It’s easy to become disconnected from others as a widow. Friends might not know what to say, and married friends may distance themselves, fearing your grief is contagious.
The feelings can be overpowering, and it might seem like there’s no one to talk to. Others may expect you to be less emotional by now, adding to your sense of isolation.
Relating to male friends as a single woman can suddenly feel awkward. You might also find yourself responsible for tasks your partner used to handle, unsure where to start.
Some friends might avoid you because imagining life without their spouse is too much for them to handle, triggering their worst fears.
The loss of your spouse’s income can cause panic about supporting yourself or your family. Forgetting simple things can make you question your sanity. You might wonder who can truly comprehend what you’re going through. These are common experiences among widows.
At this point, it is necessary to incorporate a widow support group into your grief recovery plan which can be immensely helpful. Sharing with others who understand your experience can normalize your confusing feelings.
Look for support groups in your community. Many churches offer grief support groups specifically for those who have lost a spouse, providing a compassionate space to connect and heal.
Widow Support Group
Widow support group offer a comforting reminder that you are not alone. The journey through grief can be isolating, especially after losing your spouse.
There are many widow support group available, each with its own unique aims, goals, and values. It’s important to carefully read through the details provided in this article to find the group that best suits your needs.
Each support group offers different forms of assistance and community, so taking the time to understand what each one provides will help you select the most appropriate fit for your journey.
1. Ask a Young Widow Project
The Ask a Young Widow Project is a non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Nigeria. This platform is dedicated to supporting young widows by providing a space for them to share their stories, seek support, and empower each other. Through a variety of articles addressing topics related to young widowhood, the platform aims to tackle the unique challenges of societal stigmas and stereotypes that young widows face in the African context. It offers them a voice to speak up, along with insights, advice, and inspiration.
2. The Sisterhood of Widows
Welcome to The Sisterhood of Widows – the ultimate online grief support site for widows, dedicated to helping you rebuild your life after the loss of your loved one. Unlike many other resources, our focus is on support and recovery rather than grief and death.
I became a widow at the age of fifty, so I understand your pain and loneliness. I offer you compassion and encouragement, seeing that you are struggling. I am here to help you stand on your own and assure you that “Yes,” you can do it.
Please explore our extensive resource pages, read the blog posts, and join our community by becoming a member of our Private Facebook page. For even more support, download the free guides available under the “Just For You” section to the right. Remember, you are not alone, and you don’t have to struggle by yourself. We are here to encourage and guide you every step of the way.
3. Modern Widows Club
Welcome to Modern Widows Club. We’re here to help you transform your grief into a positive, purposeful future while embracing your own strength and courage. Join us to build new friendships and community as you walk this path with your Wisters (widow + sisters).
As widows helping widows, we offer a variety of support options including in-person and virtual support groups, clubs and activities, travel opportunities, educational courses, mentoring programs, conferences, videos, podcasts, advocacy opportunities, philanthropy, and more.
We support widows of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, beliefs, faiths, partner statuses, gender identities, and loss circumstances. You are not alone.
4. Young Widows and Widowers in Nigeria
This group is for young individuals in Nigeria who have lost their husbands or wives and need support from others who can relate through personal experience. It is also open to compassionate individuals, both from within and outside Nigeria, who wish to support widows and widowers, or who have close friends or family going through this difficult experience and want to learn how to help them.
- Private: Only members can see who’s in the group and what they post.
- Visible: Anyone can find this group.
- History: Group created on March 10, 2009.
- Members: 8.1K members.
Activity
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- 5 new posts daily.
- 134 posts in the last month.
- over 8,096 total members.
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Group Rules from the Admins
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- Respectful Communication: No foul language. Disagree respectfully without being rude.
- Safe Environment: Bullying isn’t allowed. Degrading comments about race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, or gender will not be tolerated.
- Supportive Community: Give more than you take. No self-promotion, spam, irrelevant links, or adverts. The focus is on supporting each other and finding love and peace again.
- Confidentiality: Mutual trust is required. Authentic, expressive discussions should stay within the group.
- No Exploitation: Taking advantage of people in grief is unacceptable.
- Personal Responsibility: The group isn’t responsible for individual actions. Meeting members or sending money is at your own risk. Be cautious.
5. First Light Widowed Association
Created by Young Widowed People, for Young Widowed People. Supporting & Connecting Young Widowed People Throughout Australia
We are dedicated to providing support, information, and community connection to young widowed individuals in Australia, helping them rebuild their lives and find new hope after the loss of a partner.
Widowed Support and Information
Practical and helpful resources for widowed individuals aged up to their 50s.
Supporting a Loved One
Information on how to support a young widowed person you care about.
Resources for Widowed People
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- First Light Resources: Helpful resources and links to national and state services for widowed individuals.
- National Resources: Comprehensive resources available nationwide.
- State-by-State Resources: Specific resources tailored to each state.
- Newly Widowed Pack: Essential information for those newly widowed.
- Camp Widow®: A supportive program for widowed individuals.
Our Programs
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- Camp Widow®: A retreat designed to support young widowed individuals.
- Local Catch Ups: Regular local meetups for community connection.
- Online Community: A virtual space for ongoing support and connection.
We strive to offer a lifeline to those navigating the challenging journey of young widowhood, ensuring no one has to face it alone.
6. Widow Strong
Our Vision
Widow Strong is a supportive community empowering widows and their children to grow stronger together in body, mind, and spirit.
Our Inspiration
“…Be strong and of courageous; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9
Our Mission
To serve and connect widows and their children with experiences and resources that share God’s health, hope, and healing after loss.
7. The Grief Club of Minnesota
8. Wicare Support group
Wicare Support Group is here to offer compassionate support during one of life’s most challenging times. Losing someone you love is incredibly painful, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our friendly and caring community is dedicated to walking alongside you, providing hope, healing, and companionship through the grieving process. We have walked this path ourselves and understand the journey you are on.
WiShine: Supporting Senior Widows
The loss of a spouse is a profoundly traumatic experience, particularly after decades of shared life, raising children, and building a future together. WiShine is committed to helping widows of all ages cope with their grief and adjust to life after loss.
Our structured program includes:
- Individual Counselling: Personalized support tailored to your needs.
- Care and Connect Group: A supportive group environment for shared experiences and healing.
- Rebuild and Shine: Programs designed to help you move forward and embrace a new chapter in life.
For more information and support, connect with us:
- WhatsApp: Contact Us
- Call Us: 6354 2475
- Email Us: [email protected]
- Visit Us: 9 Bishan Place, Junction 8 Office Tower, #08-01, Singapore 579837
- Facebook: Find Us on Facebook
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Public Holidays)
9. Healing Hearts Club
Healing Hearts Club is a social group for widows and widowers, hosting monthly events at Huguenot Road Baptist Church. Join us for support and companionship. For dates and details, call 272-2072 or visit hrbcrichmond.org.
Support for Widowed Spouses
We offer a nine-week bereavement program held in the evenings twice a year:
- Spring Group: Begins in March in Westover Hills. For more information, contact Belinda Early at 513-5772 or [email protected].
- Fall Group: Begins in October in Bon Air. For more information, contact Elaine Nowinski at 272-7787 or [email protected].
Widowed Support Group
This six-week support group in Chesterfield is for those who have faced the death of a spouse. For more information and to register, call Morrisett at 275-7828.
10. Young Widows or Widowers
Richmond YWOW offers support and social outings for young widows and widowers aged 25–65 on the second Tuesday of each month. For more information, contact Tammy Smith at 201-5741 or visit ywow.org.
Christian Widows Support Group Near Me
11. Welcome to Our Christian Support Group
This group is dedicated to providing support for widows and widowers in Nigeria. Our mission is to help each other spiritually, physically, materially, and socially.
- Private: Only members can see who is in the group and what they post.
- Visible: Anyone can find this group.
- History: Created on October 2, 2017, and the name was last updated on January 11, 2018.
- Location: Ejigbo, Lagos, Nigeria.
- Members: 13.7K members.
Activity:
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- 24 new posts today.
- 417 posts in the last month.
- 13,738 total members.
- No new members in the last week.
Group Rules:
- Mutual Trust: Participation requires mutual trust. Sensitive and private discussions should remain within the group.
- Safe Environment: Bullying of any kind is prohibited. Degrading comments about race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender, or identity are not tolerated.
Our group aims to foster a supportive and safe space where members can find strength and connection during their journey.
12. Widows Link
Widows Link is a ministry dedicated to helping widows connect with one another, discover God’s love, and embrace the purpose He has for their lives. We believe that widowhood is a new chapter in God’s plan, and we are here to support widows in living fully during this season.
At Widows Link, you will find opportunities to connect with others, access resources for navigating this phase of life, and participate in events designed to positively impact your future. Our mission is to provide the support and empowerment needed to thrive in this new journey.
13. Never Alone Widows
This organization began in 2018 with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a community for widows. What started with a single gathering in a Georgia suburb quickly grew into a national movement, driven by the realization of a profound need for such support. Our initial success led to the expansion of our volunteer team and the launch of retreats across the country.
Today, we host three retreats and one national gathering each year. In 2022, we introduced Never Alone Locals—widow-led and facilitated chapters that now number over 50 groups meeting monthly across the United States. Our 2024 plans include the launch of two online groups and ten additional local chapters, with aspirations for international expansion. Our programs currently reach thousands of widows annually.
In January 2022, we released our inaugural devotional, His Name: Our Hope in Grief, and launched two volumes of our digital resource series, How to Widow Well. These resources are designed to guide widows through their grief journey. As we aim to become the largest Christian widows’ ministry in the country, we are dedicated to continually finding new ways to love, engage, and support widows.
Conclusion
As you explore the various widow support groups listed in this article, remember that each one offers distinct benefits, tailored to meet different needs and preferences. Whether you seek emotional support, practical advice, or spiritual guidance, there is a community out there ready to walk alongside you.
By carefully reviewing the aims, goals, and values of each group, you can choose the one that resonates most with your personal needs and circumstances. You are not alone on this path—these support groups are here to provide the connection, encouragement, and understanding you need to navigate this challenging time. Embrace the opportunity to engage with a community that can help you move forward with hope and strength.
