Like many pensioners, Raelene Cowan is grappling with the surging cost of living.

Her income is being stretched thin, leaving little room for anything but the basics.

But she's also living with several mental health conditions that also make life tough.

She budgets meticulously and seeks out discounts, which helps her manage her money.

Raelene lives with her daughter Brooke, who is unemployed, so they share their Centrelink payments to cover all bills and necessities.

"[By the] time everything comes out, like electricity, gas, rent and food there's not much left," she said.

"It's not enough for both of us to live on."

But she has come across a unique program that has helped ease her financial stress. 

Budget-conscious shopping

Raelene's support coordinators referred her to the Thread Together program, which saves new clothing destined for landfill and gives it to those in need.

Before this, she couldn't afford to buy new clothes.

"I don't ever buy a full outfit, it's just too expensive," she said.

"I don't buy anything unless it's on sale."

Thread Together was founded in 2012 and collects unsold, end-of-line stock from fashion retailers across Australia, that would otherwise end up in landfill.  

Bronwyn Harris is the coordinator, and in partnership with charity Anglicare WA, opened the first dedicated hub in Mirrabooka, in Perth's north-east.

For those who can't visit in person, there is a mobile wardrobe in a van transporting carefully curated clothing to over 40 charity partners across the city. 

A self-esteem boost 

This referral-only service means people can get the clothing they need without the stigma of not being able to afford new clothes.

"We simply ask a few simple questions like, what do you need? What do you want to wear? What size are you? What are you vibing? What sort of journey are you currently on?" Ms Harris said.

"And we take it from there."

Ms Harris said it boosts self-esteem and provides a fresh start for people during their most challenging times.

"It's incredible to see people try on clothes on the spot, sometimes excitedly swapping out what they're wearing for something new," she said.

The clothes are provided at no cost to people referred to the service and aims to give clients a sense of self-worth, empowerment and dignity.

This year the service has provided more than 5,000 items of clothing to almost 900 people – including Raelene. 

'Happy place'

Raelene lives with a schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition characterised by symptoms of both schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions, and mood disorders including depression, mania, and hypomania.

Raelene says receiving new outfits is a rare treat that has greatly eased her financial problems whilst also offering vital emotional support.

"It's amazing because you see their clothes, and you go, oh my god," she said.

"I come here twice every three months (and) usually take home three to four items."

Raelene found retail shopping difficult, and advises others in similar circumstances to only take what they need.  

"I think do I buy it? Do I need it? Do I want it?" she said.

"I'll say 'no' and then I'll leave it."

The Thread Together program which Raelene describes as her 'happy place' has partnered with over 1000 fashion brands and helps 2,500 people across Australia each week.