As we entered the lockdown period, our primary and almost fanatical focus and concern was how we could keep our students, our volunteers, our graduate sewing champions and our new business women, inspired and connected whilst our training, workshops and business hub were closed.
We need not have worried! Our amazing community, using the skills they have developed and the support network they have built through ReTweed are driving our response to the pandemic by co-ordinating the manufacture of PPE; Masks, headbands, scrubs bags and gowns are all being made and distributed to individuals, groups and communities that need them most. Patterns, fabrics, production tips and distribution arrangements have all been co-ordinated and shared via ReTweed’s Social Media Channels in their backstage community platforms. The creativity, skills and community spirit being shown is wonderful to behold and each of us is quickly adapting to the new online learning and community connection opportunities of Facebook, Zoom and WhatsApp.
Nichola Purvis, ReTweed Volunteer Co-ordinator and all round Local Good Egg said: “we’re just really proud of all the work being done on volunteer effort. It’s amazing to think that many of the women didn’t have the skills or confidence to make these items before they joined us and now they are using everything they’ve learned for the benefit of our wider community.”
As the lockdown continues, the ReTweed team are as busy as ever backstage; supporting the efforts of the key workers and front-line staff who are taking care of the most vulnerable amongst us and keeping everyone safe. Essentially, our working principles of kindness, compassion and community are in harmony with our new ‘Normal’ and we hope that our desire to care, support and protect one another during these unprecedented times, will renew our country in a way that puts people at the heart of everything we do.
Until then, keep safe friends.
This blog post was written by Nicky Francey, ReTweed Services Manager