LEADER funded project provides 3D printed equipment for NHS

Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries are utilising the 3D printers bought as part of their Rural Perth and Kinross LEADER funded project, Digital Maker_Spaces, to help print headframes and stiffeners for the NHS.

Working with Men's Sheds and other partners across the region, these items will then have a laminated shield and elastic headband added to them, creating protective masks. The final product will then be given to the NHS Tayside Testing Centre in the region.

Culture Perth and Kinross are working on this with other partners throughout the region, where, as part of the community, all are pulling together as one.

Jackie Brierton, Chair of the Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER Local Action Group, which funded the region’s Digital Maker_Spaces said,  “This is a great repurposing of resources to help combat the coronavirus crisis. We’re delighted that the LEADER programme, which is made up of EU and Scottish Government monies, is able to support Culture Perth and Kinross’s innovative project.  The LEADER Team was able to help the project align the remainder of its funding contribution to respond to the call for help.” 

Helen Smout, Chief Executive of Culture Perth and Kinross said “As a small organisation and charitable trust, we are looking to support the COVID-19 response in any way we can and making use of the cutting edge technology we have in our libraries to 3D print essential PPE is an excellent example of that. I am delighted that our skilled and creative staff can, with the support of Perth and Kinross LEADER and Perth and Kinross Council, use these resources to support essential NHS activity.”.

The five Digital Maker_Spaces at Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries are funded primarily by Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER, The Scottish Libraries Information Council and Perth and Kinross Council.