Providing clothes to restore dignity

Keith's Closet
Genuine. Dynamic. Fearless

Mental health nurse Keith Donnelly has a demanding job and a family to care for. Yet, he is also the founder of Keith’s Closet, an innovative free boutique that provides dignity-restoring clothing, shoes, toiletries and household items to men and women with mental illness.

So far, Keith’s Closet has supported 1600 people – both in-patients and those living in the community. Keith also offers a volunteer outreach service to support people transitioning to their homes after a hospital stay.

Keith’s Closet is almost a second full-time job for the dedicated nurse, who has recruited an impressive array of sponsors and supporters, including the local MP, NSW Health and several businesses. He has collected thousands of donations of clothing and household items, including washing machines, beds, sofas, TVs, DVDs players.

One of the initial challenges was to find space for Keith’s Closet and a storage room but that was made possible through discussions with management at Prince of Wales Hospital and NSW Health.

People with mental illness are vulnerable to self-neglect, says Keith, who believes following a visit to Keith’s Closest people look good and feel good.

He feels surprised and validated to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “I’m completely stunned. I didn’t realise that others see the work I do. Sometimes, I don't realise the effort that is required.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Keith’s Closet has a shopping list of investments, including the purchase of new underwear and sanitary products or possibly a delivery vehicle. Ultimately, Keith has a vision to expand Keith’s Closet across NSW and Australia.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here