South Essex College students and staff use skills to support NHS workers

Students and staff at South Essex College are using their skills to make various items for NHS staff.

Costume Construction students Dani Labruyere and Chloe Stockwell have been busy making scrubs while lecturer Emma Bowers has been creating ‘ear savers’. 

These sit at the back of the head, the facemask elastic goes over the buttons making them more comfortable to wear during shifts.

Meanwhile Animal Science student Alicia Chambers has made a selection of ear savers and masks from home despite only having a ‘very small amount’ of sewing experience. She decided to follow online tutorials to learn how to do it and pick up a new hobby at the same time.

The items are being donated to the NHS to support staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dani said: “There is a shortage of these items and so many people all over the country are helping. It’s so lovely that so many people can contribute, whether it’s scrubs or things such as washing bags, everything helps, as long as it’s usable!”

Alicia said she was inspired to learn something new to help others.

She said: “I’m going to carry on making them during isolation because there are so many people needing them.”