Elizabeth's Story The sudden death of my husband, Allan, in a car accident, catapulted me into a world raising three young sons alone whilst dealing with a grief that brought me to my knees. I found there was nowhere to share and express my grief. Because of this, I always had a dream of providing a safe environment for those going through the traumatic journey of grief. I got involved with a charity called ‘Women and Grief Home Care’. Nine years later, I needed to change direction. My friend Judith and I decided it was time to bring some joy into grief. She asked me what I missed most (not including my husband) when going through my journey of grief. I missed ‘feeling fab’ as I have always loved having makeup, hair and manicures done. After one night of brainstorming, we wrote a proposal to take to the Grief Centre in Birkenhead and Feeling Fab was created in 2014. This could not have happened without the support and heartfelt love of my volunteers who I call ‘angels’. Our angels have dedicated their time, support and a listening ear for the people who attend. Without the hundreds of ‘angels’ over the years, Feeling Fab would not be where it is today. I am so blessed and honoured to walk alongside our ‘angels’, they are part of the Feeling Fab family, past and present. I would like to say that my life is great now. My boys are married to wonderful ladies. I am ‘Nanny’ to six grandies from my boys and eight step-grandies through Lionel. I have been blessed having such a wonderful man - Lionel - who has been there for me and my boys through the worst time of our lives. He has been our rock. Keep reaching for your dreams - I did - with the help of my boys, Lionel, my family and friends. We all deserve to ‘feel fab’, especially when going through grief, loss and difficult times.

Mangawhai

Feeling Fab Foundation NZ provides information about the Feeling Fab Foundation in NZ. We organize wellness days to help people with grief and loss and trauma and bereavement and mental health. hello@feelingfab.org.nz Closing This Chapter I am sharing news that comes with both sadness and immense gratitude. After much reflection, I have decided to close Feeling Fab Foundation. Supporting individuals and families through grief has been one of the greatest honours of my life. The Wellness Days we’ve held, the connections formed, and the safe spaces we created together, will always remain close to my heart. This decision has been driven by significant personal circumstances, including bereavements, ongoing family commitments, and changes in my ability to give the time and capacity needed to run Feeling Fab. Whilst this chapter is ending, the compassion and strength within this community will continue far beyond our time here. Our social media presence and website will be closed down over the coming months. With Love, Elizabeth IMG_8299 MWD 19.11.23 Krave Dogbox MWD 19.11.23 G&L IMG_8631 87385506_511064043157204_7616727120491839488_n IMG_8250 FFFSubMark in Black IMG_3760 ed IMG_3904 ed IMG_3764 IMG_3795 ed IMG_3726 ed - Copy MWD 19.11.23 Vols 87301014_2849067091826256_6772763405422952448_o 67199911_10158748083345884_3759440524080054272_o 71530448_501542900662745_5221164490732601344_n IMG_3725 ed2 Describe your image IMG_8641 MWD 19.11.23 Table8a Describe your image 87245357_636098173858607_4887592497024335872_n Describe your image Our Vision Feeling Fab’s vision is informed by the principle of empowerment; Whakamana – through Mana Atua – commitment to the wellbeing of people in grief through the community gift of time and resources. Te Whakapau kaha te whakataiea ngā Tāngata me te pukatokatoi roto ingahapori o tewa me ngarauemi. We are a non-profit organisation whose Wellness Day Programme provides care, pampering, connection and the 'feel good factor' to those who have experienced grief, loss, bereavement, and trauma, with a focus on bringing joy, support and connection to those people. It is our privilege to be able to assist our nominees and make a difference to them at a stressful transitional time in their lives. Unfortunately, grief affects all of us and mental health in New Zealand is at crisis levels, which we see through the tragic increase of suicides and depression in our country. Our Wellness programme makes a huge difference to people’s mental wellbeing and positively affects their whānau and friends in the community. Our goal is to take our programme to small towns and rural communities throughout New Zealand. Everyone needs nurturing when in grief – we all experience grief. Donate Volunteer Sponsor Nominate I was put onto Feeling Fab via another support group - Sweet Louise. I didn’t really know what to expect but have enjoyed talking to others in difficult situations. Very yummy food and enjoyed taking time to be present, have my nails painted and make up done. Loved the hugs and friendly vibe. It felt like a safe place. CMS