Businesses across the Portsmouth area are contributing to help frontline NHS workers

There is a roll of honour for those who have chipped in to help carers and the health service, whether that is supplying essential personal protective equipment or freshly-cooked meals.

Now the city council has added its thanks to local firms who have stepped in to help.

Deputy leader Cllr Steve Pitt, the cabinet member for culture and city development, said: ‘We have seen an overwhelming immediate response by companies in Portsmouth ready to help those in need during these uncertain times. It is a true testament to the sense of community in our city. Thank you to everyone who has helped.’

Examples of generosity include:

Donations of PPE from Hover Travel, Pall Europe, University of Portsmouth and L3 Harris Mobile phones from Curatrix and Airbus Food donations from local food manufacturers, supermarkets, café's and fast food restaurants including; Quattro foods, Bookers, Morrisons, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Spar, Prazerers Portugese Deli, Andres Cafe, Café de Castro, Marina Bar, PFC Fratton pies, McDonalds, KFC, You Trust and St Simons Church food bank Carrier bags from Le Creuset in Gunwharf and fruit and veg bags from Tesco Landsec/Gunwharf have donated Easter Eggs and £4,000 to Pompey in the Community Refrigerated containers from Geest Line and the Royal Navy (transported by PCM Construction), as well as use of fridge/freezers at Portsmouth Football Club Offers of cars and drivers from Rolls Royce Victorious Events supporting volunteer coordination and marketing and communications for the Hive

The University of Portsmouth has supplied over 1,000 face shields to Queen Alexandra Hospital and other NHS trusts to allow staff, from anaesthetists to nurses, to work safely.

A further 1,500 face shields are being made for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Constabulary.

Vice-chancellor, Professor Graham Galbraith said: ‘I’m very proud of all the hard work and imagination colleagues and students across the university are showing during this pandemic. It is impressive to see the ingenuity and expertise of the sector being used so effectively. Such creativity and hard work also demonstrate how important universities and the individuals and groups within them are to our wider community in Portsmouth and beyond.’

At the time of the Airbus donation a spokesman said: ‘We were approached by the council last week who asked if we had any spare phones and our IT guys found 10 that were about to be recycled. We’re happy to help out where we can.’

Meanwhile, slightly further afield an Estee Lauder manufacturing facility is manufacturing hand sanitiser at its Whitman Laboratories manufacturing facility in Petersfield, which is being distributed from the firm’s nearby Kite’s Croft fulfilment centre in Fareham to key workers.

The sanitiser is being filled in 250ml Jo Malone London bottles and will be handed out to workers at QA.

But vital equipment is not all that has been donated.

Dozens of eateries across the region have been keeping nurses, doctors and other QA staff well fed by delivering meals and treats to the hospital.

The team from family-run Baburchi Indian Takeaway in Fareham cooked up 50 curries and rice, which they delivered to staff.

Qareeb Kayum from the takeaway said: ‘We wanted to show our love and appreciation and say a big thank you to the NHS for everything they are doing, particularly during this crisis. We did what we could within our means by providing 50 curries a mix of chicken curry and rice or vegetable curry and rice. We plan on doing more and donating more to more key workers and NHS houses in the area.’

Andre’s Food Bar, which has branches in Lord Montgomery Way in Portsmouth and Osborne Road in Southsea, donated 150 freshly-made baguettes on March 23.

Owner Andre Guedeney said: ‘It was a gesture that we really wanted to do for people working for the NHS in Portsmouth. They work so hard so we really wanted to do something to put a smile on their faces and ease their stress a little bit by providing them with some freshly-cooked food.

‘Sadly, it came as we had to shut our doors, but when we reopen we will be back with a vengeance.’

Cllr Matthew Winnington, Portsmouth City Council's cabinet member for health, wellbeing and social care said: ‘Thank you so much to all the organisations and individuals who have stepped in to support at this challenging time.

‘There is still a need for more PPE equipment like hand sanitisers to help our essential workers who are supporting some of our most vulnerable residents including elderly, disabled, homeless people and those with substance misuse or mental illness, so if you have any that you are able to donate please get in touch.’

If you can help provide PPE to protect the key workers who are delivering services on a daily please email [email protected]

Visit www.portsmouth.gov.uk for the latest information