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Face Mask Appeal

Published on 18 August 2020 02:47 PM

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove (WSBH) is asking people who are handy with a needle and thread to make some reusable cotton face masks for the charity to distribute to older people locally.

The masks will go to people accessing the charity’s services, many of whom may be on a low income or beginning to come out of isolation after a long period in lockdown. 

The masks will form part of the contents of this year’s ‘Bags of Support’ initiative, where the charity distributes cotton tote bags filled with information and freebies to over 50s. This year, the charity is hoping to provide a reusable face mask, antibacterial soap or hand sanitiser and an activity pack, along with information and advice on services, including befriending.

Claire Long, Head of Relationship Management at Age UK WSBH said “As those who have been shielding start to get out and about again, we thought it would be a great idea to help by providing reusable masks in our bags of support this year. We’ve been there for older people throughout this pandemic and we’re still here for them now as we all try to adjust to the ‘new normal’ of face coverings and social distancing. If you can help us out by making some masks, we’d be so grateful. In the meantime, we want older people to know they can turn to us at this time, whatever it is they are facing.”

Age UK WSBH quickly adapted in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. As well as information and advice, the charity offered doorstep deliveries, emergency welfare and safety support for the most vulnerable, telephone befriending and wellbeing advice.

Masks must be new, unused and ideally made with plain coloured cotton. They can be dropped into (or posted if necessary) to the Age UK WSBH offices at:

  • Littlehampton - Suite 2, First Floor, Anchor Springs, Littlehampton, BN17 6BP
  • Brighton - 29 – 31 Prestonville Road, Brighton,BN1 3TJ
  • Bognor Regis – The Laburnum Centre, Lyon Street, Bognor Regis, PO21 1UX
  • Horsham – Lavinia House, Dukes Square, Horsham RH12 1GZ
  • Haywards Heath - Lamb House, 2 Kleinwort Close, Butlers Green Road RH16 4XG
  • Crawley – 1 Town Barn Road, Crawley, RH11 7XG

Over 50s who need advice or support at this time can contact Age UK WSBH on  01903 731 800 or email information@ageukwestsussex.org.uk