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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

Rebecca’s story: Navigating Cultural Differences

Oct 2024

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

Congratulations to our 2024 annual award winners

Sept 2024

The names of our annual award winners were revealed at our 2024 AGM

WAY Memorial Fund: Helping WAY members who are struggling financially

Sept 2024

A reminder of our Memorial Fund, which supports WAY members to make the most of their membership

David’s story: Standing up to sepsis and cancer

Sept 2024

On a day when World Sepsis Day and Stand up to Cancer coincide, WAY member David shares his story…

Yarn with a purpose: Swan yarnbomb raises awareness of WAY

Aug 2024

Find out more about a swan-shaped yarnbomb that has landed in Ambleside to help spread joy and awareness of WAY.

Summer of Swans: Griffyn's Fourth Update

Aug 2024

Griffyn's Summer of Swans challenge is almost at the end, but there is still an opportunity to join in.

Back to school: Seven tips for supporting a grieving child as they move up to secondary school

Aug 2024

Our partners at Winston’s Wish share seven helpful tips on supporting a grieving child who’s moving from primary to secondary school…

Finding friendship through WAY: Lisa and Lorraine’s story

Jul 2024

Two WAY members talk about the difference their friendship has made since they were both widowed in their 40s…

Helen Bailey Blog Award: Meet our 2024 nominees

Jun 2024

Meet our nominees for the 2024 Helen Bailey Award for best blog

Derbyshire weekend: Making lifelong friends through WAY

Jun 2024

WAY member Kate shares her experiences of attending WAY’s Derbyshire weekend

Men’s Health Week: Helping men navigate bereavement

Jun 2024

To mark Men’s Health Week, we wanted to talk about men and bereavement, and how to help men navigate the challenges of losing their life partner at a young age…

Loneliness Awareness Week: the importance of looking after yourself in widowhood

Jun 2024

To mark this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week, WAY Ambassador Norman shares how his faith, WAY and singing have helped him to combat loneliness...