In national Volunteers’ Week, Henry Bushell is a great example of the enormous contribution young people make to help others in their communities, especially during these uncertain times.
Over the last six weeks, Henry, a Year 11 student at Richmond School and Sixth Form College, has worked alongside his Mum and other volunteers, including his Mum’s friend Mel Websdale, to make scrubs for healthcare workers in local care homes, doctors’ surgeries and NHS hospitals. So far, Henry and his Mum have made 50 sets of scrubs.
When the volunteers started making scrubs, towards the end of March, they were buying the fabric themselves until Mrs Websdale set up a ‘go fund me’ page and immediately raised over £600. Fabric was ordered from suppliers all over the country, as companies were struggling to keep up with orders as there were, and still are, many individuals across the UK who are sewing scrubs for their local hospitals.
As demand increased in April, Henry offered to help by making scrub trousers. Although having only sewn in his Textiles classes in Years 7 and 8 at school, he was a fast learner, learning how to sew the seams and hem the trousers, and he is very quick and proficient.
Henry is now making face masks for a local barber and hairdresser. He made his first one for his Dad and has since made masks for himself and friends. Henry said: I was more than happy to help but I never expected my sewing skills to come in useful in this way!”
The volunteers have supplied scrubs to Quaker Lane surgery, The Terrace House Nursing Home, James Cook Hospital, Darlington Memorial Hospital, The Friarage Hospital and a hospital in Harrogate. Sets have also and made for individual Doctors and Nurses who get hold any through their normal channels.
Jenna Potter, Headteacher, commented: “I am very impressed with Henry’s motivation and drive to produce scrubs and masks which are in such demand by healthcare professionals and other key workers. It is extremely kind of him to dedicate so much time to support others and I admire and applaud him for this, as I am sure do those who have benefited from his valued work.”
To find out more about Volunteers’ Week visit https://volunteersweek.org/