0771 812 4076 ann@annvandyke.co.uk

So like many folks, as lock down hit, my work slowed to a stop. I started various DIY projects at home, (and I do have a great looking garden now), but I found it hard to settle. This was after all not a holiday but a national emergency.

I was introduced to a group of volunteers here in Cornwall who were sewing re-usable cloth masks to support the very real PPE shortages at the time. Now, I’m no sewist, but I could see the need for coordination. Over a five day period I recruited a 15 strong “behind the scenes team” and established:

  • A website and social media
  • Administration systems for orders and registrations
  • Finance and fundraising to ensure cost was not prohibitive to taking part
  • A team of sewing mentors to support the making of masks to an internationally recognised pattern
  • A set of principles and way of working which promoted collaboration, inclusion and safety throughout.

In just 6 weeks the group supplied over 8000 masks to key workers in Cornwall and reached over 16000 people through social media. I gave several local radio interviews along the way. The whole project was run entirely by volunteers, (approximately 700) and still answers calls for help now. I also developed a whole new skill set around using Zoom and Teams!

Radio Interview

For more information see cornwallclothmasks.co.uk