Members' Stories

Tips for beating the winter blues

Jan 2025

WAY volunteer and blogger Suzanne shares her tips for getting through the cold winter months when you’ve been widowed.

Hannah’s haircut in memory of Mum

Jan 2025

At just 11 years old, Hannah is proving that age is no barrier when it comes to making an impact.

Facing the future with optimism: Claire’s story, one year on

Dec 2024

Last year, WAY member Claire shared how she planned to navigate her first Christmas and New Year without her husband Jason, finding comfort in travel, self-care and the support of the WAY community. W…

Sophie’s first year as a young widowed Mum: Reflecting on loss, love and new traditions

Dec 2024

WAY member Sophie was 17 weeks pregnant when her husband Paul tragically died in a road traffic accident. Now, over a year on, Sophie reflects on how she’s creating new traditions for herself and her …

Coping with Christmas: Rebecca’s story

Dec 2024

WAY member Rebecca, who set up the subgroup WAY WOCS for WAY members without children – shares how she copes with Christmas…

Coping with Christmas: Tips from WAY members

Dec 2024

Members of WAY share their tips on coping with Christmas when you’ve been widowed young…

Finding light in the darkness: Nicola’s story

Dec 2024

WAY member Nicola lost her husband Dave to cancer six years ago, when she was 38. He was Christian and she is Jewish. She talks about navigating interfaith differences in life and in death – and as Ha…

Seven swans a-swimming: WAY’s festive yarnbomb wings its way to Chester

Dec 2024

Creative WAY members have been weaving their yarnbombing magic once again – bringing Christmas cheer to Chester with seven handcrafted swans a-swimming…

Bill on Assisted Dying: Opening up important conversations

Nov 2024

Ahead of the second reading of the Bill on Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults, WAY shared our members’ thoughts and experiences at a Westminster event….

Ismena’s story: rebuilding life after traumatic loss and injuries

Nov 2024

WAY member Ismena’s life was shattered in an instant when a speeding driver hit her and her husband Simon while they were out for a day’s shopping in November 2019 – killing Simon and leaving Ismena w…

International Men’s Day: Building back better as a young widower

Nov 2024

To mark International Men’s Day, WAY member Paolo shares how he rebuilt his life and learned to become a better person after his wife died…

Simon’s story: Finding strength through WAY’s peer-to-peer support

Nov 2024

This International Men’s Day, we ask WAY volunteer Simon how he rebuilt his life after his wife was killed in a road traffic collision…

Gary’s story: Navigating life as a widowed dad

Nov 2024

To mark International Men’s Day, we talk to WAY Trustee Gary about his experiences as a widowed dad…

Transgender Awareness Week: Tips on supporting someone trans and widowed

Nov 2024

This Transgender Awareness Week, we share some tips from WAY volunteer Griffyn, who’s a member of our LGBTQIA+ Diversity Working Group…

Transgender Awareness Week: Hear from WAY Ambassador Maria

Nov 2024

This Transgender Awareness Week (13-19 November), we hear from WAY Ambassador Maria about coming out as trans – and the support she’s received from the widowed community…

We remember him every day…

Nov 2024

WAY member Laura Robbins MBE from Bristol is Chair of the RAF Widows’ Association. On Remembrance Day, Laura remembers her husband Nick, who served in the RAF.

Rebecca’s story: Navigating Cultural Differences

Oct 2024

To mark Black History Month, WAY member Rebecca shares her story…

Josephine’s journey: Grief, love and music

Oct 2024

To mark their tenth wedding anniversary, WAY member and musician Josephine – who records under the name Sephine Llo – is releasing a new album in memory of her husband and fellow musician Robbie.

Michelle's Story

Oct 2024

Although Bereavement Support Payment has been extended to cohabiting couples with children, unmarried couples without children are still being denied support. WAY member Michelle shares their story…

WAY’s Volunteer Manager on Living with Dying podcast

Sept 2024

WAY’s National Volunteer Manager talks about the value of peer support on the Living with Dying podcast

You don't have to face widowhood alone.

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 minutes and costs just £30 a year, which can be paid either by direct debit or PayPal.

“I will always remain a member of WAY as I know that my membership helps WAY to continue to support other members and reach out to new members.

Since WAY has made such a difference to me after being widowed young, I want to do all that I can to help that support continue” - WAY member, Jenny