Keith’s Closet, a non-profit initiative founded by mental health nurse Keith Donnelly in 2019, is transforming the way society views mental health by offering much more than just clothes. The charity provides personalized clothing, toiletries, and a sense of dignity to individuals undergoing mental health treatment.
For Mel, a peer support worker with lived experience of mental illness, the services offered by Keith’s Closet are personal. Having fled an unsafe relationship, she recalls how she had nothing but the clothes she was wearing. “I didn’t even have nice tights. I had nothing to wear to work,” Mel shared.
A Fresh Start with a Fresh Outfit
The importance of clothing in mental health recovery is evident in Mel’s role, where she frequently accompanies clients to Keith’s Closet. The service, which is completely free, allows people in need to select from a range of donated, near-new clothes, offering them the opportunity to regain some control over their appearance and self-esteem.
Founder Keith Donnelly, who has seen firsthand the lack of basic necessities for patients, is deeply committed to providing emotional and practical support. “Sometimes, something as simple as a new outfit—fresh underwear or pajamas—can make a significant difference,” he said. “We look after very vulnerable people. We want them to feel loved and cared for.”
A Journey from Tragedy to Purpose
Donnelly’s path to founding Keith’s Closet was shaped by personal hardship. After losing his mother to cancer and his brother to suicide, Donnelly faced his own battles with mental health. His experiences led him to a career in mental health nursing, despite leaving school at 15. At 36, he finally became a registered nurse.
While working in Ireland, Donnelly noticed that many patients, especially those brought in involuntarily, lacked basic necessities like clothing. One day, after offering clothes from his own wardrobe to a patient, Donnelly saw a noticeable improvement in the young man’s confidence and demeanor. Inspired by this transformative moment, he began to envision a way to offer similar support to others in need.
Expanding Impact and Reaching More People
After moving to Australia in 2016, Donnelly set up the first Keith’s Closet at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney. The charity quickly grew, and now offers both in-person services at a walk-in wardrobe and a mobile service using a donated van. In 2023, a second branch opened at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne. The organization has already helped more than 4,000 people, with expansion plans supported by NSW government funding.
Keith’s Closet is not just about providing clothes—it’s about connecting with individuals. “We talk about mental health, but we also talk about everything else in life. There’s so much more to people than just their mental illness,” Donnelly explained. In addition to the clothes, many clients find comfort in the simple act of sharing a conversation over coffee or tea.
The organization is also expanding its services, with new workshops on employment and life skills to be offered at its new headquarters. These workshops will help clients build confidence and reintegrate into the workforce, while also offering opportunities to volunteer and socialize.
Combating Stigma with Kindness
While attitudes toward mental illness have evolved over time, stigma remains a barrier for many. Operations Manager Grace Wilson, 24, believes that small acts of kindness, such as gifting someone a fresh shirt or pair of shoes, can have a profound impact on someone’s life. “You don’t know what someone is going through,” said Mel, adding that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their background.
Having received support during her own struggles, Mel now helps others as a peer support worker, reminding them of their worth. “I walk out of my office every day thinking, ‘I’m going to change the world,’ and I do,” she said.
A Mission to Create a Lasting Impact
Looking back, Donnelly feels a deep sense of gratitude for the challenges he faced in life, as they ultimately led him to a career in mental health. “Those events made me who I am. They pushed me into this work, and I feel like this is exactly where I’m meant to be,” he said.
Keith’s Closet is more than just a charity—it’s a reminder of the power of kindness and how something as simple as a new outfit can make a world of difference in someone’s journey to recovery.
Expansion Plans
With the new headquarters and government support, Keith’s Closet aims to grow further, with additional branches planned for Bankstown, Shoalhaven, and Lismore hospitals. The charity is determined to reach even more people in need and offer them the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives.
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