Essential workers across the Humber now have access to 1,000 face shields thanks to joint partnership

Essential workers now have access to 1,000 face shields, which have been made available across the Humber community thanks to Ron Dearing UTC, the Humber LEP and the Humber Local Resilience Forum.

Ron Dearing UTC, Hull’s employer-led school, has been working with the local business community and education establishments to design and manufacture the protective equipment.

The school has worked in partnership with local companies including G.F Smith, Ideal Boilers, Luxinar Lasers and the University of Hull’s Aura Innovation Centre to produce and donate more than 10,000 face shields to local key workers to date, including 1,000 flat pack face shields for wider Humber region.

The batch of 1,000 face shields are now available through the Humber Local Resilience Forum to those in need across both the north and south bank of the Humber, thanks to links made through the Humber LEP’s Coronavirus Community Support Hub.

The Humber LEP launched the Coronavirus Community Support Hub in order to bring together those who could offer supplies and expertise to support the fight against the pandemic with those in the community most in need of protective equipment and other in-demand materials.

The Humber LEP works with the Humber Local Resilience Forum to ensure the products are distributed to those who need them most.

These face shields can be used to protect key workers in essential roles and can be disinfected and used again. If an organisation with key workers requires face shields, they can contact covid19@humberlep.org to request support.

Chair of the Humber LEP, Stephen Parnaby OBE, said: “We are extremely grateful to the hard working team at Ron Dearing UTC and the local businesses supporting this initiative who have gone above and beyond to manufacture these face shields.

“In these difficult times, when PPE is difficult and expensive for many to source, it’s fantastic to see such a brilliant community effort to produce so many for the key workers of the Humber area.”

Glenn Jensen, Head of Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, who has led the school’s team throughout the project, said: “As a UTC, we work closely with companies, designing and running projects as part of our curriculum to ensure our students have the essential skills needed for the engineering and digital sectors.

“During this pandemic, our employer partners and local businesses have gone above and beyond, donating materials, machines and staff to help us manufacture, donate and distribute an amazing 10,495 face shields.

“It really does speak volumes about how we can all work more collaboratively and the amazing results it brings when we do.

“Well done and thank you to everyone involved in making this happen and enabling so many key workers to receive face shields across the region.”

Chair of the Humber Local Resilience Forum, Chief Fire Officer at Humberside Fire, Chris Blacksell said: “The Humber community has been outstanding in pulling agencies together to provide much-needed equipment and supplies in the face of this pandemic.

“We’d like to thank Ron Dearing UTC for their valued contribution at this difficult time and will be distributing the shields in due course.”