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Upcoming Events at The Grief Centre
Please watch the website for news of upcoming events or contact us to join our mailing list
Walking Group and Coffee - April 2018
Join us for a low impact walk throughout the local bush in Birkenhead, followed by a coffee with counsellors Nola Forsyth and Averill Waters from The Grief Centre – our next monthly walk will be on Monday 30th April 2018 at 10am. Meet at The Grief Centre, 92 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead. For more information please email Cathey
Looking at Grief - Professional Development Workshops 2018:
These workshops are suitable for those working with and supporting families through grief and loss, including health professionals, counsellors, teachers, social workers, children's/youth workers, social service support agency staff, funeral directors, church workers and community volunteers. NB: Other workshops will be added once content has been finalised.
Southland Workshops
Monday 7th May: When Helping Others Hurts – Dunedin - $95 per person plus GST
Tuesday 8th May: When A Family Hurts – Invercargill - $95 per person plus GST
Wednesday 9th May (morning): Getting to Grips with Grief – Gore - $95 per person plus GST
Wednesday 9th May (afternoon): In the Aftermath – Gore - $95 per person plus GST
Thursday 10th May: After a Suicide – Invercargill - $50 per person plus GST
Friday 11th May: After a Suicide – Dunedin - $50 per person plus GST
Napier Workshops
Wednesday 16th May: After A Suicide - $65 per person plus GST
Thursday 17th May: When Helping Others Hurts - $65 per person plus GST
Auckland Workshops
Thursday 22nd June: After A Suicide - $95 per person plus GST
Friday 22nd June: When Helping Others Hurts - $95 person plus GST
Contact Siobhan for more information about each workshop
Grief Centre Bereavement Support Groups 2018:
Auckland City General Bereavement Support Group - please email to express your interest in a 2018 group
Birkenhead General Bereavement Support Group - please email to express your interest in a late 2018 group
Henderson General Bereavement Support Group - please email to be added to the waiting list for a late 2018 group
 Our support groups are where you join with others to explore your thoughts, feelings, assumptions and challenges as you look to life after the death of a loved one.
Each support group is set up for those who have experienced a bereavement sometime in the last few years, it is an opportunity to meet with others who may have been through similar experiences. Registrations are essential - email your interest.
Past Events
Getting Through Grief - Community Talks in November 2017
Come along to our free community talks which will assist people in managing grief during the holiday season and
provide coping strategies to see you through this period.
Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deep and difficult challenge at any time. But the holiday season, along with
special times such as birthdays and anniversaries, can magnify your sense of loss and mourning.
Family gatherings and seasonal events can be painful reminders of the absence of a loved one.
Presented by Nola Forsyth. Nola is a counsellor and professional supervisor for The Grief Centre, who supports people at a time when they are feeling vulnerable and assists them to find personal strength, well being and hope for life ahead
Managing Grief At Holiday Times
- Tuesday 28th November, 6.30pm - 7.30pm – St Heliers Bay Community Centre, Bay Room, 100 St Heliers Bay Road
- Wednesday 29th November, 1pm-2pm – Highland Park Community House, Park View Room, 47 Aviemore Drive, Highland Park
Looking at Grief - Professional Development Workshops - November 2017:
These workshops are suitable for those working with and supporting families through grief and loss, including health professionals, counsellors, teachers, social workers, children's/youth workers, social service support agency staff, funeral directors, church workers and community volunteers. NB: Other workshops will be added once content has been finalised.
To contact Siobhan for more information, click on the relevant workshop below. Each workshop costs $95 + gst:
When Helping Others Hurts – 22nd November 1pm-4pm, Parenting Place, Auckland
After A Suicide – 23rd November 9.30am-12.30pm, Parenting Place, Auckland
After A Suicide – 28th November 9.30am-12.30pm, All Saints Church Conference Centre, Hataitai, Wellington
One Day Workshop - Catching Your Breath in Grief:
A Workshop for Caregivers with Tom Attig
Date: Monday 9th October 2017
Location: Potters Park Event Centre (within the Auckland Deaf Society Building)
Time: 8.45am – 4.00pm
Cost: $90
Registration Essential: Cathy Readhead – aucklandpd@xtra.co.nz by Wednesday 4th October 2017
Looking at Grief - Professional Development Workshops 2017:
When Helping Others Hurts in Whangarei – 6th September at 10am-1pm (note $85 rather than $95)
Yes Children Grieve Too – Parenting Place Auckland – 13th September at 1pm-4pm ($95)
It’s So Weird – Parenting Place Auckland – 14th September at 9.30am-12.30pm ($95)
When A Family Hurts in Palmerston North – 27th September at 1pm-4.30pm ($95)
When Helping Others Hurts in Palmerston North – 28th September at 9.30am-1pm ($95)
Movie Fundraiser - Battle of the Sexes - 28th September
Book your tickets now for our movie fundraiser.
It's going to be fun night, with great reviews and plenty of gorgeous 'Lush' products
as spot prizes and raffle prizes (gift boxes and a Senior Membership for this season 
at Birkenhead Tennis Club).
Cost: $25 - this includes entrance fee and a glass of wine (or ice cream).
Raffle tickets are extra: $2 for 1 ticket, $5 for 3 tickets
Date: Thursday 28th September 2017
Where: The Bridgeway, 122 Queen Street, Northcote, 0627
Start time: 6.00pm for a mingle, drink and raffle. Movie starts at 6.30pm.
Book Tickets: see below for details
When Billie Jean King accepted Bobby Riggs' challenge to a nationally televised match with a winner-takes-all prize of $100,000, she knew that win meant so much more than personal pride. The match became one of the most watched televised sports events of all time - billed 'The Battle of the Sexes', Riggs vs. King sparked a national debate.
This sensational story now comes to film, with Emma Stone coming fresh off her Oscar win to star as King, with Steve Carell taking on the role of Riggs. See the trailer here
We'd love you to come along and have fun at this movie fundraiser AND support the Grief Centre in the process.
One day workshop on The Grief Experience: Understanding, responding, supporting, and enabling those grieving a loss (24th August 2017 - Auckland)
This day workshop will be presented by Tricia Hendry and Maureen Frayling. Together they will bring their combined expertise and experience to the day, offering knowledge and strategies to equip participants to effectively support people grieving a significant loss of any kind, whatever its cause and whatever their age or stage. A wide range of training tools will be used to ensure this professional development day is stimulating, engaging, memorable and very practical.
The workshop will be suitable for anyone working as a professional or volunteer in a social support role of any kind, including: social workers, health professionals, family support workers, teachers, counsellors, and child and youth workers.
Date: Thursday 24th August 2017
Time: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Location: MBS Flexispace, Massey University, Dairy Flat Highway, Albany, Auckland
Cost: $250 for professionals; $200 for Massey University staff (permanent and fixed term only) and $125 for students (full time only). Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is provided and included in the fee. Certificates of attendance are provided to all attendees who complete the workshop.
Registration: Contact Helen McMaster, Centre for Psychology, Massey University for details. Numbers are limited and places will be allocated in order of receipt of registration.
Getting Through Grief - Community Talks in August 2017
A free community talk to assist people in understanding how we grieve and coping strategies for managing grief
Presented by Nola Forsyth. Nola is a counsellor and professional supervisor for The Grief Centre, who supports people at a time when they are feeling vulnerable and assists them to find personal strength, well being and hope for life ahead
Date: Monday 28th August 2017
Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Location: Mount Eden Village Centre
449 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland, 1024
Cost: No charge for this community talk
Registration: there is no formal registration needed but if you could email events@griefcentre.org.nz to confirm you are coming, that will help with setting up the room
Date: Tuesday 29th August 2017
Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Location: Sturges West Community House
58 Summerland Drive, Henderson, Auckland, 0612
Cost: No charge for this community talk
Registration: there is no formal registration needed but if you could email events@griefcentre.org.nz to confirm you are coming, that will help with setting up the room
When A Family Hurts (17th July - Wellington)
Supporting and empowering families through difficult times of change, loss and grief.
This practical and interactive workshop will increase participant’s understanding and awareness of:
- Grief in action – the impact on families
- How whole families grieve and the dynamics in play
- What do hurting families need most?
- Support skills, tools and strategies - What can we do? How can we be? What helps?
- Empowering families concerned for their grieving children and young people’s well-being
- Building up family resilience in the face of loss
- Recognising red flags
“Excellent presentation, great value for money, generous resources, very impressed!” - Liana Meredith
Date: Monday 17th July 2017
Time: 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Location: All Saints Church Conference Centre, 90 Hamilton Rd, Hataitai, Wellington
Cost: $95 +GST
Registration: Email events@griefcentre.org.nz
When Helping Others Hurts (18th July - Wellington)
A workshop to build awareness of the hidden costs of helping others, and to learn practical strategies to manage and prevent burnout, second hand trauma/grief, and compassion fatigue.
This workshop will help participants to:
- Better understand the nature and dynamics of workplace burnout, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue, including their contributing factors.
- Consider the possible consequences of these – personally, professionally and organisationally.
- Assess their current levels of vulnerability to burnout, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue.
- Consider the well-being of their team and colleagues, and their relationships with them.
- Understand the key differences between organisational and individual responsibilities when managing costs to well-being.
- Learn the indicators to look for and develop a personal early warning system.
- Use effective workplace and personal strategies to reduce risk, including a personalised self-care plan.
- Activate a recovery plan if it should be needed personally, or to support a colleague.
- Enhance and develop in their role
“I wish I had this training 10 years ago. Absolutely changed me and my understanding of self and what I can do to help clients and families” - Marlene du Toit-Parks, Heart Kids NZ
Date: Tuesday 18th July 2017
Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm
Location: All Saints Church Conference Centre, 90 Hamilton Rd, Hataitai, Wellington
Cost: $95 +GST
Registration: Email events@griefcentre.org.nz
 
Dreams Talk on 26th July (free event):
Come and join us during Grief and Loss Awareness Week at the Birkenhead Library on Wednesday 26th July at 12.30pm.
HOW DREAMS HELP US IN THE GRIEF PROCESS
The Grief Centre has organised for Margaret Bowater to present a talk on dreams and grieving. This talk may be useful for those who are experiencing loss and grief, or for those working with others going through this.
"It is normal for us to dream about our loved ones after they have left us, enabling us to continue our relationship at a spiritual level, and even to sort out any “unfinished business” that remains on our minds. Different kinds of dream images show us how we progress through a range of emotions as we come to terms with the loss."
Margaret will summarise some recent research and present examples of grief dreams contributed by clients. She will also discuss some of the visionary dreams that may occur to those who are on the edge of dying.
Date: Wednesday 26th July 2017
Time: 12.30pm - 2.00pm (bring your own lunch, tea / coffee provided)
Location: Birkenhead Library, Corner Rawene Rd &, Hinemoa St, Birkenhead, Auckland 0626
Cost: Koha
Registration: You can just turn up on the day, but if you want to secure your place then email office@griefcentre.org.nz
Colourful Coffee Morning
Savour a nice coffee in a relaxed café whilst allowing your mind to float away into the world of colouring in.
Date: Monday 15th May 2017 at 11am
Location: Cafe Bella Monte, 13 Williamson Ave, Belmont, Auckland 0622
Cost: Free. Registration: Email: office@griefcentre.org.nz
This is a great way to reduce stress, relax your mind, become mindful and spark creativity within a warm environment. We will provide the pencils and colouring in templates (or you can bring your own). Limited to approx. 8 spaces.
Opening of our new North Shore 'Sweet Charity Home Store'
Come and take a leisurely browse at the newest charity home store on the North Shore... Sweet Charity. Help support our great work by donating and purchasing high quality goods at great prices.
Opening Date: Friday 12th May 2017
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Location: Glenfield Community Centre, entry via Bentley Avenue, Glenfield
Donations: We're collecting donations of high quality linen, homewares, bric-a-brac, women's wear and accessories, children's toys, books, cds and artwork. Official drop off points are at The Grief Centre, 92 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead between 9.30am - 3pm, Monday - Friday.
Getting Through Grief - a Community Talk in May 2017
A free community talk to assist people in understanding how we grieve and coping strategies for managing grief
Presented by Nola Forsyth. Nola is a counsellor and professional supervisor for The Grief Centre, who supports people at a time when they are feeling vulnerable and assists them to find personal strength, well being and hope for life ahead
Date: Wednesday 17th May 2017
Time: 12.30am - 1.30pm
Location: St Heliers Bay Community Centre (Bay Room)
at 100 St Heliers Bay Road, St Heliers, Auckland
Cost: No charge for this community talk
Registration: there is no formal registration needed but if you could email events@griefcentre.org.nz to confirm you are coming, that will help with setting up the room
Understanding Grief and Loss - Community Talk in Howick by Seasons for Growth
This talk is open to adults in the community who may have suffered a major loss-death or separation and needs help to cope. This is a non religious free programme.
Date: Wednesday 17th May 2017
Time: 7.15pm
Location: All Saints Community Centre, 30 Cook Street, Howick
Colourful Coffee 2016
Savour a nice coffee in a relaxed café whilst allowing your mind to float away into the world of colouring in.
Date: Monday 28th November 2016 at 11am
Location: Cafe Bella Monte, 13 Williamson Ave, Belmont, Auckland 0622
Cost: Free. Registration: Email: office@griefcentre.org.nz
This is a great way to reduce stress, relax your mind, become mindful and spark creativity within a warm environment. We will provide the pencils and colouring in templates (or you can bring your own). Limited to approx. 8 spaces.
Looking at Grief - Professional Development Workshops 2016:
The Grief Centre has developed a series of workshops suitable for those working with and supporting families through grief and loss, including health professionals, counsellors, teachers, social workers, children's/youth workers, social service support agency staff, funeral directors, church workers and community volunteers.
Workshop 2: Yes, Children Grieve Too…
Date: Thursday 3rd November 2016, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Location: Domain Lodge, 1 Boyle Crescent, Grafton, Auckland 1023
Cost: $85 +GST. Registration: Email events@griefcentre.org.nz
Understanding and supporting 0-12 year olds who are facing difficult change or loss.
Workshop 3: It's So Weird!
Date Changed to: Wednesday 30th November 2016, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Location: Domain Lodge, 1 Boyle Crescent, Grafton, Auckland 1023
Cost: $85 +GST. Registration: Email events@griefcentre.org.nz
Understanding, supporting and empowering teenagers who are coping with difficult times of change, loss and grief.
August 2016 Movie Fundraiser: "Absolutely Fabulous" at The Bridgeway, Birkenhead
Cost: $25 - this includes entrance fee and a glass of wine (or ice cream)
Date: Wednesday 24th August 2016
Start time: 6.00pm for a mingle, drink and raffle. Movie starts at 6.30pm.
Book Tickets: by emailing Cathey at The Grief Centre
We'd love you to come along and have fun at this movie fundraiser AND support the Grief Centre in the process.
The Movie - what's it all about ? 
Edina and Patsy are still oozing glitz and glamor, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London`s trendiest hot-spots. Blamed for a major incident at an uber fashionable launch party, they become entangled in a media storm and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. Fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the super-rich, the French Riviera, they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever more!
"Some were trepidatious about this belated big-screen outing for the fashionista sitcom. In fact, post-referendum, the timing couldn’t be better … and neither could Joanna Lumley" - The Guardian
Grief and Loss Awareness Week (25th - 31st July 2016)
Wednesday 27th July 2016, 12pm
How Dreams can help our Grieving Process at Birkenhead Library
We are fortunate to have Margaret Bowater present a talk on dreams and grieving - this may be useful for those who are experiencing loss and grief, or for those working with others going through this. It is an interactive talk, so please bring examples of your own grief dreams (or questions you may have).
- Did you know that your dreams can give you real insight into your inner self?
- That you have several dreams a night, even if you don’t remember them?
- That they show you stories about yourself in a metaphor language that is easy to learn?
- That nightmares can alert you to unresolved issues, and can be healed?
- That dreams can be your own inner counsellor, giving you continuous feedback on your life?
- That dreaming of the departed may carry healing and reassurance.
Birkenhead Library will also feature grief and loss books during that week to help raise awareness within our local community.
Cost: A koha is asked for, with all proceeds going to The Grief Centre.
Book: By emailing Cathey at the The Grief Centre office
Date: Wednesday 27th July 2016
Time: 12pm - 1.30pm - bring your lunch
Location: Birkenhead Library, Corner Rawene Road &, Hinemoa St, Birkenhead, Auckland 0626
Sunday 31st July 2016, 11.30pm
Yoga Fundraiser at Albany Yoga Room
Yoga enthusiasts and total beginners alike are invited to join us in our Yoga Fundraiser being held at Albany Yoga Room, to help raise awareness of Loss and Grief within our community and to offer those people who are suffering, support and hope.
The fundraiser will incorporate gentle yoga, breathe work and mindfulness meditation. Pamphlets on Loss and Grief will be available to take away.
Cost: A donation is asked for, with all proceeds going to The Grief Centre.
Book: By emailing Cathey at the The Grief Centre office
Date: Sunday 31st July 2016
Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm
Location: Albany Yoga Room, 36 William Pickering Drive, Auckland 0632
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Feeling Fab Day - Sunday 19th June 2016
This was a special day where ladies are nurtured, pampered and supported by women who have all experienced loss in their own lives. Nails, hair, massage, reiki, colour charts and lunch - wow what a wonderful day! Thanks Feeling Fab for being wonderful hosts to 7 of our ladies - it was very much appreciated!
 
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Grief Centre Support Groups 2016
Birkenhead General Bereavement Support Group - Please email to express your interest in 2017's group
Henderson General Bereavement Support Group - Please email to express your interest in 2017's group
South Auckland General Bereavement Support Group - Please email to express your interest in this new group in 2017
Glendowie, Young Parents Support Group - Please email to express your interest if you would like to participate in a group in 2017
Our support groups are where you join with others to explore your thoughts, feelings, assumptions and challenges as you look to life after the death of a loved one.
Each support group is set up for those who have experienced a bereavement sometime in the last few years, it is an opportunity to meet with others who may have been through similar experiences. Registrations are essential - email your interest.
Grief and Loss Awareness Week (27th July - 2nd August 2015)
Friday 31st July 2015, 12.00 - 1.30pm
Depression Made Simple Workshop
We're pleased to announce that Monique Knight from the Tui Centre will be presenting 'Depression Made Simple' workshop, which was so popular last year, as part of the Grief and Loss Awareness Week.
This workshop is designed for Professionals and our Clients alike, because it deals with the feelings of depression that can easily be confused with 'burn out'. Presented in a down to earth, humorous approach, Monique will help us all better understand the mechanisms that cause depression and what we can do about it. Being a community organisation, a Koha on the day would be appreciated. Bookings are essential - please email: office@griefcentre.org.nz to reserve your space
 Sunday 2nd August 2015, 2.30 - 4.00pm
Yoga Fundraiser
Yoga enthusiasts and total beginners alike are invited to join us in our first Yoga Fundraiser being held at Albany Yoga Room, to help raise awareness of Loss and Grief within our community and to offer those people who are suffering, support and hope.The fundraiser will incorporate gentle yoga, breathe work and mindfulness meditation. Pamphlets on Loss and Grief will be available to take away. A donation of $15 per person is asked for, with all proceeds going to the Grief Centre.
#GivingTuesdayNewZealand
On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, we participated in the first #GivingTuesdayNewZealand which was all about creating a national moment around the holidays dedicated to giving. We look forward to participating next year. For more information on #GivingTuesdayNewZealand please click here. 
Our participation involved two seminars:
Managing Grief At Holiday Times - 18 November 2014
For people who have faced loss and change this year and for those supporting them. We had a facilitated discussion on what helps, what doesn't and how we can support each other through the festive season. Thank you to the wonderful people who attended, for the insight and wisdom and willingness to share it.
Grief and Trauma - A Holistic Approach - 25 November 2014
Jeanette Shearer shared her family's experience after the death of her grandson in a driveway accident. Her wisdom and calm delivery showed us how she is living with their family's experience this year and she articulated very simply and practically some different ways that we can help ourselves through loss and trauma. This seminar was very well attended, thank you to all those who came. A heartfelt thank you to Jeanette for her wisdom, time and energy.
Depression Made Simple
 On Tuesday 23 September Monique Knight from The Tui Centre presented an interactive workshop to over 40 people here at the Grief Centre in Birkenhead offering a fresh approach to working with depression using simple language. Monique's engaging delivery both entertained and informed us, helping to better understand the mechanisms that cause depression and what we can do about it. A big thank you to Monique for her knowledge, clarity, humour and a presentation that made a challenging topic accessible to us all.
Working with Simple and Complex Trauma
10 and 14 June, 2014
 We were very fortunate to run a workshop over two days with Judy Lightstone in June. Designed for practicing therapists, this workshop introduced participants to the continuum of trauma-induced problems and to the specifics of working through and integrating both simple adult-onset, and complex childhood chronic traumatic feelings and somatic reactions. The feedback was very positive and we thank Judy for her expertise, time and energy.
Loss and Grief Awareness Week
 This year's Loss and Grief Awareness week has passed We look forward to being involved in next year's Loss and Grief Awareness week and thank all those involved in organising it. The website for the week, and the Facebook page: New Zealand Loss &Grief Awareness Week, will continue.
 Tuesday July the 29th we hosted a morning tea at 10:30am-12noon.
We were very happy to see so many wonderful people who work with people facing loss and grief attend and share information over coffee and cake. It was so appreciated that we will continue a networking group from here on.
 Friday August the 1st we held a Light a Candle Night, from 6-7pm.
Candles were lit for loved ones in a evening of remembrance. Everyone who attended was grateful for the opportunity to gather together in a supportive environment.
FeelFeeFF
 The Grief Centre Open Day
ou need to talk to someone else:If you need help outside of these hours and if it is an emergency or you feel you or someone else is at risk of harm - phone 111
A A A A The Wednesday 30 April from 10am-2:30pm
As part of our 5th Birthday celebrations, we had an Open Day.
Drop in and have a cup of tea and a chat; find out about our services; and have a look at our resources.
Carol Blair, Manager of The Grief Centre presented an Information Session:
“Talking about Death and Grief – What to say that’s helpful (and what’s not so helpful)” . We had very good feedback about this session. Often when someone we love faces loss we find it difficult to know what we can say or do to be helpful.
A Great Day at Feeling Fab on Sunday October 20, 2013!
 We had a lovely group of ladies enjoy a day of being pampered on Sunday October 20, 2013. The day started with massages for those who wanted them and then a choice of activities from having their hair and nails, their make up done and if they wanted they could have a lovely photo taken. There was also a craft activity making bookmarks and gift bags. Throughout the day there was laughter and tears and plenty of cups of tea and delicious food. None of it would have been possible without the support of very generous sponsors and volunteers. The ladies left saying they had a wonderful day and looking marvellous!
Our first movie fundraiser!
Tasting Menu at The Bridgeway
.jpg "meringues(copy)")
On Thursday 22 August 2013 we hosted our first movie fundraiser at The Bridgeway theatre at 122 Queen Street, Northcote Point. We had a lovely evening with our very own delicious dessert tasting platters leading us into the movie about the final night of a restaurant with all its quirky characters and wonderful food. Thank you to all those who came, your support helped us to raise valuable funds towards keeping our costs for counselling sessions as low as we can. Many thanks also to The Bridgeway for making it so easy for us to have our fundraiser there.
Feeling Fab – What a wonderful day!
Liz York and The Grief Centre hosted our third Feeling Fab day on Sunday, May 19, 2013 . We had 17 lovely ladies  who enjoyed a day of pampering starting with a massage in the morning, going on to have their nails and feet, hair and makeup all done beautifully by a team of dedicated volunteers. The ladies also got to try on and take away some new items for their wardrobes donated by DeVine Clothing. At the end of the day they got into their glamorous outfits, kindly loaned by Glam Fashions in Birkenhead, had a glass of bubbly and their photos taken. 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. Here is a selection of some of the comments that people made at the end of the day:
“ I would love to do this all over again.”
“Made me feel very comfortable. Great to be able to talk to others knowing that in some way we all have a common thread.”
“The caring and nurturing was just wonderful.”
Some of the volunteers have been with Feeling Fab since the first event and we appreciate their willingness to give up their Sunday to make someone else feel great. Of course none of this would be possible without Liz and her wonderful energy to make the day happen. 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 below who have offered so much to make Feeling Fab possible.
Oceanbridge Shipping; Hoyts Cinema; Beachside Health and Fitness; Affirmations N.Z. Ltd; Birkenhead Life; The Hair Designers; DeVine Clothing; Take 2 Recycled Boutique; Whisk Custom Cake Design; Inna and Emmaly Neal; Dipika Chandra; Jaime Christmas; SKU Limited; The Merchant Bar; Jennian Homes; Kitchen Things; Caffe E Cucina; Glam Fashions; Westfield Albany; Hardy’s Health Stores; Amber Purvis; Blossoms; The Mad Butcher; Red Cross; Tanya Smart; Karen Warman; Cheryl Allport; Las Akurugoda; Sax International
Calendar Girls – A Great Night Out with the Grief Centre!
.jpg "Calendar girls cropped(copy)") On Wednesday April 17 th we had a wonderful evening at the Rose Centre where the Company Theatre staged their production of “Calendar Girls”. It was lovely to see so many of our clients, counsellors and supporters there to enjoy watching an excellent production with a great cast. It was a moving story based on the true story of a group of women who put together a calendar to raise money for a couch at a hospital waiting room. The calendar then went on to become much more popular than expected with the movie and the play still taking their story out into the world. Those attending told us how much they loved the show, with some saying they hadn’t laughed that much in ages and the cast commented on what a warm and receptive audience we were.
It was an inspiring night and we are very grateful to The Rose Centre and Company Theatre for giving us this opportunity. We are also grateful to kind donors of raffle items including Coffee General, Flavour Café, Primrose Cottage. We raised over $1300 which helps us to continue providing our service at the lowest cost possible to our clients.
Feeling Fab...in November
 On 4 November, 15 lovely ladies who had all experienced significant loss gathered at The Grief Centre for a day of pampering. The centre transformed into a day spa with massage, manicures and pedicures, makeovers, and card making taking place in various rooms. The ladies chose what they wanted to participate in, including trying on and taking away some gorgeous outfits donated by DeVine Fashions in Kumeu. At the end of the day they got into their specially selected glamorous outfits provided for the day by Glam Fashions in Birkenhead and had some wonderful photos taken, ending the day with bubbly, donated kindly by Super Liquor Albany. Delicious muffins and wraps which kept us feasting all day were provided by The Merchant Bar and Kitchen in Albany. The day was full of laughter, tears, some quiet moments, and opportunities for relaxation and some fun which was very much appreciated by all who attended.
 The day was brought together by Liz York and a wonderful group of volunteers who provided their services for the day. Liz did an amazing job pulling everything together and a huge thank you to her for all the work she did. Some fantastic goodie bags were also given to the ladies and we were very appreciative of all the businesses and people who supported the day, many of them supporting Feeling Fab for the second time. In particular our thanks to the following for donation of products and vouchers for the day.
Glam Fashions (Birkenhead); Methven Ltd; Silverdale Red Cross; Dellwyn Leviene DeVine Fashions (Kumeu); Warren and Kate at Super Liquor Albany; Lynne Bond; Life Pharmacy Birkenhead; Linda and Gareth at The Merchant Bar and Kitchen; Tanya Smart; Debbie and Kim at Hair and Beyond; Diane Wood and Take 2 Recycled Boutique; Brittany Hill at The Style Bar; Karleen Davis at Clearlite; Nathan Carter at Hettich; Suzanne Masefield, Think Success; Sarah Rennie at The Comfort Group; Westfield Albany; Slav Licina at Caffe e Cucina; Health World, Westgate; Unichem Pharmacy, Birkenhead; Arup Mukherjee at Aubergines Restaurant
And our spectacular volunteers; Liz York, Helen York, Amber Purvis, Debbie Gillespie, Judy Smith, Brittany Hill, Natasha Black, Sophie York, Wendy Jowsey, Sharon Zand, Lucy Lou.
- "It made me feel FAB and valued"
- "I think it is, being pampered and being with other bereaved women. A wonderful mix."
- "Emotional support, nice atmosphere, lovely catering, hair, nails and makeup all beautifully done."
"After the one we love has gone. Holding on or letting go?"
This workshop was presented by Andrew Thompson on March 22nd, 2012 at the Taitamariki Guide Hall,  Takapuna. Andrew is a Professional Teaching Fellow at the School of Counselling, Human Services and Social Work at Auckland University, and a Social Worker and Therapist with the Consult Liaison Psychiatry Team at Starship Children’s Hospital. His work involves consulting with children, their families and staff across the hospital on issues relating to trauma adjustment, coping and adapting to treatment, and grief. He was a founding member of the Paediatric Palliative Care Team and the Bereavement Service at Starship and continues to act as an educator and trainer in these fields. Andrew is a Trustee of The Grief Centre and we were thrilled that he was able to provide this workshop for us. For more information on Andrew’s research interests and publications, please visit the Auckland University website.
Andrew's workshop offered a discussion about the influential voices over the last 100 years and what they have told us about grief. It provided an opportunity for participants to explore their own thinking and ideas about grief, and the dilemma of holding on and letting go.
The workshop was very well attended and some great feedback received. Some of the comments included:
"Allowing for people to share stories, and the use of examples helped in my understanding"
"A very informative session delivered in a clear and interesting way"
"A wonderful presentation. Presenter was very natural, and down to earth"
Andrew has kindly made his slides from the presentation available and you can read these by clicking on the link below. Our thanks to Andrew for a wonderful presentation.
After the one we love has gone. Holding on or letting go?" A. Thompson
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