Widowed with children

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Hi, I'm WAY's Volunteer Manager Veronica and I was widowed very suddenly in 2016, when my husband died from a catastrophic heart attack at home.  My children were 10 and 12 at the time and were the focus of all of my initial post-bereavement energy.  It was so important to me that my children were 'ok' and I wanted to do everything in my power to minimise the effects of them losing their dad. 

While WAY has been set up to the support the adult who has lost their life-partner, WAY has not only been a source of support for me, joining 4 weeks after my husband's death, but also for my children.  We attended family events near me and my children became friends with the children of other WAY members all over the UK due to my interactions with the parents.  It really helped them to know that they weren't the only people that this type of bereavement had happened to.  

Being able to discuss some of the challenges that raising bereaved children can bring, with others who knew what it was like as a solo grieving parent, was such a huge help.  WAY's peer support helped to normalise what my children were dealing with and I picked up so many tips about how to approach sensitive topics or milestone dates.  

Hear from our members

• WAY member and ex-primary school deputy headteacher Emma Marfleet shares her story and a year of resources and activities to do as a family

• Gavin reflects on his experiences and how he’s coped with his own grief while raising his 8-year-old son

• WAY Ambassador Orlanda and fellow WAY member Rachel who were both widowed while pregnant and found friendship and support through WAY. Read their story

• Widowed dad Josh Cass writes about how he coped as a carer for his wife and two children

• WAY member Steven shares his story and how connecting through WAY helped his mental health 

• Pete and Hattie joined us at one of our WAY weekends away and were able to meet other families. Read more

• WAY members shared their tips for looking after your mental health as a parent

• Ben who is raising his son shares some powerful words of advice while learning to live with their own grief

• Read more from Veronica and her daughter as they share their story as part of our partnership with Winston's Wish

• WAY volunteer Johanna Pereira shares the story of how she navigated the cultural challenges of being widowed and black

Joining WAY

When you join WAY you’ll have access to a community of other widowed people who understand what you are going through. 

"It’s the worst club to be a part of,” he added. “But at least there is a club."

As well as our Widowed with children group, you can access events organised across the UK, a telephone support line offering counselling, legal and financial support, a subscription to our members magazine and helpful resources to help you understand your loss.

We are sorry you or a loved one needs to be here, but we all understand how difficult these times can be and we’re here for when you are ready.