The local community in Worthing is responding to the shortage of PPE by harnessing the power of digital technology.
Members of Transition Town Worthing have answered the call from 3dcrowd.uk to 3D print face masks for health care workers and others delivering frontline services, and this week have borrowed two 3D printers from Worthing’s creative industries hub Colonnade House. Another two have been sourced from the community, and other people in Worthing are operating at least three more machines working on this project.
The printers were available because of the recent Space to Make project that gave community partners, creative professionals and the public opportunities to explore the potential of digital technology and to test the idea of a makerspace for Worthing. Community and voluntary sector support organisation Community Works partnered with Colonnade House for this project and it’s through this link that Transition Town Worthing have been able to access the 3D printers.
Since TTW put out the call, the number of people offering help has grown by the day – including sourcing plastic for the visors, elastic, suitable clean workspace and technical support.
Emma from Community Works said:
During this stressful time for all we feel so fortunate to be part of the communities in Adur and Worthing who are pulling together to find local solutions as challenges emerge. So many people have already put themselves forward to volunteer to help, but there is still a greater need. If you have even a little time to give, there are details of how here:
Sam from TTW said:
The 3DCrowdUK project is coordinating makers in the community, in schools, colleges and manufacturing companies, all working to a consistent design and set of operating procedures, and distributing them to the people who need them. You can find out more about the project and sponsor, donate or volunteer on their website:
Since April 6, TTW have produced 39 sets of frames (headband and bottom reinforcement) as part of the national scheme and will be shipping a batch of 40 to Sheffield by free DPD pick-up where they will be bagged up as kits with laser cut screens and strips of elastic, and shipped out to fill orders and be assembled by the end user.
The Big Print has had 5000 volunteers signed up in the last 10 days and is co-ordinating a national effort to distribute face-shields to people who need them. Below you’ll see a pair of maps. One is showing the RED PINS of orders from front line workers. Asking for 334,000 face shields. The other is the TURQUOISE PINS of the 4946 volunteers, offering help.
