Widow's Day and the Solace Association (SA)
On International Widow’s Day we spoke to the Solace Association (SA) who provide support for grieving partners and asked them more about their organisation.
International Widows Day
The 23rd of June was International Widows’ Day. This UN-declared day raises awareness of the experiences of widows across the world facing cultural and legal discrimination and the associated financial, health and homelessness issues that can arise.
Support for Widows
For the SAcommunity blog we wanted to look at the situation closer to home, to focus on services provided to widows in South Australia, where grieving partners can gain support at this challenging time in their lives.
Several services exist ranging from special groups such as Legacy who provide personal support and assistance to widows of veterans to the Southern Fleurieu Masonic Widows Association for the widows of freemasons. Others include Grief’s Journey Adelaide for younger adults who have lost a partner as well as open social groups such as the Barossa Valley Solace Group for widowed people.
The Solace Association (SA) Inc.
The Solace Association (SA) Inc., assists bereaved people to cope after the death of their partner via support groups, telephone support and social activities for members. We asked the group to share with us the services they provide to our local community.
Are you feeling lost and alone?
As if half of you is missing?
Are you wondering if life is worth living?
Solace is a self-help support group run by members who are grieving the loss of their wife, husband or partner. The Association was founded in 1983 by Jean Almond OAM, who remains patron of the organisation. Since then Solace has gone on to become a national organisation and is entirely run by volunteers.
Solace operates a telephone grief support service provided by trained Support Workers, all of whom have experienced the death of their partner. Meetings are held weekly and newly bereaved people are invited to come in an hour prior to the meeting for one to one support. If you have come to the meeting via our phone service, we will aim to match you with the same Support Worker who took your call, to help provide you with some familiarity and assurance. Afternoon tea is provided following the meeting.
Solace provides support in a friendly, confidential setting where people are accepted and encouraged to be themselves. Solace aims to provide a warm, caring environment to support and assist the bereaved on their journey through grief. Planned social events help foster and renew a sense of hope and joy that is often lost in the turmoil of grief and desolation that can follow the death of a loved one.
“Being widowed is not something that we contemplate until it happens and to find a support group such as this where one can talk and listen, to gain support from others who are all in the same situation, in a non-denominational, caring, sharing environment has been the consolation of so many needing help to continue ... Personally, I am very grateful for the strength and support I have gained from my Solace friends to help me along life’s journey…”
Stan (QLD)
Meetings Tuesday from 1:30 – 3:30 pm
CWA Building
30 Dequetteville Terrace
Kent Town 5067
Phone support / (08) 8272 4334
Information
