Katrina Flinn and her Hawthorn Team continue with the provision of care bags for needy patients, but do you ever wonder how the project started?
This article was in a recent Donations-in-Kind Newsletter.
From little things, big, important, meaningful and sustainable things grow.
“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 PDG 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. Other attempts to procure the care bags had failed. Could Rotary assist? Bronwyn chatted with other Rotarians, and we began the project in January 2019, Rotary Donations In Kind agreed without hesitation to supply care bag goodies, and off we went, right when COVID hit.
The project expanded, and currently care bags and clothing are being provided to all patients on arrival to MHU’s at TAH, Box Hill and Forensicare Hospitals. St Vincent’s have approached the committee wishing to be supplied with bags.
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. Warehouse storing of care bag supplies and hosting packing days is generously provided by a Rotarian within the consortium clubs. Financially, we are so fortunate to have donated goods from DIK, GIVIT and Good360. St Stephens Anglican Church, Gardenvale provided op shop support and ACNC status.
Elsa reflected recently when she was in conversation with a distressed client. She needed to de-escalate the situation. She offered a new T shirt. This happens over and over. And when she offers the T shirt, or hoodie, or undies, or socks, the client responds with a softening. The conversation and trust open. This is one aspect of our project. Sandra, the head of operations reflected “One patient shared that: "I did not have any clothes other than what I came in with and had been wearing for days. I could not remember where my belongings were and when the nurse gave me a set of new casual things I felt a little bit more human."
The provision of Foundation Grant as well as a grant from Rotary Balwyn supplemented by consortium funds was able to fund $10K in clothing as well as the cost of racking at DIK. The racking and our own aisle at DIK enable storage of bulk donations of clothing.
Richard Blakeman, from the District 9800 Foundation team, commented after completion of the grant. “It is heart-warming to read of the joy and comfort brought by this act of kindness. Congratulations to everyone on your team.”
Care bag packing is satisfying and rewarding. It seems amazing that 200 bags can be packed in 2 hours. Bulk clothing being decanted into manageable sizes for the hospitals a very useful working bee also if your Club can assist.
Please contact Bronwyn Stephens E: bstephens.rotary@gmail.com P:0410 324 537 or Katrina Flinn katrinaflinn@bigpond.com ph 0417 475 415