Spotlight on: Frome Widows and Widowers

Every week, a group of people who have been bereaved meet in an upstairs room at the Cheese and Grain for social connection.

The Widows and Widowers group meets every Wednesday, enabling people who have lost their partners to meet others with shared experiences.

Group leader Marilyn said, “It can be really difficult for people who have lost their partners. It gives them a chance to come out and do things alone.”

Marilyn, who was widowed 16 years ago, said, “There are people in my group who lost their husbands 20 years ago.”

The weekly meetings involve refreshments, speakers, games and regular trips out. Most recently, the group visited Wells.

Marilyn said, “We charge people £3 but we are completely self-funded and an independent group. We have got a lovely group of women and their ages range from 70 to 90 years old. We haven’t got any men at the moment although men are welcome to join us.

“The idea of the group is to give people a chance to look forward to something each week.”

The group was initially started by the charity Active and In Touch and was taken over in 2017 by Marilyn, who has worked in social services for many years.

Earlier this year she received a Mayor’s Civic Award for her services. “I was flabbergasted,” said Marilyn. “If my husband was still alive, he’d say that I deserve it. I feel very, very privileged.

“We had the mayor come to speak at one of our groups and they loved it. We are always on the lookout for speakers to come and share new things with the group.

“It’s a wonderful group with some really lovely people.”

The group is currently at capacity but there is a waiting list. For enquiries, contact Marilyn on 07759 790526.

Pictured: The group with Marilyn (centre)