on the line with limited protective equipment. The spread of coronavirus in care homes can have devastating consequences.”
Wight Mask Ask will bulk buy masks and distribute them to care homes and domiciliary carers, including agency workers and specialist carers like Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses. Organisations able to help with costs will be asked to donate, but free PPE will be supplied if they cannot afford it.
Dementia Nurses Highlight PPE as Lifeline
Catherine Flury, Chairman of Dementia UK Admiral Nurses Isle of Wight, stressed the importance of proper PPE:
“Admiral Nurses support vulnerable, lonely people with dementia who are anxious and distressed during these difficult times. The correct PPE is essential for their care and safety.”
Community Unite to Protect Island’s Vulnerable
Wight Mask Ask is teaming up with charities like Wight Aid and Aspire Ryde to pool resources and secure a steady supply of PPE. If you want to help, email [email protected].
Donations can be made online at www.wightmaskask.com by selecting the Wight Mask Ask option. Every penny goes directly to protecting Isle of Wight’s most vulnerable.
