In 2018, AnglicareSA and Thread Together launched an Australian first with mobile wardrobe vans delivering brand new clothes directly to people in need. This month they extended the service with the official opening of an SA-first clothing hub.
Working with people experiencing vulnerability and hardship, the initiative has already supported more than 5,000 people in SA with brand new clothes valued at more than $3 million.
AnglicareSA CEO Peter Sandeman said new clothing can reignite people’s dignity and make a huge difference in their lives.
“New clothing, especially new clothing you choose for yourself, can be quite powerful,” he said.
It gives people the opportunity to re-frame how they feel about themselves and how they present themselves to the world.
“We are delighted that the mobile wardrobes, and now the clothing hub, enable us to get the brand new clothes to those who need it most. It has a wonderful impact on the lives of children, young people, adults, families and older people across our community who have been struggling.”
How does the service work?
Thread Together works in conjunction with clothing manufacturers to sort brand new, end-of-line clothes, that otherwise would have gone to landfill, for distribution through its charity partners. In collaboration, AnglicareSA and Thread Together use purpose-fitted mobile wardrobes to bring brand new clothes to communities who need it most – and now, people can also be referred to the centrally located North Adelaide clothing hub.
The new North Adelaide hub provides room for the mobile wardrobe vans to be restocked each day. The central location enables AnglicareSA and other social services providers to refer clients in need of new, quality clothing.
“For those experiencing vulnerability, hardship and social exclusion, access to new clothing plays a key role in enabling dignity, choice and self-esteem,” Mr Sandeman said.
AnglicareSA could not run the Thread Together service without the help of around 30 dedicated volunteers.
How to access the AnglicareSA Thread Together service:
- For existing AnglicareSA customers, speak to your AnglicareSA support worker
- For those receiving support from other agencies, ask your support worker to call 8267 1312 or email [email protected]
- For those not currently receiving support but needing assistance, call 8267 1312, email [email protected] or access an AnglicareSA emergency assistance site:
- Magdalene Centre, 82 Gilbert Street, Adelaide
- Elizabeth Mission, 91-93 Elizabeth Way, Elizabeth
- Outer Southern Hub, 111 Beach Road, Christies Beach
Gallery above: AnglicareSA and Thread Together’s new North Adelaide clothing hub