Group looks to bring joy in tough times

A LOCAL support group is seeking bringing a touch of light into what can be a dark time.

Ballarat Area Widowed Group meets on the third Saturday of every month for a social lunch and is providing a space where members can talk, form connections, and have a laugh.

Susan Begbie and Carolyn Gower founded the group six months ago after seeing a need it in the region.

“It’s an opportunity for widowed people and their children to connect with other people who will understand what they are going through,” Ms Gower said.

“In day-to-day life you can feel a bit isolated as people don’t know what you are going through and they can try and tell you how to grieve.

“I’ve been widowed for coming up six years and there was just nothing I could find locally like it and having that community of likeminded people is just so important.

“I met Susan and we thought right let’s do this and its gradually growing from there.”

Ms Gower urged people not to be put off from attending the groups meetings, even if it seems daunting.

“A lot of people the first time they come to a lunch feel a little intimidated and scared but you can see that as soon as they get there they feel welcome and talk really openly without fear of being judged,” she said.

“Let us know if you’re feeling really worried about coming along and we’re happy to have chat with you before hand or walk in with you.

“I want people to know it’s quite normal to feel apprehensive so I’d urge people not to let that put them off coming.”

Ms Gower said most importantly the lunches are not all gloom.

“It’s not a therapy session, it’s not all sad, it’s a social event where people can talk openly and we laugh a lot and have a really good time,” she said.

“Yes we can talk about hard things but the benefit is we don’t feel so alone.”

To join the group contact Carolyn on 0437 911 704 or Susan on 0408 571 101