Rotary Hawthorn is part of a consortium providing care packs and clothing for people being admitted to the Alfred Hospital Mental Health Unit.The Alfred Hospital Mental Health Unit has 50 or so patients at any one time and staff say people being admitted are highly anxious and frightened and many arrive with no physical possessions or care items. The Hospital is only able to provide basic hygiene necessities. Additionally, as typically 40 % of people in the Unit are homeless, a store of new clothing will be established to assist as part of the project.
You may recall that our project is a collaboration of Rotary Club of Melbourne South (lead club), RC Albert Park, RC Port Melbourne, RC Malvern, RC Hawthorn and RC Glen Eira. The clubs have made various financial contributions towards the project and as a multi-club project and project has been approved for a matching grant from The Rotary Foundation. All clubs have a representative in the consortium team and we all team members have an active role in the project. This project sits really well with our Club’s focus on support for the disadvantaged and provides a great opportunity for us to work with other clubs in doing something that will be of real practical benefit.
An update
Following on from the donation of masks to Box Hill Hospital, President Tilak introduced Denbigh and Katrina to key staff at Upton House (the mental health unit of Box hill Hospital.) Following discussions with the staff and our consortium members we are pleased to confirm that the project has been extended to providing comfort care packs to Upton House.
Tilak was also able to introduce Bendigo Bank (branches of Canterbury, Surrey Hills and Balwyn) as a sponsor contributing funds to this project and in doing so supporting the community and those in need.
A few weeks ago we delivered our first care packs to Upton House as well as various items for the ward.
From Naomi the occupational therapist:
“Thanks so much for the consumer packs they are amazing! In particular the colouring in mandala books, coloured pencils, stress balls, and small note books have been a hit.
"Prior to your involvement we were providing “calming bags” to consumers however had limited funding to purchase items and only identified consumers received a bag.
"With your support now we have been able to incorporate the two bags together and now majority of consumers are offered a bag.”
How can you help?
Upton House has specifically requ
ested CDs, DVDs and a guitar. So if you are still in stage of Covid clean up, “Marie Kondoing” your home or preparing for downsizing, why not see what you may be able to donate to the music and video library at Upton House?
ested CDs, DVDs and a guitar. So if you are still in stage of Covid clean up, “Marie Kondoing” your home or preparing for downsizing, why not see what you may be able to donate to the music and video library at Upton House?We are also looking for suppliers of clothing (track suits in particular) and deodorant.
If you can assist please contact Katrina Flinn Consortium Committee member representing Rotary Hawthorn or Denbigh Richards Club Community Service Director
We are so pleased as to make a small difference. Thanks to our consortium of Rotary Clubs, Boomerang Bags Bayside, the Rotary Foundation, Bendigo bank for making this happen.
Photos
-packing pre-lockdown
-staff receiving the packs