Although these last few weeks have been challenging, they’ve also seen a swell of kindness and altruism from across the community. An outstanding example of this is Manchester South Mini Scrub Hub, a fantastic group from South Manchester helping to supply the NHS with much-needed scrubs. The group are constructing hospital scrubs and other crucial items, such as hats and drawstring wash bags, to help NHS staff stay safe on the front line of the Covid-19 crisis.
Starting out as just a few people united by a common goal, a Facebook page for the group was set up on 10th April. Since then, the group has grown to 67 members, many of whom are offering their sewing skills whilst furloughed from work or in addition to their regular jobs.
It is really empowering to see the community coming together and helping each other at this critical time. The enthusiasm people have in wanting to play a role is heart-warming.
Kerry Munro, founding member and West Didsbury resident
As of the beginning of May, Manchester South Mini Scrub Hub have raised just shy of £1,500 to purchase materials and has used a staggering 500 metres of fabric to create; 61 sets of scrubs, 300 hats and 350 wash bags. These supplies have been donated to organisations across South Manchester, including The Christie, NHS Care in the Community and Stockport Ambulance. They are now working on 60 sets of new scrubs and continuing to make hats and wash bags for GPs, hospitals and local carers in South Manchester and beyond.
Through hard work and their innovative approach, Manchester South Mini Scrub Hub have shown the impact a group of like-minded and passionate people can have, even in the face of a crisis.
If you would like to find out more about the group, and how to support them, visit their Facebook page.
Do you have an idea to bring the community together?
Manchester South Mini Scrub Hub was one of many projects to receive funding from our Beautiful South Fund. The Fund offers up to £2,500 for projects focused on benefiting the local community. There's no strict mould on what your project should be - previous recipients of the fund range from a big CommuniTEA party in Withington last summer to Nifty Fifties, a weekly group for locals aged 50+ at Ladybarn Community Hub - but it should centre around a theme of neighbourliness.
You can find out more about the Beautiful South Fund and how to apply here.
If your project needs to wait for changes to the government's coronavirus measures, please don't be put off! You can apply for funding now with the aim of using it when social distancing measures come to an end.