Devon Disability Collective (DDC) is social enterprise in Exeter that started up in July 2015 following the closure of Pluss where redundancies were faced.  They are currently using their skills to produce vital personal protective equipment (PPE) for the NHS & care industry.

DDC was started with the support of the Community union.  It now provides quality employment and training for people with disabilities and those furthest from the labour market, signing up to a learning agreement with Community.   

DDC has an array of precision equipment, hand tools and cutting machinery is in constant use across its 10,000 sq ft factory. They provide mobility and healthcare services, wheelchair upholstery products, re-upholstery services which include automotive, marine, traditional and commercial uses.

They manufacture various goods specialising in contract sewing, light engineering, assembly and packing, and an onsite fully stocked mobility Showroom and meeting rooms.

It is now using the skills and expertise of staff and managers at the site to start make safety equipment for NHS frontline staff during the coronavirus pandemic, producing thousands of masks.

The 26 employees at the business, most of whom have physical or learning disabilities or mental health issues, have rolled out 3,000 face shields since the Covid-19 outbreak began.

Operations director, and Community Rep, Steve Gallin heard about supply issues and shortages and thought they might be able to help.

Steve explained:

We were approached by a hospital in London several weeks back who sent us a youtube video of how Ford in the USA were making these using a 3D printer.  In the absence of this technology our team set about making their version using sewing machines and equipment we have.”

Our team are fantastically creative and ideas like this will involve the design team talking with our machinists who have produced similar products for different applications to come up with our version of the product, ensuring that we are using the best materials to us available.”

The first proto-type was sent to the hospital for feedback, which involved us making the visor smaller, and rolling the foam for added comfort.  Ultimately we made the product with the end user in mind which made this product like many others a popular one.”

The company says it has capacity to produce more PPE and Steve added:

The team all wanted to do their bit for the UK’s response to the pandemic and to show that local manufacturing can play a part in fulfilling the increased demand for different products.”

Machinist Jenny Selley said:

We are really glad to be playing a part in giving something back to the NHS and also keeping us working during these strange times.”

The Community trade union helped DDC become a social enterprise when it started.

Steve said:

Community have always been fantastically supportive since we begin in 2015 and help us lay brilliant foundations to enable us to train and look after our staff.”

Community general secretary Roy Rickhuss said:

We are proud of what our members at the Devon Disability Collective have achieved.

Five years ago loss of vital jobs for people with disabilities was being faced with the closure of Pluss, and thanks to Community working with Devon Disability Collective the team have a very optimistic future.

To see the company adapting and changing to respond to the UK’s demand for supplies in the coronavirus crisis demonstrates just how much this business has to offer.”