A day of pampering helped a group of North Shore women deal with grief. Makeovers, manicures, pedicures and hair styling all helped a team of 17 ladies to overcome a loss on a ‘Feeling Fab’ day at The Grief Centre in Birkenhead recently.
The Grief Centre was established in 2009 to support people of all ages and circumstances facing loss and grief.
Mallika Krishnamurthy, assistant at the Centre, said: “We all face different kinds of loss in our lives and we are not always prepared for them or how we feel when they happen. The Grief Centre offers a variety of services in various venues in Auckland to support the diverse needs that people have at these times.”
Highly qualified and experienced counsellors work with people individually or as a couple or family. There are also different support groups on offer, all facilitated by experienced counsellors or facilitators to give people the opportunity to connect with others who have been through similar experiences.
Mallika said: “We recognise the need for a range of opportunities for people to meet, share, connect and give themselves space to grieve, knowing that there are people to care when difficult times happen. One of these opportunities, Feeling Fab, is the wonderful brainchild of Liz York who is passionate about supporting people through loss and grief. Liz came to the Grief Centre with her idea of a pamper day for women who have experienced a bereavement and we are delighted to work with her to give all those who attend a day to remember.”
During the ‘Feeling Fab’ day, the ladies also tried on and had the chance to take away some preloved items for their wardrobes donated by DeVine Clothing. At the end of the event, they got into their glamorous outfits, kindly loaned by Glam Fashions of Birkenhead, and had their photos taken whist enjoying a glass of bubbly. Throughout the day there was time for the ladies to relax and get to know one another over cups of tea and coffee with lunch and morning tea donated by The Merchant Bar and Kitchen from Albany. Many very generous local businesses donated items or services for goodie bags that each of the ladies got to take away with them.
One of the group, who did not wish to be named, said: “The day made me feel very comfortable. It was great to be able to talk to others knowing that in some way we all have a common thread.”
Volunteers gave up their Sunday to make others feel great and these people, combined with Liz of course, and the businesses that donated, all helped to make the day possible.
Mallika added: “We hope that Feeling Fab will go on from strength to strength and we look forward to continuing to offer it here at The Grief Centre.
We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the people and businesses that have offered so much to make Feeling Fab possible.”