Creating magic from tragedy

Feel the Magic
Empathetic. Passionate. Leader.

James Thomas believes that with the right support, great things can come from tragedy.

"I like to think that I'm a good example of this," says James, who felt bereft after losing his parents as a young adult; his father in 2005 to cancer and his mother unexpectedly on his 31st birthday in 2011.

After his mother passed away, James sold his successful signwriting business and launched Feel the Magic, which supports children and teens through grief.

The non-profit runs mentor-led programs for bereaved children and teenagers who have lost a parent, sibling or guardian.

There are three key programs: Camp Magic Parent and Guardian Workshop and the online Healthy Grieving Program.

So far, James has helped hundreds of families by creating a safe grieving environment, aiding healing and providing "magic through the power of connection".

One in 20 Australian children will lose a parent before they reach the age of 18, James says. "To put this into perspective, there is most likely a grieving child in every classroom.

"As a Western society, we haven't learnt how to deal with those who are grieving very well. The children in this situation become the forgotten ones. They're expected to get over it and move on," says James.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Feel The Magic will sponsor 10 mentors and 10 bereaved children or teens to participate in the Camp Magic program.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here