About us

WAY is the only national charity in the UK for people aged 50 or under when their partner died. It’s a peer-to-peer support group operating with a network of volunteers who have been bereaved at a young age themselves, so they understand exactly what other members are going through.

About WAY

WAY provides peer-to-peer emotional and practical support to young widowed people – married or not, with or without children, whatever their sexual orientation.

What We Do

Find out about how WAY started and the work we are doing to support those who have lost a loved one before their 51st birthday.

Work for WAY

Founded in 1997, WAY now has more than 4,800 members throughout the UK and is always growing. We have a variety of positions to support this.

Campaigning

Read latest updates and information about current and past campaigns that WAY are involved in to support our members.

Partnerships

Read more about the support available to all who have been widowed young through our partnerships

FAQs

Find answers to your frequently asked questions...

Join us!

You don't have to face widowhood alone – join over 3,500 other young widowed people across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales who ‘get it’.

If you've lost your partner before your 51st birthday and live in the UK – whether you were married or not, with or without children, whatever your sexual orientation, race or religion – you are welcome to join us.

Joining up to WAY takes just minutes via online and costs just £25 a year, which can be paid either by direct debit or PayPal.

Join Now

Time to renew?

If your annual WAY membership is up for renewal all you need to do is log in to your member account on the website, and renewing your membership is quick and easy via our online payment system.

To continue attending local events and holidays, receiving WAY magazines and email newsletters, and getting access to our members only web community, you need to keep your £25 annual membership up to date.

Financial support for your membership

We are well aware that, as a result of bereavement and its consequences, many people can struggle financially.

The WAY Memorial Fund has been established to support our members who may need help to enjoy the benefits of membership. Currently there are funds available to assist members in both the payment of their annual membership fees and to attend WAY-organised events in the UK.

If you, or a member you know, would like to apply for assistance please apply here.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Age 51 or over?

Our constitution limits us from enabling those aged 51 or over at the time of their bereavement from joining WAY. You are still able to join, and remain a WAY member, past your 51st birthday if you were bereaved before then.

If you are age 51 or over, we strongly encourage you to join WAY Up, a lively group of widowed men and women that is flourishing across the UK.

Most WAY Up members are aged 52-65 and they offer each other support and friendship on their forum, as well as holding gatherings and parties that are becoming the stuff of legend.

More FAQs

Read our full list of frequently asked questions about WAY and becoming a member.

“WAY offers a world of people walking the same path as you, who show compassion, support and understanding! Simply a lifeline that cannot be found anywhere else. The best £25 I have ever spent.”
Paula