An article from Katrina Flinn, Rotary Club of Hawthorn
When people are at their most vulnerable, small acts of care can have a powerful impact. Rotary Hawthorn, working with the local community, is supporting adult mental health inpatients at Upton House, Box Hill through practical wellbeing initiatives. From movement and music programs to cooking classes and providing essential personal care items, this Rotary-led project is helping patients build confidence, skills and dignity during recovery.
Katrina Flinn, Project leader with
hospital staff delivering donated items
hospital staff delivering donated items
Supported by a Rotary Foundation District Grant, the project is a compelling example of how Rotary members with community collaboration can truly change lives. Rotary Hawthorn, as part of a collaboration of District 9800 Clubs (Albert Park, Brighton North, Glenferrie, Malvern, Port Phillip, Williamstown and Donations in Kind) has been supporting Upton House and other local public hospital mental health wards providing inpatients with care bags and clothing since 2020.
Following further consultation with hospital staff at Upton House (Eastern Health’s inpatient mental health unit), a project was developed to further enhance patient wellbeing during hospital stays and assist with self-care skills following discharge. Staff emphasised that additional activities help lift mood, encourage movement, and support both physical and mental health.
The new project supports staff-led programs such as moving to music, supervised sports games, and gentle physical activities designed to improve strength, coordination, balance, and confidence and to ‘spark joy’. Equipment provided includes fit balls, hand grips, small hand weights, sports balls, and a speaker for music-based activities. Basic food ingredients are supplied to support popular cooking classes that teach basic skills and foster social connection in a relaxed setting.
The initiative also addresses dignity and basic needs with supply of sanitary items. Small personal care items, coffee pods, and snacks help support patients mutual help sessions and provide moments of comfort and calm.
The project was expanded at Christmas with donated snack packs (thanks to It’s the Little Things Community) and gift packs from items donated by club members, CWA Boroondara and also sourced from local residents.
Hospital staff report this sustained community support contributes to patient wellbeing and recovery and reduces the chance of being readmitted – a wonderful example of how working together we can make a meaningful difference.