Care for The Family event for Young Widows at Corrymeela // Sat 31 May & Sun 1 June 2025
Care For The Family are organising a short-stay event for young widows at the Corrymeela Community in Ballycastle on Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June 2025.
Danielle Patton, who is the Widowed Young Support Co-ordinator for Care For The Family has sent us the following article to explain more about the weekend. She writes:
This short stay support event, for those widowed young*, is a place to connect and relax with others who understand first-hand the pain of loss. Being able to share with or simply listen to others in a safe, supportive environment is an ideal opportunity to discover some fresh perspectives and to renew your strength, and hope for the future.
Whether your spouse or partner died recently or some time ago, it’s important to create some space and time for yourself. Many have found our widowed young support events are a safe place to do this.
Our short stay starts on Saturday 31 May 2025 with registration and refreshments from 9.00am and the first session beginning at 10am. We will finish no later than 3.00pm on Sunday 1 June 2025.
The cost is £85 per person – this includes ensuite accommodation, food and refreshments. To find out more about the venue, visit the Corrymeela website.
What to expect ~
Some of the topics we’ll talk about together during the sessions include:
• How to respond to feelings of guilt, anger and despair
• Strategies you can use to help overcome the pain of loss and shattered dreams
• Practical ideas to help you cope in the tough times
• Finding comfort, hope and a way forward
There will also be opportunities to share informally over refreshments, at meal times and in the evening, as well as time to rest and relax. You will feel completely secure to share and engage as much, or as little, as you feel able over the two days.
Our Widowed Young Support Coordinator, Danielle Patton, will be there to welcome you with our team of trained befrienders who have all experienced the loss of a partner early in life. They are available to listen, walk alongside you and help you on your journey towards hope and a rebuilding of your life. There will also be a Care for the Family counsellor available for optional one-to-one chats.
Please see our frequently asked questions page for further information.
Further information
*Our widowed young support events are available to anybody who has lost a partner up to and including the age of fifty – or older if you still have dependent children.
Accessibility ~ The venue, including the ensuite bedrooms, are all on the ground floor. Two of the bedrooms are wheelchair accessible.
If you can afford to pay for a ticket, please go ahead and book a standard ticket. If that isn’t possible at the moment, please email our Widowed Young Support Coordinator, Danielle Patton, as we may be able to help you. We never want money to be the reason you are unable to access our resources and support.
We will always seek to comply with the latest legislation and guidance applicable for the appropriate Nation, and any restrictions placed on us by the venue.
Danielle Patton – Widowed Young Support Coordinator – danielle.patton@cff.org.uk
