Student’s crochet talent helps other GCU frontline workers

Jennifer is looking to help out other GCU frontline workers
Jennifer is looking to help out other GCU frontline workers

A GCU student is helping protect frontline workers by hand-making “ear savers” to help stop irritation from face masks.

Occupational Therapy MSc student Jennifer Smith has combined her love for crochet alongside her desire to help others. She decided to start making them after facing her own challenges while being trained as a support worker.

Jennifer explained: “I was working on a ward with coronavirus patients - so I obviously had to wear PPE, which I found quite difficult.

I wasn’t used to wearing masks at all, my ears were really sore from taking them on and off - this is how the whole idea came about.

I’m an avid crocheter and really enjoy making things in my spare time, so I had all the stuff on hand.”

She added: “It takes about twenty minutes to make one and I figured if it makes a difference for me during shifts then it might help other students at GCU too.

It definitely allows you to concentrate more on what you’re doing rather than having the irritation that can be really distracting when you’re trying to help patients.”

Jennifer, who’s from Canada, also explained that she’s loving her time working with the NHS and has been touched by the public support towards key workers.

She said: “I’ve actually really enjoyed the whole experience of working on the frontline. I didn’t know what to expect at all but it’s been great experience to be involved directly with patients.

It’s also been nice to see how much gratitude people have for the NHS. It’s quite surreal thinking that it applies to me – which is really sweet.

When you’re walking home from a shift and your feet are sore, little things like seeing a rainbow in someone’s window really makes a difference.”

Jennifer added: “As an occupational therapy student it was important to think how I could have a positive impact on others during lockdown.

It’s just nice to help and I want to keep doing my bit for society through my support work and also with making these ear savers for other students.”

Jennifer’s ear savers are free for all frontline workers – get yours by emailing jsmith253@caledonian.ac.uk

By Ross Clark

Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on Twitter