Our Pamper Day programme provides an opportunity for participants to leave grief at the door and offers a form of therapeutic healing through the many beauty therapies on offer. The day includes hair styling, hand massage and manicure, a makeover, massage, crafting, a sumptuous morning tea and lunch, a gift bag and access to a trained counsellor. More importantly, the programme provides the women with the opportunity to be heard and to share their story over and over again to our volunteers in a safe non-judgmental environment where people aren’t sick of hearing the story, or who feel they should be ‘over it by now’. It also provides them with the opportunity to connect with others who have experienced similar grief and many friendships are formed during this time. Many of our participants have been putting themselves last on the list while they care for their dying loved ones or the grieving relatives and friends left behind and are attempting to hold together and rebuild the shattered family and community affected by the loss. For many women, this is the first time they have experienced any tenderness, love and support through the pampering experience. We work with clients through Race4Life, Sweet Louise, Suzy H Anti Bullying Foundation, Hestia Women’s Refuge, Harbour Hospice, Grief Centre, homeless women, The Burns Charitable Trust, Miscarriage Assn, Grandparents Bringing Up Grandchildren, Sands, Child Cancer, Fostering Kids, Baby Loss NZ, women and children affected by suicide, loss of a loved one and other trauma. Currently each year we run up to 12 Pamper Days with up to 40 women each day across Auckland supported 100% by volunteers who donate time, goods and skills to make each day special and memorable. We have finalised a programme for men which we plan to introduce early this year and we would also like to introduce a programme for youth. There are people in need out there. With your help we plan to increase our programme to every two weeks, with the possibility of more. Because of the huge demand, we have a very long waiting list. We need your help big time, we can’t do this without your help.