A VOLUNTEER-run clothing bank for mental health patients in Worcester has marked its third anniversary.
Set up in 2021 by Dr Louisa Ward, The Wardrobe provides emergency clothing to patients admitted to mental health wards at the Elgar Unit in Worcester.
Run by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, the unit provides a variety of inpatient care for adults who are experiencing significant mental health difficulties.
Many patients are admitted in stressful circumstances, in which essential clothing items might not have been gathered for their stay.
Some simply do not own basic clothing due to factors such as homelessness or financial issues.
Not having adequate clothing upon admission can have a significant impact on the wellbeing and independence of patients.
Clothing can be an important part of recovery from mental illness, and providing patients with a choice of clothing aims to help this recovery.
Dr Ward said: “We started the clothing bank as a way to provide patients with access to clean clothes, helping them feel comfortable upon admission and promoting independence.
“I am glad it has not only sustained but also flourished over the last three years – all thanks to our lovely staff and volunteers.”
Donations for The Wardrobe should be taken to Newtown Hospital, Newtown Road, Worcester WR5 1JG.
