Rotarians from both Brighton North and Port Phillip met at the Nottinghill Warehouse to pack Care Bags for clients accessing the services of the Alfred Hospital and Box Hill Hospital's Mental Health Units.
“Small comforts from community” started as a conversation in November 2018 between Elsa Carr (former head of Allied Health mental health unit (MHU) at The Alfred Hospital (TAH)) and Rotarian Bronwyn Stephens. Elsa explained that research in the UK had found that a welcoming environment in MHU’s improved outcomes for patients by up to 25%, and that provision of a care bag on arrival is a key factor in that welcome space.
Rotary Clubs involved are Albert Park, Brighton North, Hawthorn, and Malvern. Mercy Werribee, Maroondah Hospital MHU’s are supported by provision of clothing by Lilydale and Wyndham Harbour. Rotary Donations in Kind (DIK) provides the clothing bay and resources for some care bag supplies.