Keith’s Closet opens in Sydney's Forensic Hospital to support patient recovery
Patients living with mental illness within Sydney’s high-secure Forensic Hospital will have better access to essential clothing, toiletries and accessories, thanks to the establishment of a Keith’s Closet within the hospital grounds.
The walk-in wardrobe, filled with donated clothing and accessories from the community, has today been opened within Dee Why Unit at the Forensic Hospital in Malabar, operated by Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (Justice Health NSW).
In 2024, Keith’s Closet, a non-for-profit charity and mental health initiative, received a funding boost from the NSW Government to expand to more sites across NSW.
Keith’s Closet helps clothe and accessorise consumers through walk-in wardrobe facilities, helping to improve self-confidence and hope for people living with mental illness.
The expansion of the unique, grass-roots service gives more people living with mental illness access to essential supplies to support their mental health recovery and wellbeing.
For more information on Keith’s Closet, visit www.keithscloset.org
For more details on Justice Health NSW, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/justicehealth
Justice Health NSW Chief Executive, Wendy Hoey PSM said:
“Here at Justice Health NSW, we deliver equitable and compassionate healthcare to some of the state’s most mentally unwell patients.
“Admissions to the Forensic Hospital and mental health facilities across the state are rarely planned, and often these individuals arrive with only the clothes on their back.
“By instilling a sense of pride in their appearance, initiatives like Keith’s Closet are helping to provide patients with a renewed sense of self and purpose – an essential first step in their mental health recovery journey.
“Keith’s Closet is a simple concept, with a meaningful impact. Our ultimate goal is to help patients gain the skills and confidence for a safer transition back into the community.”
Founder and Director of Keith’s Closet, Keith Donnelly said:
“I am delighted to see Keith’s Closet grow and now benefit patients within the Forensic Hospital.
“Being a high-secure facility, access to clothing, footwear and toiletries can be limited. We hope this helps to improve self-esteem and confidence to have a positive impact on their recovery journey.
“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.”