Elmbridge thanks local Boomerang Bag group for face mask donation

Elmbridge Council’s Community Support Services Team would like to issue a big thank you to the Thames Ditton Boomerang Bag group, who have donated over 150 face masks to support their work with vulnerable adults.

Founded in 2017, the Thames Ditton Boomerang Bag Group has made it their mission to reduce use of single-use plastic bags by providing local retailers with reusable bags to give away free of charge to their customers. The bags are sewn together by a team of dedicated volunteers operating out of our Thames Ditton Centre for the Community, using fabric donated by local residents.

However, due to lockdown, the group has had to adapt to sewing from home and in addition to sewing Boomerang Bags for the East Elmbridge Foodbank, they turned their hand to producing reusable fabric face masks, initially for staff in maternity wards but then expanding their distribution to local care homes and charitable organisations. The masks are not medical-grade but provide health workers an off-duty alternative to single-use plastic masks available in shops.

Now that stores in Thames Ditton are reopening, the Boomerang Bag group has resumed production of bags for local businesses but continue to produce face masks for organisations such as the Community Support Team at Elmbridge.

Their latest donation will help staff and volunteers to continue providing support to vulnerable and elderly residents by delivering Meals on Wheels, Dial-a-Ride transport and support services for people living with Dementia and learning disabilities.

Councillor Tricia W. Bland, who helped found the group, said ‘The aim of the Thames Ditton Boomerang Bag group has always been to show that individuals can make small changes to help the environment. Our message is simple, choose a reusable, sustainable fabric mask instead of a single-use disposable mask which is invariably made of plastic. We are so glad that we can also help to support the work of the Council to look after those in need in our community.’

Councillor Mrs Tannia Shipley, the Portfolio Holder for Social Affairs said, ‘We are always grateful for any support local residents provide our Community Support Team, who continue to work hard to ensure vulnerable people across Elmbridge are safe and well. It is through the support of individuals and groups like Thames Ditton Boomerang Bags that we will continue to support each other through this challenging time.’

If you would like to support the Thames Ditton Boomerang Bag group, either by volunteering your time or through fabric donations, you can find them on Facebook: @tdboomerangbags or email Tricia: tdwgra@the-blands.co.uk.

To find out more about Community Support Services, visit www.elmbridge.gov.uk/css, call 01372 474 552 or email commservices@elmbridge.gov.uk

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