Dedicated staff are continuing to support some of the most vulnerable people in our borough every day, whether providing vital support to keep people in their own homes or more specialist care in care homes.

But the equipment they need to protect not just themselves but the people they care for is running lower with each day and the health and social care sector in the borough is struggling to get essentials like masks, disposable gloves and aprons as quickly as it needs due to the huge surge in demand.

This has led to the call for help from businesses and community groups to help.

Businesses who could help:

• Dentists
• Vets
• Hazardous industries (e.g. asbestos removal)
• Health and beauty
• Construction contractors

Donations needed are:

• Hand sanitiser (at least 60 per cent alcohol based)
• Disposable gloves (latex free and powder free)
• Disposable aprons
• Protective face masks (IIR, FFP2 or FFP3)
• Protective eye goggles/glasses and over spectacle glasses

All products must not have reached their end of use date and payment can be arranged for any suitable products put forward. The council will also arrange for collection of any equipment.

Councillor David Baines, Leader of St Helens Council, said: “We have been desperately waiting for a delivery of vital protective equipment from government, but despite assurances it is coming we have not yet received a supply.

“It is our moral duty and legal responsibility to make sure that our heroic frontline staff, including care staff and social workers, are given the right equipment to keep them safe.

“We know many organisations are already going above and beyond to support our communities, as we’re seeing through St Helens Borough Together. The desperate need for PPE is another opportunity for businesses to help. We are willing to pay for your supplies, so if you can help we will make sure you do not lose out.

“Please let us know if you can help us to keep our heroic staff and the public safe.”

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Business, said: “Many of our businesses have already gone above and beyond to support us and the communities they are based in. Many are putting the people of St Helens Borough first in what is proving to be a difficult time for themselves too. That shows the spirit of the businesses in our borough.

“We’ve had so many stories of compassion that has helped our front line staff continue to support our most vulnerable or isolated residents. And by helping us to gain this vital equipment we can continue to work as one, bringing St Helens Borough Together.”

St Helens North MP Conor McGinn added: “The business community in St Helens have always had a strong sense of civic duty and the public good. I know that many business owners will be struggling at the minute, and we are lobbying forcefully on their behalf to ensure central government supports them through this crisis.

“This is a huge ask of local businesses to do a special and important thing for those on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus. But I know that, as always, the business community across the borough will rally to the call.”

St Helens South MP Marie Rimmer said: “We are in the middle of a national emergency. Ideally we would have enough personal protective equipment supplied by the Government, but right now that is not the case. We need more, and we need more now. Our local community has a proud history of looking after one another, and we have done it for decades. And I have no doubt that the current challenge will see our community spirit at its best once again.

“Right now we need as much PPE equipment as we can get our hands on. This will be used by care staff and social workers who look after those who need help during this crisis. If you or your business have PPE then please do consider selling it to the Council. It really could help save lives.”

To find out more about how to give PPE equipment please contact Cathryn White by email cathrynwhite@sthelens.gov.uk or call 07305 349828.