Sixth form steps up to support NHS during the lockdown

One has stepped up to help the National Health Service (NHS) during the COVID-19 lockdown.

One Sixth Form College has collected all of their available personal protective equipment from their facilities and science departments and handed them over to the NHS.

They were approached by Rob Hinsley, a rector in the south west of Ipswich team ministry.

He said, “This came about through social media – I saw another school had done this, approached the hospital and they said they said they would love as much PPE as they could get us. Chantry Academy got on board and One also got involved - as did Westbourne Academy.  We donated vast amounts (of PPE) and the hospital was bowled over with the response.”

In addition to this, art and design teacher, Rhinannon Blackman, is using a 3D printer to create some visors and masks as part of a community effort that is taking place in Hadleigh.

The Suffolk based resident is also making some valves for Hadleigh Castings who have been commissioned to make some ventilators by the UK government.

She said, “I’ve got a 3D printer that was dormant so I started it to make visors and valves last week. It’s all part of a community effort in Hadleigh and we are donating what we make to doctors surgeries, nursing homes and supermarkets.

“People pulling together like this is one of the positives to come out of this. Lots of our students at One are key workers so I’m thinking about them (along with the NHS and other people who are supporting the COVID-19 effort) whilst I’m doing this,” she added.

Facilities Manager, David Townsend, said, “It’s our honour to do whatever we can do to support the NHS, other industries and key workers during these challenging times.”

Rhinannon modelling the visors.