Following its donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the NHS during March, Sunseeker realised it could do even more by supporting the local care community whose ability to source PPE remains both challenging and expensive.

Sunseeker was inundated by volunteers who normally work at their soft furnishings department based at Sunseeker’s Technology Centre at Mannings Heath, Poole.

To ensure the safety of those working and the quality of items produced, strict social distancing and hygiene standards have been followed meticulously. Following assessment of initial designs, face masks and gowns were put in to production by the dedicated team headed up by Brett Williams, Upholstery Cell Manager. In a little under two weeks, the band of willing volunteers have produced an initial batch of 75 face masks, 80 visors and 550 gowns which will today be delivered to Agincare, based in Weymouth and Valorum Care, based in Bournemouth. The number will be repeated again next week and beyond until the demand is met.

Agincare provides care homes and domiciliary care, having grown to become one of the largest independent care providers in the UK, employing more than 3,500 staff across 50 locations. The first of several deliveries was made today to their head office in Castletown by Gary Clark, Production Manager at Sunseeker’s Technology Centre.

Commenting on the delivery, Gary said: “PPE shortages sadly remain an issue for our hard-working care workers nationwide. The Sunseeker team were adamant that they could help some of our local providers and have taken it upon themselves to design, test and manufacture substantial quantities which will now be used in our local care communities. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their dedication and hard work; they are a credit to our business and reflective of the passion we see every day from our incredible workforce. 

Raina Summerson, Chief Executive at Agincare, responded “It is fantastic that Sunseeker are donating these supplies and supporting the social care sector. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have been using vastly increased amounts and types of PPE across our locations.  With current monthly use in the region of 1m gloves, 1m aprons and over 200,000 face masks, all donations are gratefully received. They not only really help our local supply but most importantly represent support from our local business community, which means a great deal to us and our teams out there delivering essential care services throughout the pandemic.”