Group making face masks for vulnerable

A GROUP of 12 volunteers from the Omagh area have created over 600 face masks for the vulnerable within the community.

As part of the NI Big Community Sew which has made over 20,000 face masks so far, the Omagh group has made over 600 face masks which will be donated to various groups throughout the local area.

Heather Cunnah, who formed the Omagh branch was inspired after seeing the group working online and decided to get involved.

She said, “We have made over 600 masks, but it is a lot bigger than us.

“In total, the group has made over 20,000 masks.

“The material was cut up, and the team made up packs with the material which were sent out to the sewers.

“All we had to do was sew them together and finish the mask.

“We used the Post Office within the Spar shops, so we collected the material, sewed the masks and returned the package,” said Hannah.

Hannah then decided to set up an Omagh branch of the group and is delighted to be able to supply some people in Tyrone with masks.

Heather continued, “There was no group operating near here so I asked if I could be a hub for Omagh.

“There were loads of people that wanted to sew and the closest one to us was Enniskillen.

“Myself and 11 other sewers have made over 600 masks between us which will stay within our area.

“I have 300 going out next week to the Council and they will be put into activity packs for a few different vulnerable community groups,” said Heather.

At the minute, a face mask does not have to be worn in public places, but Health Minister Robin Swann is set to bring a proposal to the executive to make face coverings mandatory.

Heather continued, “I think it will become mandatory here.

“We seem to have followed everything else than England and Scotland have done so it is just a matter of time.

“Although, even if it is not officially brought in, I know there is a lot of people who would rather wear a mask to protect themselves and even make to vulnerable people feel safer too,” concluded Hannah.