This project provides care bags and clothing for mental health patients.
It was created by the Rotary Clubs of Melbourne South, Hawthorn, Malvern, Brighton North, Port Phillip, Albert Park, Prahran and eClub of Melbourne with support from Donations in Kind, The Rotary Foundation, Boomerang Bags and many other wonderful donors.
Staff at the Alfred Hospital had seen how provision of care items to patients being admitted to the mental health unit had made a real difference, at a time when they are most distressed and vulnerable. Many are admitted off the street, perhaps by police, by parents or they self-present. The staff at The Alfred Hospital had tried to introduce the program before, but could only get short term support rather than continuity of supply. The opportunity was presented to Rotary via PDG Bronwyn Stephens, who jumped at the opportunity to make a real difference.The Project involved:
• Liasion with hospital staff as to their requirements for the care packs and clothing. Approaching other Rotary Clubs to support the project both financially and to have club members as part of the project team.
• Applying for a District Grant from the Rotary Foundation.
• Meetings with consortium members planning the project and allocating roles and tasks.
• Setting up supply chain for purchase of products as well as sourcing appropriate donated product.
• Securing storage for the stock .
• Arranging and holding packing days to pack the bags and clothing to order.
• Delivery of items to the hospitals.
• Re-ordering items as required.
• Preparing publicity for Clubs to showcase the work of the consortium and the support of The Rotary Foundation.
The project was extended to the Mental Health Unit of Box Hill Hospital. It was able to be set up and delivered under pandemic restrictions, with spin off to other projects, such as gratitude packs to hospital staff, provision of art and craft supplies, puzzles and games and recreational equipment. Staff tell us that lack of reading glasses is an issue for many, so we have started a drive to collect reading glasses.When patients are admitted to mental health units they are at their most vulnerable, and very fearful of the situation. Provision of items for personal care at point of admission sets the tone as to the care that the hospitals seek to provide. Hospital staff tell us that it is more than filling a gap by providing items for their staff: the concept of persons not connected to them caring about their recovery actually speeds the patients recovery process, and makes things easier for the hospital staff. It provides a better result in terms of patient recovery, which is better for the overall Community.
It can be readily replicated, so there is an opportunity for other Rotary Clubs to set up similar projects to support their local hospitals’ mental health units. It is recommended that Clubs set up a consortium of clubs, as a collaboration draws on a wider network of contacts and skills for a greater impact.
This project is hands-on, supports the local community and is in one of Rotary’s key area’s of focus. It is a project that resonates with the community, so it is a perfect beneficiary for fundraising. It engages existing members, and attracts new members.