Hospital Bag Program
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders suffer from the worst health of any demographic in Australia. This necessitates frequent stays in hospitals, often without notice. The result is that many people are left without the basic necessities (including hygiene products). Adding to the problem is the fact that many people need to travel some distance from their homes to city and regional centre Health Facilities.
NATSICC has partnered with the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Adelaide, Schools/Colleges and St Vincent de Paul to address this problem by offering Hospital bags for men, women and children. At certain times we also have artwork bags available to allow longer term patients to paint. Each bag includes items that are tailored for the recipient. For example, the women's bags have sanitary products and the men's bags have shavers and shaving cream. Additionally, should it be requested, the bags can contain booklets with prayers and Bible readings for the sick.
We rely on donations to stock the bags so availability is dependent on the stock we have on hand at the time. To inquire about availability please email craig@natsicc.org.au or call (08) 8363 2963.
How to get involved:
Preparing Hospital Bags
Creating Hospital Bags is also a practical way to live out Catholic Social Teaching. It reflects our commitment to the dignity of every person, preferential care for those who are vulnerable, and solidarity with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters. By working together to create these bags, communities put faith into action and strengthen the bonds that connect us as one human family. Using our simple Hospital Bag Guide, schools, parishes, youth groups, workplaces and community organisations can assemble bags containing essential personal care items that help make a difficult time a little more comfortable.
NATSICC will work with you to coordinate distribution when you have finished the bags. Where possible, bags may be provided through local Aboriginal Catholic Ministries, chaplaincy services or community organisations. Alternatively, NATSICC can assist with distributing bags to communities elsewhere in Australia where there is a need, with postage support available in many circumstances. Together, we can ensure your generosity reaches those who will benefit most.
Share a Message of Hope
Newsletter Article from St Scholastica’s Glebe (Click to Enlarge)
As part of the NATSICC Hospital Bags initiative, students are invited to write letters, cards or messages of encouragement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may receive a hospital bag during a hospital stay.
A hospital admission can be an isolating and uncertain experience. A simple message of kindness can remind someone that they are valued, remembered and connected to a wider community. Through this activity, students have the opportunity to put their faith into action by offering hope, compassion and human connection to people they may never meet.
This initiative reflects the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the dignity of the human person, solidarity, and the call to care for those who are vulnerable. By taking the time to write a message, students demonstrate that every person matters and that we are all connected as members of one human family.
The letters become more than words on a page—they are a tangible sign of welcome, care and accompaniment. They help strengthen the spirit of community that sits at the heart of the Hospital Bags initiative and remind recipients that they are not alone on their journey.
Schools are encouraged to discuss the importance of compassion, connection and cultural respect before undertaking this activity. Completed letters can be included in Hospital Bags distributed through the NATSICC program, sharing a message of hope from one community to another.
A proforma for the letter can be downloaded in the ‘links’ section below or you can design your own.
Faith in Action – A School and Youth Activity
The Faith in Action Resource invites students and young people to put their faith into practice through acts of compassion, service and solidarity. Linked to the NATSICC Hospital Bags initiative, this activity encourages participants to reflect on the dignity of every person and consider how small actions can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Students can work individually or as a group to assemble Hospital Bags, collect essential items, write letters and messages of hope, create artwork, or undertake awareness and fundraising activities. Through these practical actions, young people are encouraged to live out the Gospel call to love their neighbour and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may be experiencing illness, isolation or hardship.
This resource provides an engaging way for schools, youth groups and parish communities to explore Catholic Social Teaching while making a real and lasting impact.
Hospital Bag Links
Guide for making Hospital Bags (Schools, Parishes, Groups)
Faith In Action Activity - A curriculum designed to accompany to collating of hospital bags. Suitable for mid - upper primary students.
Message of Hope Template 1 | Template 2 (Developed by Jasmine Crnogorac - St Scholastica’s College Glebe)
Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green shares the importance of Hospital Bags for remote communities
Bishop Columba Macbeth Green on the importance of Hospital Bags for Remote Communities