“WSD is a support group to help people who have lost a partner through separation, divorce or death. Our approach is gentle, supportive and empowering.”.
Our aim is to encourage self-healing and self-growth. We do this through a 10-week structured course that will help you to:
Deal with all aspects of grief
Come to terms with your past life
Prepare for life ahead
Find answers to the practical, emotional and spiritual needs you may have.
WSD is a non-profit organisation.
Where are you after losing your partner? Show More
If you have lost a partner, whether through a break-up of a relationship or through death, it is normal to go through a process of grieving.
You are likely to experience a range of emotions such as:
Shock
Rejection
Betrayal
Anger
Guilt
Depression
Loneliness
Sadness
Stress
Coping with the grief process and working through it is not easy. It is a time in everybody’s life when we need support, understanding, encouragement and practical help.
Sometimes we need more than family or friends are able to give us. Sometimes counselling isn’t the complete answer. This is where WSD can help.
Men and women of all ages and from all walks of life attend WSD courses, which have been run for over 20 years. The number of people attending courses varies from one course to the next, but typically is between 10 and 25.
WSD is about healing. Many participants are at a vulnerable stage in the healing process and are not ready for a new relationship. Participants are encouraged not to enter into another relationship during the term of the course as this can hamper their long term healing. WSD aims to provide a safe environment for all participants, both during the course and at social events. To achieve this, WSD has a clear code of conduct in place, and individuals who do not honour this may be asked to leave.
Yes. We offer a social program with various events to show you that life can be enjoyed again. Activities include walks, dining out, dances, movies and 10 pin bowling to name but a few.
Social activities are generally low cost and children are welcome at most events.
Both the WSD course and the subsequent social whirl have been a lighthouse in the stormy sea of grief following my wife’s passing. Just as importantly they also illuminate what we need to work on in the following months and years.
JH
Gaining confidence
A very strong self-help course, well-structured and delivered by
volunteers who have been there, done that. It gave me the confidence to
know that the grief I was experiencing was normal and that I was on the right
track to deal with it after my wife passed away. It also gave me much
needed support whilst coming to grips with my loss, and lots of self-help tools
and tips to deal with my situation.
KB
Finding my way
WSD helped me find my way through the mists of grief following my husband’s death. I finished the course seeing a different future for myself.
JP
A leap of faith
Taking the leap to go to WSD was not an easy decision, but I knew I needed help dealing with the emotions of loss, fear and uncertainty. I found comfort being with others who shared similar experiences. Completing the course gave me a strong sense of purpose and a huge zest for life.
The cost of the course is $120 or $100 for Community Services Card holders. This covers your first year’s subscription to the WSD newsletter and organised events and other items such as course manuals, photocopying, and hall hire. (Should you need help with paying the fee, please let us know).
Subscription renewal after the first year is $35 per year.
