Members' Stories

Day of Reflection: An exclusive extract from WAY Trustee’s memoir

Mar 2026

To mark this Day of Reflection, we share an exclusive extract from WAY Trustee Emma Charlesworth’s book documenting the reality of being widowed during the pandemic…

Dying is an expensive business: An essay to mark International Women’s Day

Mar 2026

WAY member and writer Cath Holland has an essay about the cost of dying as a working-class widow in an anthology about writing & social class to mark International Women’s Day.

Navigating Valentine’s Day when you’ve been widowed young

Feb 2026

We have gathered some tips from young widowed people about navigating Valentine’s Day when you’re grieving your late partner…

Love after loss: Reflecting on Valentine’s Day as a young widow

Feb 2026

WAY member Astrid Dolan shares her reflections on love, loss and community in the run up to Valentine’s Day.

A WAY weekend to remember: Laughter, dancing and peer support

Feb 2026

After her husband died in 2024, Heather has found laughter, friendship and support through WAY Widowed and Young, including at a recent meet up in Glasgow…

Sam’s story: Living life after loss

Feb 2026

To mark World Cancer Day, WAY member Sam shares her story…

Parent Mental Health Day: Tips from widowed parents

Jan 2026

This Parent Mental Health Day, WAY members offer their advice on coping with life as a bereaved parent

Reflecting on WAY holidays in 2025

Jan 2026

During 2025, there were multiple holidays for WAY members and their children to take a few days away together and enjoy the peer-to-peer support that WAY offers our members.

Finding connections in 2026: Making local meet ups happen

Jan 2026

Joining your first WAY meet up can be really daunting. WAY Wiltshire Member Ben discusses making local connections.

Tips for beating the winter blues

Jan 2026

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

Speaking out about cancer: Sandeep’s story

Dec 2025

WAY member Sandeep took part in Channel 4’s Stand Up to Cancer campaign this month to honour her late husband’s memory…

Rebuilding hope after heartache: Rammi’s story

Dec 2025

Former WAY Trustee Rammi shares how she has rebuilt her life after her husband died – and is now helping others to do the same…

Navigating Christmas after being widowed: Tips from WAY members

Dec 2025

As the festive season approaches, WAY members share their tips on navigating Christmas when widowed…

Focusing on moments of joy when Christmas has lost its sparkle: Astrid’s story

Dec 2025

WAY member Astrid describes the heaviness of facing her first Christmas as a young widowed mum – and offers hope for finding some moments of light…

Finding comfort when Christmas has lost its magic: Sabine’s tips

Dec 2025

As Christmas approaches, WAY volunteer and nutritionist Sabine offers some helpful recipes for navigating the festive season after bereavement.

Finding light in the darkness: Nicola’s story

Dec 2025

WAY member Nicola lost her husband Dave to cancer seven 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 …

Supporting each other at Christmas: Sam’s story as a WAY volunteer

Dec 2025

WAY volunteer Sam explains why she’s hosting a Zoom meet up for young widowed people this Christmas.

Finding light in a dark season: Karen’s story

Dec 2025

WAY volunteer Karen shares her tips on finding light during the darkest of times…

Counselling support for WAY members: Tim’s story

Nov 2025

WAY member Tim explains how being a member of WAY opened up the opportunity of free telephone bereavement counselling, which has helped him to reframe his approach to life as a widowed dad…

Children’s Grief Awareness Week: Sharing Emma’s story

Nov 2025

To mark Children’s Grief Awareness Week, we share the story of WAY member Emma, who is using her own experience to help support grieving children.