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EMERGENCY

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Triple zero (000) is a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For less severe but still urgent situations, go to an Emergency Department.

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Mental Health Support Group Founder Barbara Swain (left) with Tuckeroo Occupational Therapist Angie D’Elboux surrounded by the 25 handmade quilts donated to the mental health unit.
Published: 17 Dec 2024

Patients at Tuckeroo Mental Health Unit at Byron Central Hospital will feel the warmth of community kindness this Christmas, thanks to a donation of 25 handmade quilts lovingly crafted by local volunteers.

The patchwork quilts, stitched by craftspeople from the Mental Health Support Group, are part of the group’s longstanding commitment to supporting people throughout the Northern NSW Local Health District who are living with mental illness. 

Tuckeroo Occupational Therapist Angie D’Elboux said the quilts provided a sense of comfort and homeliness for patients.

“People can come here from very non-homely spaces and these quilts give them an extra sense of care,” Ms D’Elboux said.

“They get a sense of homeliness and comfort when they receive them. It brightens their day so much.

“People really do love them and comment on them. They often want to swap them because the design of every one of them is so different and amazing.

“We really do appreciate the amount of work that goes into them.”

It takes a volunteer about two weeks to make one quilt. 

Mental Health Support Group Founder Barbara Swain said the quilts were made with love to bring positivity to patients.

“We hope the love that goes into making the quilts transfers to the patients,” Mrs Swain said. 

“We want people to come into the unit to start their rehabilitation to feel they are in a cheerful place.

“We want them to go into their room and say, ‘this is more like a motel room. I’m on holiday, I’m not in a hospital’.

“We just hope that they know that somebody cares for them.”

Mrs Swain founded the Mental Health Support Group in 1995 after the loss of her son and has since worked tirelessly with volunteers to support mental health patients across Northern NSW, relying entirely on donations and volunteer time.

Over the years, the group’s efforts have grown to include furnishing homes, providing food and distributing essentials such as clothing and toiletries.

This month, the group has also made Christmas hampers and gift bags for patients at mental health facilities across the Northern NSW Local Health District, ensuring the holiday spirit is felt far and wide.