SEW MANY HANDS HELP OUT

Raising over £5,000, the volunteer group Scrub a Dub Dub is one of Penarth’s positive community-driven stories to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. We spoke to Vivienne Mumby who started the group from a Facebook post calling for people to help make scrubs, masks, protective bags, headbands, and other PPE. The result? A community group coming together to make over 650 scrubs and many other garments since March— all helping those working on the frontline in hospitals, care homes, and more recently, health and social care workers.

Can you tell us a little about Scrub a Dub Dub and how it started?

It all started from a post on Facebook calling for volunteers to help make scrubs for those working on the frontline. I didn’t expect it to go viral, and the response was amazing! After finding myself with a temporary lull in work, I wanted to help, and found others were wanting to do the same.

I used my old contacts from being a wardrobe mistress when I worked in theatre and sourced the correct materials, fabric, and threads from mills in the north. We then set out on finding people with the correct skills and equipment and fundraising to buy the correct materials needed. We then set to work creating patterns for people to follow, which were printed by

Hi-Plan in Penarth, and finally set up the logistics to cut, create, and deliver to the University Hospital of Wales and University Hospital Llandough.

With the help of all of our volunteers, which include people who can sew, cut patterns, provide technical support, fundraise, and people who deliver materials and garments where needed, we’ve managed to help those on the frontline.

What has the response been like from volunteers?

There’s been an incredible community effort from Penarth, Sully, Barry, and Dinas Powys. What’s been really nice is how all the people involved have come out to offer their time. We needed more than just people who can sew.

We’ve had volunteers give up their time to cut out patterns, wash the fabrics, even sew on buttons to make the PPE clothing more comfortable for those who have to wear it. We’ve also had people who delivered the items to the places that need them—it has been a big operation and something that’s been a full-time job in itself!

I must say, it’s been a huge team effort that I cannot take all the credit for. I’d also like to mention Lisa Petherick, who has also been instrumental in organising and running the project. At its peak, we had around 50 people sewing and making, plus many others helping us out.

Are you looking for more hands? How can people sign up to volunteer?

Although demand in hospitals has started to die down, we’ve seen a slight increase for those working in health and social care settings. More recently, we’ve been able to provide items for people working in the community, such as mental health teams, dieticians, care workers, practice nurses, care home staff, and school staff. We even supplied Ty ^ Hafan in Sully.

If you’re a competent dressmaker, have a sewing machine, and an overlocker, get in touch through our Facebook group. At the moment, we’re keeping everything local to try and keep the operation as safe as possible for everyone. However, if you’re reading from further away, there are national campaigns like For The Love of Scrubs that you can also get in touch with and support.

How can people request support?

Jump onto our Facebook group and get in contact: Scrub a Dub Dub Penarth.

What are the positives that you’ve seen from supporting the community?

Some of the comments we’ve received from people who have worn our scrubs have been very rewarding. The frontline staff have commented on how the lightweight fabric we used has made a big difference in the warm weather. We’ve also had thank you messages from staff who wore our headbands for extra comfort when wearing visors. The RNLI Penarth Lifeboat Station has also mentioned us for providing wash bags. It’s also been heartwarming to see pictures of people wearing our scrubs and accessories, which makes it all worth the effort!

The great community effort from everyone involved with Scrub a Dub Dub has been great. From people who made two scrubs and a few masks, to those who had more time and made loads! It’s been truly heartwarming. Thank you.