THE OWNER of a fabrics and crafts supplier in Poole and her husband have taken it upon themselves to help frontline workers by provide resources for NHS workers and carers wearing face masks.

Kerry Jackman, the sole proprietor of Sew In Time, Bournemouth Online Supplies, along with her partner David, have been making headbands and PLA 3D printed strap retainers designed to prevent sores from those wearing masks all day.

Although they are both shielding in the home in Bearwood, the couple have been sewing and printing the supplies free of charge for any NHS workers, carers or keyworkers that need to wear masks.

Kerry said: “I saw a post about nurses that had sores from wearing masks and it set me off. So, I went through my hordes of fabric to see what I could use to make my own.

“My husband and I are D&D players and alongside my costume work, which is only part time now due to my medical conditions. We started making leather dice trays and embroidered bags and invested in a 3D printer to make miniatures.”

So far, the couple have completed my 100 headbands and 104 strap retainers, with a couple of individual requests and a larger request waiting to be collected.

Kerry and David have engaged two of their fellow Dungeons & Dragons players that have 3d printers to help with the strap retainers and, as they have nearly run out of fabric, are appealing for donations of pairs of buttons and Jersey fabric to make more.

Kerry added: “I am waiting on numbers for two different wards at Royal Bournemouth Hospital and one at Poole Hospital, but we have donated to several care homes, some nursing staff at both Poole and Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Westbourne mental health centre, Alton ambulance drivers and a quite a few independent carers.

“I have just had a request for another 50 headbands, so I am definitely going to run out of fabric soon.

“I ordered a few metres to arrive tomorrow and I have two more tunics of mine I am going to cut up, but I am bit limited in funds to buy much more.”

To contribute material, donors are asked to message Kerry through Facebook or email info@sewintimebournemouth.co.uk.