Welcome to our WardRobe
Emma in the WardRobe
Update: We'd like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who reached out, donated and supported our Psychiatry WardRobe project. We've received overwhelming support from our community and staff have been busy sorting clothing donations which will well and truly see us through the coming months. For now, we are unable to accept any further donations - but as the WardRobe is a permanent feature in our unit, we will post an update as soon as we have capacity to accept more donations of your pre-loved clothing.
Many of the patients who come into the psychiatry inpatient unit are admitted with only the clothes they arrive in, and some have no access to other clothing. So the Alfred Mental and Addiction Health team are launching a new project called the ‘WardRobe’.
The WardRobe, which is launching on Friday 6 November, is a walk-in wardrobe based on the First Floor Ward in our inpatient unit. The aim is to keep the wardrobe stocked with good quality pre-loved clothing, as well as new undergarments and footwear - so they’re available to our patients when they need them.
Psychiatric nurse Emma Connolly who is leading the WardRobe project said the idea behind this recovery focused initiative is to provide a relaxed environment to make the patients feel special.
“From working first-hand in the inpatient unit, I can see how much this will have a positive effect on our vulnerable patients. I am so excited to see this initiative come to life and help the patients to look good and feel good,” said Emma.
The WardRobe will be available not only to inpatients but all patients using our mental health service, including those who are under the care of our homeless outreach teams and community services.
To help make sure the wardrobe stays full, the unit are dependent on donations from our staff and community. All donations of adult pre-loved clothing in good, clean and wearable condition in all sizes are needed - particularly men’s clothing. A clothing bin is available at our psychiatry inpatient unit reception entrance for donations.