3D-printing project helping to protect keyworkers receives funding from Eastbourne mayor

Mayor Steve Wallis is supporting TechResort - a local community interest company that focuses on digital, tech and creativity - with a £640 grant from his Kick-Out Covid Fund.

The TechResort team founded its 3D print farm in April following urgent calls for personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect workers from catching coronavirus.

The team said they are grateful to East Sussex College for providing the space and the local Estates Staff for all their help and support.

TechResort’s team of seven dedicated volunteers have reportedly been working around-the-clock at their specially-adapted workspace and so far they have made more than 1,650 face shields for local health professionals and care workers.

TechResort director Miles Berkley said, “We are really grateful for this money from the mayor’s fund which will pay for one month’s filament for all of our 3D printers.

“We do not receive any long term public funding and provide the face shields free of charge, so are reliant on kind donations.”

While demand has eased off in the last two weeks, Miles said the TechResort volunteers are continuing to make face shields and build up a stock in case of a surge in need over the coming months.

It takes around 1hr 40mins to produce each one and volunteers follow strict hygiene and infection controls.

Mayor Steve Wallis said, “The way that TechResort responded and adapted to urgent calls for PPE is brilliant and, thanks to this project, local keyworkers are able to perform their duties armed with vital protective gear.

“This is a great example of the community pulling together to find solutions in a time of real need.”

To donate to TechResort’s 3D printing project visit techresorteb.com/donate

For donations to the Mayor’s Kick-Out Covid fund to support Eastbourne schemes that fightback against coronavirus please visit gofundme.com/f/kickout-covid-eastbourne

This was the Mayor’s second grant through this fund. The first grant was £1,000 towards Box Full of Rainbows which provides special treat packages to Eastbourne keyworkers - to contact them email [email protected]

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