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Above, Mar (Martine Genet), right, tells her story while having a hand massage. She has been homeless since February. Right, Tracey Miller of Manly, right, says the pamper day gave her some much needed time out. She is pictured with Feeling Fab volunteer Jacqui Ross.
A group of women, some reluctant to come through the door at first, emerged from a day of care and pampering with goodie bags under their arms, and wide smiles.
Around 19 women, including Love Soup clients and volunteers and those suffering grief and loss, gathered at the Waste Management offices in Dairy Flat on April 22 for a pamper day run by the Feeling Fab Trust.
They were treated to delicious food, massages, manicures, hair ups and craft making, Reiki and Yoga, provided by 25 volunteers.
As the women enjoyed their treatments, the hum of conversation soon filled the room. And it is this, according to Feeling Fab founder Liz York, that is the key to the programme’s success.
“For some of them it’s massive just to come along, but they are welcomed with a huge hug and by morning tea they are sharing phone numbers and talking openly about what they are going through,” Liz says. “I wish I could bottle this as it’s amazing for the women’s mental health.”
Head chef for the day is Lynda Schuler of Stillwater, who nearly walked away the first time she was invited to a pamper session, around three years ago. She was going through a lot of grief at the time and says she was afraid to walk into a room with a lot of people that she didn’t know.
Somehow she found the courage, and afterwards she contacted Liz. “I said I’d like to help, but all I can do is cook,” Lynda says. As well as turning out lunch for the Feeling Fab events, Lynda is also now on the committee.
Most of the women at the pamper day last month were connected to Love Soup Hibiscus Coast, Liz says the connection between the two organisations has been a very positive one. Liz often contributes clothes to Love Soup’s koha table and Love Soup provides food for families in need that Liz is in contact with.
Feeling Fab is a charitable trust. It began in 2014 and holds regular pamper days for people who have experienced bereavement or loss. Feeling Fab is always looking for people who can sponsor or assist them. Info: www.feelingfab.co.nz or phone Liz on 021 137 3155.
