Keith’s Closet expanded to support those living with mental illness

Keith’s Closet, a mental health initiative started at the Kiloh Centre at Prince of Wales Hospital, has received a funding boost to expand to more sites across NSW. The expansion of the unique, grass-roots service will give more people living with mental illness access to essential supplies to support their wellbeing.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park, announced $185,000 in new funding for Keith’s Closet to enable the expansion of the service to Wollongong, Bankstown and Lismore, as well as a van which will service communities across NSW.

Minister Park said he was impressed by the impact Keith’s Closet has achieved over the last five years.

“Keith’s Closet is an incredible initiative, helping to improve self-esteem, confidence and hope for mental health consumers” Minister Park said.

Keith’s Closet helps clothe and accessorise consumers through walk-in wardrobe facilities at public hospitals for those navigating severe mental health, or mental illness recovery.

Keith’s Closet is open to consumers who have an arranged ‘shopping visit’ with their assigned nurse where they can select outfits, footwear and toiletries from the donated goods inside.

The van, complete with interiors, has been designed to replicate the closet experience on wheels, meaning Keith’s Closet will be even more accessible to those in need.

Pioneered by Keith Donnelly, Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist in the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, the program has been running since 2019.

Keith said he is excited to be able to extend the service to more locations across the state..

“As a mental health nurse, I recognised that patients accessing our services often arrived at hospital, with just the clothes on their backs and with limited access to alternative clothing, toiletries and accessories” Keith said.

“It’s exciting to see Keith’s Closet grow because in my opinion every mental health facility needs one.”

“It’s also really important to acknowledge Keith’s Closet would not be the success it is without the amazing support of our volunteers, our sponsors and the wider community.”

For more information on Keith’s Closet, visit www.keithscloset.org