A note from AndreaHello everyone, and welcome to the April newsletter. I’m Andrea, founder of my widowed friends, and I send these updates each month to share what’s happening across our growing community. Our groups are about something quite simple, rebuilding a social life in an ordinary, everyday way. Nothing formal, nothing pressured, just familiar faces, a regular place, and something to look forward to each week. A thought for this monthI’ve been thinking recently about how much we rely on motivation to get us through life and how unreliable it can be, especially after loss. When my husband died, even simple things felt harder than they should have. But what I’ve come to realise is that motivation doesn’t usually come back first. What does help after being widowed is something much simpler- having small, regular things in your week that happen whether you feel like it or not. A walk with a friend. A coffee with someone every Friday. Over time, those small routines don’t just fill time, they begin to create a new solo life. New to the groups?If you’re thinking about coming along for the first time, you don’t need to worry about “fitting in” or knowing anyone. Most people arrive not knowing a single person and within a few weeks they feel at home in the group. There’s no pressure, no expectations- just turn up and have a coffee. A moment from the groupsIt was lovely to hear from the Wadebridge group recently that they shared some birthday cake with one of the group, who had reached a milestone birthday. It’s these small, ordinary moments of marking a birthday, or having a laugh over coffee, that turn a group of strangers into friends. Introducing a friendIf you have a widowed friend who you think might benefit, you’re very welcome to bring them along once to see what it’s like. If they enjoy it and would like to come again, they can join via the website. As you know, we normally keep meetings for members only so everyone feels comfortable knowing that everyone attending is widowed. This “bring a friend” option is just for friends of existing members. Group newsFalmouth now has two groups. The Gylly group has been set up as the Harbour group was getting very full. It has easier parking and better access for those coming from that side of town. Penzance
From 21st April, the group will be meeting at a new venue, in a local hotel close to town with lovely views of the sea. It’s a more relaxed setting, and I hope this will encourage more members to come regularly. *Launceston*This group would really benefit from a few more members. If you know anyone widowed in that area, do mention it to them. They meet Thursdays at 11am. Groups running:
Falmouth-Harbour, Falmouth-Gylly, Hayle, Helston, Launceston, Liskeard, Newquay, Penzance, Saltash, St Austell, Truro-Central, Truro-East (for younger and working members) and Wadebridge. We now have over 200 members across Cornwall, which is lovely to see. Visiting other groups (trial)You are welcome to visit another group if you fancy a change of scenery or simply want to meet some new people. Just email me and let me know which group you’d like to visit and when, and I’ll send you the venue details. We’re trying this out as a trial until the end of April, and if it works well it will become a permanent option. Attendance remindersTwo quick reminders about the weekly text messages system - This is an automated system and can only accept Y or N replies. Don’t use it for messages, as I probably won’t see them. If you want to get in touch with me, then send a message to 07572-415001, use the contact form on the website or email me on andrea@mywidowedfriends.co.uk
- Please reply on the day you get the reminder if you can. Responses are counted first thing the following morning to decide whether a meeting goes ahead.
Late replies can’t be included, which may mean a meeting is cancelled unnecessarily.
Plans for the futureOver the next few months, I’ll be focusing on strengthening existing groups, re-writing the website and preparing for expansion into Devon in September. I will write more about future plans in the next few newsletters. Stay connectedVisit our website: http://www.mywidowedfriends.co.uk/ Find us on Facebook: my widowed friends Email Andrea: andrea@mywidowedfriends.co.uk And finallyThank you to everyone who turns up each week- your presence is what makes these groups work. It’s the regular faces that turn a simple coffee into something people look forward to. Andrea | 