People in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region living with mental illness now have better access to essential supplies to support their wellbeing, thanks to the expansion of Keith’s Closet to Shellharbour Hospital.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park on Thursday officially opened the new service after an investment of $185,000 by the State Government to open additional Keith’s Closets across NSW, including Sydney, the Illawarra and Northern NSW.

Keith’s Closet is a walk-in wardrobe which helps to clothe and support vulnerable clients with everyday essentials and is co-located at Shellharbour Hospital for those people navigating severe mental health or mental illness recovery.

The service is open to people who have an arranged ‘shopping visit’ with their assigned nurse where they can select outfits, footwear and toiletries from the donated wardrobe of goods inside.

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

Park said the service was centred around practical, compassionate and dignified support.

“Since its establishment at Prince of Wales Hospital in 2019, Keith’s Closet has been supporting mental health consumers to access to essential supplies to support their wellbeing.

“When patients visit Keith’s Closet, they can choose from a range of donated goods like clothes, shoes, toiletries – all with a view to helping them feel better about themselves so they can focus on their treatment and recovery.

“Focused on fostering dignity and respect within the care process, Keith’s Closet is a truly inspiring space.

“I’m so pleased to support the expansion of Keith’s Closet to another NSW site where I am sure it will be really beneficial for patients.”

Shellharbour MP Anna Watson said the new Keith’s Closet at Shellharbour Hospital would provide comprehensive support.

“This innovative model of care builds on the compassionate care health staff at Shellharbour Hospital provide each and every day to these vulnerable patients.”

Keith’s Closet founder Keith Donnelly said it was exciting to see the program grow and now benefit consumers in the Illawarra.

“During my time as a student and qualified 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.

“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.