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Deeping Scrubs Squad
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Report by Co-ordinator, Natalie Lumb
igning up to sew scrubs for the NHS is so much more than you could ever expect; the volunteers are not just there to help - they are involved because it also helps them. At a time when human contact is limited, and many of us find ourselves isolated, more alone than imaginable, or in a situation we deem unbearable, scrubs have given us purpose, companionship and a drive to be part of something wonderful. As one of the co-ordinators for the Deepings area, I feel privileged to have met people from all walks of life and they generously opened their hearts and shared their stories, some heart-breaking, with me. Meeting the people that benefit from the work we have done is warming; they are incredibly thankful and full of praise. This feels almost wrong; we adopted this role because we are so deeply appreciative of all they have sacrificed and continue to do for us and yet they show us their gratitude. The NHS is bursting with the most fantastic and passionate individuals, and helping them is an honour we are proud to behold. As a team, we have been able to help hospitals in Cambridge, Huntingdon, Peterborough, and beyond; keyworkers in care homes; Macmillan carers; specialist schools and nurseries, to name but a few. In seven weeks, our team of thirty-five (alongside “Deeping Cares”) produced:
637 face coverings 272 scrub hats 132 headbands 121 ear savers 3 knitted teddies Totalling 22
545 wash bags 271 scrub sets 123 knitted hearts 79 surgical gowns 2,183 items
D I S C O V E R I N G
T H E
Deepings
None of us had ever met, prior to this, but we formed a virtual community and pulled together to be part of something amazing. Drop-offs on doorsteps is the extent of our contact, whilst social media profile pictures give us a peek into what each of us looks like. We all speak fondly of a day when we can meet in person and wonder if we will be able to match faces to the characters we have come to know and care for. The “Scrubs Squad” hasn’t been exclusively for “sewists” either. Initially, when the need was at its greatest, we had generous offers from those willing to drive for us or help wherever they could; Helen, tracing out pattern after pattern for the sewing team around her position as a keyworker; Charlotte, a willing volunteer who quickly jumped aboard to co-ordinate with me and I’m so glad she did. The first few weeks were a blur between dropoffs, collections, distributing fabrics, new members arriving and needing the necessary resources to get started, and answering many questions at a time when we were still learning ourselves. Without Charlotte, I would have been drowning and we certainly hit the ground running. Within a day of joining, Charlotte and her family found themselves JULY 2020
