Hundreds of face shields distributed to those in need by Wrexham church

Hundreds of face shields have been issued to those in need of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the local community by a Wrexham church.

The CE approved face shields have been made by PPE Hwb Wrecsam – a community interest company which launched at the start of lockdown – and distributed by St Mark’s Church in Caia Park.

A see-through shield is helpful for those working with people who lip-read or are hard of hearing. It also provides wearers with an alternative to using a mask, especially for people required to wear a face-covering all day.

The project co-ordinator at St Mark’s Church, Art Ellinson said: “I’m really pleased that the church is able to support adults in need of this form of PPE. The free face visors will help people in their job, in their volunteering or may give people confidence to leave their home.

“The face visors have been made to a CE approved standard. They are reusable and have an adjustable headband so will fit most adults.

“Face visors allow the whole face to be visible. They are comfortable to wear, easy to breath in and are easier to communicate in than a face covering.”

The distribution is funded by the Diocese of St Asaph’s Coronavirus Emergency Fund, a £40,000 pot to help churches support those most in need in their community.

Two other churches in the diocese – St Peter’s in Holywell and All Saints in Newtown – are also acting as PPE hubs, providing face shields to those in need.

Among the other projects supported by the St Asaph Coronavirus Emergency Fund is a weekly afternoon tea delivered to older members of the community in Bala, a meal delivery service in Llangollen and the distribution of “feel good” packs to keyworkers and those who were shielding by St Mary’s Church in Ruabon.

PPE Hwb Wrecsam was set up by the former of Curate of St Mark’s Church, Revd Rebecca Sparey-Taylor and her family. It started in Ysgol Clywedog before moving to Gresford and is now operating in Llay.

St Mark’s Church is part of the Wrexham Mission Area in the Diocese of St Asaph, one of the six dioceses of the Church in Wales, an independent Province in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Anyone requiring a face covering can text 07907 654012 and the church is open every Tuesday between 1pm – 2pm for people to collect them. Donations are welcome, which are returned to PPE Hwb Wrecsam, a community interest company run by volunteers making the shields.