North Nottinghamshire BID members rally together to support communities and NHS

From PPE manufacturing to food package delivery, North Notts BID members have been pulling together to provide assistance to those most affected by the pandemic.

Local schools and colleges – such as Retford Oaks Academy, Tuxford Academy, The Elizabethan Academy and Worksop College – have been making PPE for NHS staff.

Christine Horrocks, head teacher at The Elizabethan Academy, said: "We are currently producing almost 400 face visors per week in addition to wash bags for NHS, care home staff, GP surgeries and hospices.

“The BID board has been instrumental in signposting these NHS organisations to us and they have all been so grateful for the equipment they have received.”

Meanwhile, businesses such as Effective Consumable Solutions (ECS), Mudford Marquees and Riggotts have also contributed sterile gloves and ventilator face masks to medical staff, while Trans-Sport.tv has been making perspex screens that can be fitted in the workplace to protect staff members.

Sally Gillborn, chief executive at North Notts BID, said: “It’s amazing to see BID members go above and beyond to do their bit to help during these unprecedented times.”

BID businesses are not only supporting the NHS locally, but they have also contributed to the creation and maintenance of the Nightingale hospital that was recently completed in London.

Medicare Systems supplied all of the nurse call systems at the ExCel centre, while Riggotts marked the hospital’s helipad.

Not only have medical supplies been provided, but food and toiletries have also been donated and delivered by organisations across north Nottinghamshire to those in need.

Retford Leisure Centre has been donating to local food banks to provide vulnerable families with essential items.

Bassetlaw Community Volunteer Service and Community First Responders have also been working tirelessly to support communities by delivering donated goods across Retford and Worksop to those most affected by the lockdown.