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  Widowed Young Support
 
Spring 2012 Newsletter
Dear Friend

As we write this latest newsletter winter is coming to an end and with it the dark long days.

Care for the Family’s support for those widowed young can give hope and light in the darkness of grief whenever tragedy strikes, pointing to a season of brighter days. We want to help you and reassure you that support is available. In this edition we have two articles highlighting this from the perspective of some of those who have already received help.

There is a personal story from one of our volunteers, Elaine who writes about the death of her husband and how she came to attend a support weekend which gave her hope for the future.

We also have an overview of the befriending service with contributions from two new befrienders and one person who is currently being befriended.

Finally there’s news of our support events for 2012 and information about an activity holiday in Devon for those widowed young and their children. Book early for these!

With very best wishes.
Steve & Paula Sig clear              
Steve & Paula
paula & Steve

Elaine’s story – I can’t do this!

Ten days after my fortieth birthday we were away celebrating this milestone when Gavin, my husband of nearly eighteen years, died suddenly from a massive heart attack whilst walking on Snowdon.

As ever, being an organised person I sorted out the funeral details with my two daughters and tried hard to carry on with life.  I went back to work, though I worked from home and continued, in my eyes, to keep it together.

A few months after Gavin died…..

Read More...

Man on PhoneTime to talk?

An important part of our work is the Befriending Service.  Our team of Befrienders offer……….

Read More...

People at EventSupport Days and Weekends

We have now finalized our programme of support days and weekends for 2012. We are only able to run 2 events this year, so it's really important that you book as early as possible to be sure of your place.

Our residential weekend will be held from Fri 6th July to Sunday 8th July at Glenfall House,  Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Click here for more information about the week-end and to book online and here to find out more about the venue.

Our day event will be held in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday 29th September. Click here for more information about the day and to book online.

You can also book for either of these events by phoning us on 029 2081 0800

These are some of the comments we have received from those we met at events in 2011:-

“I found it absolutely marvellous………I came back a blessed, transformed woman.”
“The warmest and most genuine of welcomes from the word “go” and I was made to feel at ease.”
“I felt secure…….!”
“Networking opportunities were there for the taking, before and after the event…”
“………provided me time to explore my individual grief journey.”
“………provided “seeds of hope” with something to go home with.”
“Positive reasons to attend the event far outweighed any peripheral misgivings to dismiss it.  I am so very glad that I made the right choice.  Thank you to you all.”
“Yes Saturday was useful as well as emotional.  I am glad I came.”
“I found the day very gentle, very precious.”

If you would like to talk to somebody about the events or need further information please contact Care for the Family on (029) 2081 0800 or email  mail@cff.org.uk

Lee AbbeyActivity Holiday for Bereaved Families 2012

The Beacon Centre, North Devon is again organising an activity holiday for those who have been widowed young and their children (aged 8 to 18). Those going on this holiday before have found it to be a special time where bereaved families can meet with others
“My son and I really benefitted – it was a holiday like no other”
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful relaxing & meaningful week”
“Chatting with other bereaved parents was so helpful”
In the woods
This year there are 2 separate weeks - Saturday 28th July to Friday 3rd August and Saturday 4th to Friday 10th August. There will be all the usual activities including archery, the climbing wall, fun on the beach, crate stacking – but plenty of time for rest, relaxation and chatting as well! Find out more and book by contacting Jane Inglis at jane@inglis3.org
Care for the Family cannot take any responsibility for this holiday which is organised and run by The Beacon Centre
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Care for the Family - a Christian response to a world of need. A Registered Charity (England and Wales: 1066905 Scotland SCO38497