A HABERDASHERY business in Chipping Sodbury is supporting NHS frontline key workers by making headbands and drawstring bags.

With all frontline staff having to wear personal protective equipment continually during shifts amid the coronavirus pandemic, it has left some with very painful marks to their face and heads.

Lianne Abbott, of Koala Kreations, knew she would be able to make headbands that could alleviate some of the pain.

She said: “This started when I saw a nurse posting on social media about needing people to make headbands with buttons on the side. The buttons allow the staff to attach the PPE masks directly to them rather than behind their ears.

“The nurse and her colleagues at Southmead Hospital are sometimes working 12 hour shifts and their ears were sore.

“I put my first post on my business page offering fabric remnants from Koala Kreations, for anyone who could help me. That went crazy

“Within days the post had been shared over 300 times. More NHS key workers contacted me for help and some requested drawstring bags.

“The idea with the bags is that the keyworker can put all of their clothing in the bag and when they get home, put the bag and its contents straight in the wash, without having to contaminate their home.

“We are now assisting lots of NHS work places, Southmead hospital, Southmead maternity ward, Bristol Children’s Hospital, the Bristol Royal Infirmary Intensive Care Unit and nurses GPs and district nurses across the community.

“After the out pour of requests for bags and headbands and the overwhelming support from local sewers, I chose to donate 60 metres of fabric.

“I have also made two tutorials of how to make the headbands and bags. I would like to thank everyone helping with this for the NHS, we are building a large supply to donate.

“We have put a donation box outside Koala Kreations in Hatherell’s Yard for our local community to put their makes in, the box is there Monday to Saturday 11-3pm.”

Anyone who would like more details can find it at koalakreations.co.uk