SWG3 is campaigning to raise £50,000 for the production of personal protective equipment for Kelvinside Academy, which has recently transformed its Innovation School building into a PPE manufacturing and distribution point.

Kelvinside Academy and Caldervale High School and others have produced and delivered more than 5000 custom-built visors to hospitals, surgeries, pharmacies and care homes across Greater Glasgow.

By securing a further £50,000, the west end school - with the help of local companies - will be able to increase output by an additional 1500 visors per day.

SWG3 have set up a Go Fund Me page to help raise funds, as well as working to connect the school with independent laser cutters and 3D printers to assist in the production.

Andrew Fleming-Brown, SWG3 Director, said: “Following the reported shortage of personal protective equipment for frontline NHS staff, we felt it absolutely critical to offer any support to organisations in the Glasgow area working to tackle this deficiency."

He added: "What Kelvinside Academy is doing is nothing short of phenomenal, but they need support to keep momentum and build capacity through independent printers. We call on everyone in our network to help ensure they can continue their vital work. Just £2 covers the cost of one visor, so we are grateful for donations of any sizes – however small.”

Earlier this week Kelvinside Academy issued a plea for donations of the basic visor materials including acrylic sheets, but with the demand growing further help is needed as the crisis escalates.

David Miller, Director of the Innovation School at Kelvinside said: “Medical and care staff are on the front-line of this crisis, but to save lives, they themselves need to be protected.

"It has been humbling to meet the doctors, nurses and care staff behind the need; these visors are in many cases that crucial extra layer protecting front line staff in these incredibly challenging times.”

The network of schools currently involved in this national effort to produce PPE equipment, includes Larbert High School, St Luke’s Barrhead, Caldervale High, Denny High School, Graeme High School and Knox Academy. Many of these schools remain open and operational throughout the Easter holidays to address this urgent need.

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