Rotary clubs unite to bring dignity and care to mental health patients through the Small Comforts Project.
This project is a true team effort and a shining example of clubs’ collaboration in action.
The project is a collaboration between the Rotary clubs of Hawthorn, Brighton North, Glenferrie, Malvern, Port Phillip, Albert Park and Williamstown and with the support of Rotary Donations in Kind (DIK). The mission is to provide care bags and new clothing to patients in public hospital mental health units. We currently support The Alfred, Box Hill’s Upton House and St Vincent’s Melbourne. Most products are donated – donors include MiGoals, Mitre 10, Pinchapoo, Kwik Copy Cheltenham, Good360 and GIVIT along with care bag sewing volunteers. Each month we deliver up to 120 care bags to each of the hospital units, along with additional clothing items to The Alfred and Upton House. Estimated annual total bags delivered = 1,500. Packing sessions happen each quarter. The next packing session is tentatively scheduled for 28th October, 2025.
Feedback from the hospital staff:
Eliza: Lead Occupational Therapist: “Your generosity brings real tangible benefit to our patients – many of whom are facing incredible vulnerable and challenging times. The comfort and dignity the care bags and clothing provided cannot be overstated, and we are genuinely so grateful by the positive impact you continue to have across both units.”
Rain, Psychiatric Services Officer, St Vincents Melbourne: “The care bags are being received well by consumers! It has been a great way to engage with folks on the ward and facilitates providing material aid in a neater more humanising way.”
Lucy, Social Worker, Upton House: “Some people arrive on the ward without shoes or socks with many experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty and might only have one set of clothes. Being able to provide clean, brand new, comfortable clothing for people whilst they are receiving treatment for their mental health give people sense of dignity, safety and comfort. We are really grateful for the donations provided by Rotary, they make a huge difference to our consumers during their stay in hospital.”
It is truly a worthwhile project that Rotary Glenferrie Community Services support with small donation and volunteers to both pack and deliver care bags.