A NURSE who said she has felt “helpless” during the pandemic has launched a community face covering tree for Basingstoke, after teaching herself how to sew on a 40-year-old machine.

Laura Rogers gave up her job as a midwife last year to be a full-time carer for her 17-year-old daughter, Sophie, who has epilepsy and special educational needs.

She was due to return to work this year, but was unable to because of the pandemic, explaining: “My eldest daughter is shielding and so I couldn’t risk bringing anything back.”

The 36-year-old, from Brighton Hill, is also helping to look after her father after he suffered a stroke.

Despite a hectic life looking after three children and her dad, Laura said she felt “helpless” not being able to work.

“I feel helpless. All I ever wanted was to be a nurse and not being on the frontline during a pandemic – it’s what I’ve trained for. But family comes first,” she said, adding: “I thought I could do this instead to be able to help in some way.”

The mother-of-three has taught herself to sew, using a 40-year-old machine passed down from her grandmother, which she said needed a little “coaxing” to start.

With no instructions, Laura turned to YouTube for help, and initially began making scrub bags and headbands for her nurse friends.

She then came across a group making face covering trees in different areas of the country, whereby masks are hung on a tree for people to help themselves.

“The lady who runs it said there weren’t any in Basingstoke. She has done lots of research into the best way to make the face coverings,” explained Laura, who then set about making the masks for friends and family.

“The first ones I did were rubbish, but with practice I have improved and decided I wanted to do something for the local community.”

Laura has since spent her evenings sewing, and has so far made 100 face coverings, 40 of which she has hung on a tree outside her home, with her husband helping her with packaging and labelling.

The face coverings, which are available for people to help themselves, come with instructions on how to wash and look after them, and have been made using fabric donated by friends and family.

They have been made to World Health Organisation's guidelines, with two layers of cotton/poly cotton, with a pocket for a filter.

The face coverings are not for profit, although people can donate if they wish, and Laura will use the money to buy materials to make more face coverings.

Any leftover donations will go to the Link Club in Basingstoke, which runs social activities for young adults with special educational needs, who are supporting Laura’s daughter Sophie, as well as the local Stroke Association, which supports Laura’s dad.

“I may not be able to nurse at the moment but am hoping that this will play a small part in keeping those around me safe and well,” said Laura.

If anyone is interested in hosting a tree in Basingstoke, you can get in touch with Laura for more information.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/570813670292191/.