Altido UK and Interiors with Art go Above and Beyond to Aid the NHS During the COVID-19 Crisis
We are now over a month into lockdown and every week on a Thursday night we clap for our amazing carers. It is a fitting tribute to our NHS and key workers who work tirelessly in adversity. Its a time where neighbours can come together to show their heartfelt appreciation.
We are our so proud of our wonderful founding members who are also doing their bit to give back.. ALTIDO, a luxury short-term rental accommodation provider was the first to host 6 NHS workers in their homes for free for 4 to 12 weeks and they hope to house a further 10. Interiors with Art (Ro Sharma), the prestigious luxury design and construction firm is working with Med Supply Drive UK and Shieldproject.org to collate donations of PPE from across industry and manufacture PPE, e.g. 3D printer visors, which is then distribute across the country to NHS and care workers as an emergency PPE provider.
We have set out some further details below and how you can get involved!
NHS Homes - Altido UK
We are delighted to support ALTIDO UK in its involvement in the fantastic NHS Homes scheme. This initiative started as a brilliantly simple idea by the folks over at Under the Doormat who wanted to contribute to the effort to fight COVID-19 by sharing portfolio homes for free to essential workers. Our industry association, the STAA, quickly formalised the idea and has been spearheading it ever since.
The aim is simple: to ease the burden on NHS workers by providing free accommodation in our vacant homes.
The STAA have provided a framework to enable accommodation partners to join the cause, sign the altruism pledge and start fielding enquiries almost instantly and, with the owner's consent, match a key worker to free accommodation within minutes.
How does it work?
Essential health workers (NHS, carers, firefighters and members of the police force) can visit the NHS Homes website and submit their enquiry
The ALTIDO guest team will look within our portfolio for appropriate accommodation
Once we have matched the guest with a temporary home, we conduct our service as normal with a deep clean, crisp white linens, fluffy towels and our 24/7 guest support team on-hand to cater to the guests' every need
The guest now has safe, comfortable accommodation allowing them to continue their good work and not put their loved ones at risk
How can you help?
ALTIDO is calling all owners to "donate" their homes to the scheme (London, Edinburgh and Glasgow). You will make such a difference to the lives of those on the frontline. ALTIDO are delighted to have placed two nurses so far and just hearing their gratitude and relief makes it all worth it!
Please click here for further details.
Shield Collaborative & Med Supply Drive - Interiors With Art (Ro Sharma)
We are delighted to support Ro Sharma of Interiors with Art for his deep involvement in two altruistic initiatives which are really making a difference.
Shield Collaborative
SHIELD brings together collaboration, innovation and execution to create, manufacture and supply emergency PPE to healthcare workers, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
Their campaigns are united, addressing shortages of PPE wherever they arise in the UK and providing healthcare workers with the vital PPE they require to do their job safely, right now.
From 3D printing to bespoke manufacture SHIELD is a centre for creativity. Bringing inventors, engineers, architects, doctors, students, technologists and industrial experts together to find fast track, accessible solutions. Getting vital newly manufactured equipment to the front line NHS, to medical centres, dentists, funeral directors and all healthcare providers, from vulnerable groups to ancillary staff and patients. The shortage of PPE is enormous (Herculean, according to Mr Hancock). Therefore we all need to create alternative and new sources while tapping into existing supply chains and purchase, when and where we can.
“ “I am privileged to be working with a phenomenal group of extremely dedicated and capable volunteers who each have an abundant wealth of experience to get emergency PPE to those who need it. The operating environment is complex and highly dynamic, however we are together delivering demonstrable results and have created an amazing voluntary infrastructure at lightening speed, with a ‘start-up on steroids’ and can-do culture.” ”
How can you help?
Visit the website and donate: https://www.shieldcollaborative.org
Med Supply Drive UK
Med Supply Drive UK is an organisation run by volunteer NHS doctors, medical students and individuals who are concerned for the safety of healthcare workers battling the COVID-19 crisis without adequate PPE.
Their work involves coordinating a nationwide effort to redirect unused PPE from non-healthcare related settings to the frontline where it is needed the most. They are also fundraising to help supply PPE and to support the development of novel solutions for tackling PPE shortages. Additionally, they are exploring the scientific evidence for strategies that could be employed to prevent a critical lack of PPE.
A large number of industries and businesses have PPE that is not urgently needed right now (e.g. Research labs, Engineering departments, Construction companies, Beauty industry, TV and film production, Electronics/machinery manufacturers and more). Med Supply Drive is identifying and asking these organisations and businesses to donate their PPE to frontline healthcare staff, and we will help coordinate the collection, sorting and redistribution of these.
How can you help?
Visit the website and get involved!
