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Widow to Widow

We are a support group for widows led by widows.

Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for widows to be themselves, come together and share their experiences, offer encouragement and comfort, and build a sense of community.

Our Message to Widows:

We will LISTEN to you… even when you find yourself repeating the same things over and over again.

We will LISTEN to you… even when others have told you to “move on”.

As fellow widows, we understand that: 

  • All widows grieve differently.
  • There is no set timeline for healing.
  • The festive seasons may be a difficult time for you.

Through our regular fellowship gatherings, we aim to offer a non-judgmental space where you can speak honestly about your feelings and receive support from those who truly understand what you are going through. 

We also run a “buddy” system which involves pairing each widow with another member of Widow to Widow, who would become their “buddy.” The buddies would be responsible for checking in on each other regularly, providing a listening ear, and offering encouragement and support.  

If you decide that it may benefit you to speak to a trained counsellor, we offer referrals to professional counsellors who are experienced in helping widows navigate through their grief journey.

We are committed to creating a community that uplifts and empowers one another. Whether you have recently lost a spouse or are further along in your grief journey, we welcome you to join us and find solace in the company of others who understand.

Volunteers needed

Are you a widow seeking to make a positive impact in the lives of other widows? No matter how much time you can spare, your contribution will be invaluable to those who need it most.

We are looking for widows who are willing to volunteer their time in providing emotional support and practical assistance to their fellow widows. Experience is not required – all you need is a compassionate heart and a desire to help others.

If you’re interested, we would love to tell you more about how you can get involved and make a difference today.

Caroline Tay

012 701 8185
Chief Coordinator

Brave Hearts, Bright Holidays a Healing Journey for Widows

Reflecting on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Widow to Widow ministry at the Church of St Francis Xavier made its Surviving the Holidays workshop an annual tradition.

Reflecting on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Widow to Widow ministry at the Church of St Francis Xavier made its Surviving the Holidays workshop an annual tradition. This year’s event, held on November 16 in collaboration with the AOHD’s Bereavement Support Group, was themed Brave Hearts, Bright Holidays.

Aimed at providing support to both the newly bereaved and those further along in their healing journey, the workshop reminded participants that they had a sisterhood to rely on and offered a chance to rebuild the resilience needed to face another holiday season.

The day began with a moving memorial service, celebrated by parish priest Fr Alvin Ng, SJ. This service honoured the late husbands of the attending widows, with each name lovingly acknowledged in a heartfelt tribute. Fr Alvin’s homily offered a poignant metaphor, comparing grief to the process of preparing a dish.

He explained that, just as pounding ingredients bring out their full flavour, confronting and processing one’s emotions over time, allows them to blend — transforming sadness, anger, and love into a balanced harmony, where no single feeling dominates.

After the memorial, participants gathered in a supportive environment to share their personal experiences of grief. They were reassured that there is no “correct” path to healing and that grief is a deeply personal journey. Two facilitators, who had themselves faced the first Christmas without their husbands, shared their stories. Acknowledging the challenges of those early days, they offered hope and encouragement to the newly bereaved, showing that while healing takes time and effort, it is ultimately within reach.

The presence of several veteran widows added an element of solidarity. These women, who had walked the journey of loss and healing, stood alongside the newly bereaved, demonstrating that no one needs to face this journey alone. Their support and understanding were a source of great comfort for those just beginning their healing process.

For those walking a similar path, the Widow to Widow ministry offers a community of understanding, compassion, and support — where strength and hope can be found as you move forward in your journey of healing.

For more information about the Widow to Widow ministry, please contact Caroline Tay, Coordinator, at 012-7018185.

 

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