• Female prison clothing appeal
Melbourne’s chilly winter weather is now in full force with one group of women desperately needing warm clothing donations.
Prisoners finishing their sentence at Melbourne’s female prison, the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, often leave the premises needing warm winter clothing as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
Prison Chaplain Major Alison Platt said warm jackets, jumpers, cardigans, jeans and pants in new or excellent condition (no rips, stains or faulty zippers/buttons) were urgently needed to help give the women dignity and practical material aid as many faced financial hardship once they left the centre.
“Many women leave prison into homelessness,” she said.
“They may go into emergency shelters or couch surfing. Others have nowhere to go. Warm jackets and clothes make all the difference when the women leave. Others no longer fit into the clothes they wore coming into prison. On the streets, decent meals can be rare. Having basic nutritional needs met makes a big difference.”
If you can donate new and quality women’s winter clothing, please contact Alison at Alison.Platt@salvationarmy.org.au
For full story on Major Alison Platt’s chaplaincy role at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, click here
– Lerisse Smith
