Dear Friend
As restrictions are lifting, we are now pleased to be able to offer in person support by way of a weekend retreat in the Staffordshire countryside. There is information about this in our events section.
The article called 'Making choices', along with the personal stories included in the 'Giving something back' article, are intended to give some hope on your different, unwanted journey.
There is also some news and other support information.
Remember, we are here for you if you need us.
Kind regards
Steve Smart
Widowed Young Support Coordinator
Making choices after the death of your partner
Steve explains that making choices on your own can be very difficult after the death of a partner. In this article he provides some advice as to how to begin to function independently.
Widowed Young Support Befrienders - a journey from receiving to giving back
Recently, three ladies became Widowed Young Support Befrienders to help others going through the pain of the untimely loss of a partner. Here they share their stories.
Widowed Young Support events
Our online day and in person weekend events, for those who have lost a partner at a young age, give hope and practical help on the grief journey and provide an opportunity to be with people who really do understand.
In 2021, we have one more online support day and we are delighted to announce that we are running an in person residential support weekend as well.
Support weekend
Booking is now open for our residential support weekend at Shallowford House, Staffordshire.
Some comments from previous attendees:
'Safe space to stop and think about and feel my loss.'
'Everyone understands and gets it, really supportive and lovely to be looked after.'
Online support day
Our final online support event in 2021 is on Saturday 13 November.
Some comments from previous attendees:
'I appreciated hearing other people's stories and knowing I wasn't on my own.'
'Really helpful to talk to people that are further along in the journey - shows there is hope.'
Support from Care for the Family
As well as support events, we provide telephone befriending - peer support from someone who has 'been there'. Our Widowed Young Support Facebook page is a place for you to share, be listened to and understood. We also have individual Facebook groups for women and men. If you are interested, send a message as detailed in the post on our Facebook page and we will connect you. We are also pleased to announce that our walks for bereaved men are restarting in October 2021.
Read all about it
In this section we provide a round-up of stories and articles that you may find helpful and encouraging.
Personal stories
- iNews - Samantha Southern explains why she is giving up the need to understand why her husband ended his life and wants to help others in similar situations to hers. Read more
Helpful information and organisations
AtaLoss.org - the UK’s signposting website for the bereaved. It can be used by anyone wanting to find bereavement support.
COVIDSpeakEasy - free online support groups for anyone who has lost their life partner due to COVID-19.
For details of other support organisations have a look at our Bereavement support organisations webpage.
This information is supplied in good faith, but Care for the Family cannot accept responsibility for any advice or recommendations made by other organisations or resources.
Our privacy policy and statement can be viewed here.
