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A charity that usually helps women who have been bereaved or experienced trauma is broadening its scope to include men as well.
The Feeling Fab Foundation was established nine years ago in Rodney to run regular pampering days to nurture and support women who have experienced loss or grief, in a bid to bring some joy back into their lives.
Now founder Elizabeth York and her team of volunteers are turning their attention to men who have faced the pain of loss or serious illness, with a Men’s Wellness Afternoon at Dairy Flat on Sunday, November 27.
Unsurprisingly, the format will differ somewhat from the usual make-up, massage, manicure and hair styling sessions provided for women. Sunday’s event will be more about having a yarn, enjoying a barbecue and relaxing over a few 0% beers, although all attendees will get a traditional Feeling Fab goodie bag to take home.
“There will be no pampering at the men’s day,” York says. “This is our first event, so we’re treading lightly.”
Guest speaker will be Kiwi fishing broadcaster, writer and Maori fishing calendar producer Bill Hohepa.
As well as being an angling guru, York says the former Snells Beach resident is also a classic car enthusiast and has a raft of entertaining stories. There will also be someone from Men’s Shed to discuss what they get up to, a man who has started his own gin distillery, plus a few guitars if anyone fancies playing or listening to a song or two.
“If we can just help a few men to talk and to bond, it will be amazing,” she says. “What we’re trying to do is get the men there to talk and open up about their mental health in a relaxed environment.”
York says the inspiration for the men’s day came from women she had spoken to in palliative care, who told her they were worried about how their husbands and sons would cope after they had died, and it is hoped to hold further men’s events next year.
Anyone who is interested in attending, or who knows someone who might benefit, should email Feeling Fab on hello@feelingfab.org.nz
The wellness day will be held from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at the Waste Management offices in Landfill Access Road, Dairy Flat.
