A CALL has gone out for donations of Personal Protective Equipment for the 82 staff who work at a chain of care homes in the regions.

Christian Care Homes, a registered charity which offers care to elderly residents in Stanford-le-Hope at Oak House on Corringham Road and Cedar House on Southend Road, as well as Beech House in Basildon is in need of the equipment.

At a time when Basildon and Thurrock Hospital has said it does not require any further donations ( see story), it is hoped some of the potential gifts to the hospital will be switched to the non hospital care sector.

And Christian Care Homes is in need of some help says director Mico Bienvenu, whose vision as a young nurse in 1982 led to the creation of the homes where the aged could be cared for in a loving Christian environment.

Among the supporters of the Christian ethos homes is local preacher Maureen McPherson, who is helping co-ordinate donations of equipment which will be used to keep care staff safe.

Mico explains: "We are finding it hard to get all the supplies we need. With 82 staff there is a significant demand for things like gowns and gloves and eye protection.

"Thurrock Council have been very supportive and have made supplies available to us but they are being consumed at a very quick rate and we want to be able to provide the best for those in our care, but also give that care and support in safety.

"We have spent a lot search for and obtaining some supplies and we have had some donations and people have been very kind and are even making items up specially for us, but the demand is close to outstripping supply."

Maureen is happy to co-ordinate any donations that local people or businesses fell they might be able to make – or you can contact the homes via Thurrock Nub News (email [email protected]). Maureen can be called on 01375891366.