This month We had our first Nurturing Ourselves Workshop at the shelter.  This workshop was created with the goal of providing the women at our shelter with a great afternoon filled with pampering and self care. While women are at our shelter, their days are always busy.  Between looking after their children, attending appointments, personal errands, and trying to stay calm during a difficult time, the physical and emotional toll can  be great. We created the Nurturing Ourselves Workshop to give women a space to relax, unwind, rejuvenate, and practice self-care. This new program will run twice a month.

Our first session was great! Women were very excited to do manicures, pedicures, and makeup and share creative tips on how they like to relax.   Despite the rainy, cold day outside, everyone’s spirits were lifted by the smell and taste of freshly baked cookies and hot coffee prepared by the staff.  Sharon, a mother of three particularly enjoyed the group as it gave her some time to relax and recharge after taking care of her children all day.  She had this to say: “On such a dreary, rainy day the Nellie’s Group made it sunny with manicures and taking care of ourselves.”

Thanks to the generous support of The Body Shop Eaton Centre, we were able to provide every woman with a lovely self-care product at the end of our first workshop.  Items included body lotion, body wash, shampoo and conditioner. These items added a special touch to the workshop and will remind the women to take some time out of every day to pamper themselves.

We look forward to our next session of the Nurturing Ourselves Workshop.