The Thread Together clothing hub opened at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Indooroopilly in October 2022. It gives people access to brand new clothing in a safe and supportive environment.
The clothing hub is designed to be a space for connection. Those who are doing it tough can take time to choose clothing they love and converse with staff in the warm and welcoming space.
The official launch took place on Thursday 20 October 2022 during Anti-Poverty week. The special dignitaries in attendance included Uncle Steve Coghill, Local Member Michael Berkman, and the Archbishop of Brisbane Phillip Aspinall. Other dignitaries included the Former Governor-General of Australia Dame Quentin Bryce and Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer, Sue Cooke.
HELPING THOSE IN NEED: Thread Together Volunteer Coordinator Kate Littmann-Kelly with one of the dresses at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Indooroopilly.
How the Thread Together clothing hub works
Thread Together is a global first. It’s dedicated to taking excess new clothing from manufacturers and designers and redistributing it to vulnerable community members. Additionally, occurring no cost to the recipient.
Volunteer Coordinator Kate Littmann-Kelly said that the clothing hub offers a dignified and empowering experience for those doing it tough.
Commenting at the launch, Ms Littman-Kelly said, “We’re very excited to open the clothing hub at St Andrew’s Anglican Church. It will provide an extra layer of dignity and choice to people in need.”
“They can enter something that looks like a retail environment and it’s a lovely time to come and choose the clothes that you like. We encourage you to go and try it on in a dressing room, have a look at it in front of a mirror and take it away in a beautiful bag.”
Thread Together Volunteer Coordinator Kate Littmann-Kelly with Princess Polly Social Responsibility Coordinator Emma Slattery, Princess Polly Quality Assurance Manager Jennine Mogor and Princess Polly Quality Assurance Coordinator Christina Hewawissa at the Thread Together clothing hub at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Indooroopilly.
Providing ongoing support
Ms Littmann-Kelly said the van will continue to service the community and will play a crucial role in addition to the new clothing hub.
“The hub will allow us to provide more children’s clothing which will assist parents and families in need. There will be a greater array of clothing that people can choose from.”
Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer, Sue Cooke, said it was no coincidence that the launch of the new hub took place during Anti-Poverty Week.
“Anglicare staff see the challenges faced by the 1 in 8 Queenslanders who live in poverty, and understand that disadvantage isn’t just about material deprivation. The Brotherhood of St Laurence called this ‘the lived experience of being treated as less-than,” Mrs Cooke said.
“As well as meeting material needs, putting Anglicare’s mission and values into practice means acknowledging the dignity and uniqueness of the individual. Importantly, listening to people’s stories with respect and compassion.
The Thread Together clothing hub at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Indooroopilly.
Partnership with St Andrew’s and making a referral
“Our partnership with Thread Together and St Andrews was therefore a natural fit. Thread Together addresses a basic human need while upholding dignity, respect, and the ability to make personal choices. Thus, reflecting the unique needs and personality of the people they support.
“People in need of clothing can ask their support organization to make a referral. We’ll then arrange an appointment at the hub,” Ms Littmann-Kelly said.
“If people aren’t connected to an agency, we can provide those links, so that people have the support they need. We don’t want the hub just to be about handing out clothing.”
An array of clothes people can choose from at the Thread Together Clothing Hub. Photo: Anglicare Southern Queensland
“I’d like to say a special thank you to our partners Thread Together, and to the St Andrew’s Anglican Church. I’d like to thank Reverend Sue Grimmett and the wonderful parish volunteers who are at the heart of this initiative,” Mrs Cooke said.
“Together, as a three-way collaboration, we treasure a partnership where we put our mission and values into action… contributing our strengths to make a whole that is greater than its parts.”