Dealing with the loss of spouse can be a lonely process. Norma Seibert is hoping to help others find support.
Last September, Seibert started a weekly support group for widows and widowers, in conjunction with the Victoria Park Senior Centre.
Seibert began the group to help others deal with loss and find a sense of community, something she needed when her husband passed away.
“I think basically people come for support, the social aspect and to meet new people and make new friends,” Seibert said. “Not all of them have family support nearby.”
Upon arrival, Seibert has new members write down a list of the activities they most enjoy, so she can help people connect based on their interests.
“Some people enjoy eating out or going to the show, and I help them link to other people who like to do the same things, so that they have someone they can call and see if they would like to go too,” Seibert explains.
“It is about community,” she adds, “and finding out who else is in the same situation.”
At Christmas and other special events throughout the year, the group holds a pot luck dinner so everyone can gather, if they choose, to celebrate in what is often a difficult time.
Seibert also has resources and support information available to anyone who might need more grief support.
Admission is a $1 drop-in fee and there is no committment required.
“Some people come for two weeks, others come for two years. You come until you’ve got what you need out of it,” she said.
The group meets every third Tuesday, at 1pm in the Highland Rugby clubhouse next to the Victoria Park Seniors Centre. The meetings run from September to June.
For more information, contact the Victoria Park Seniors Centre at 519-787-1814.
