A self-led grief support group has taken root in Stanhope, offering a welcoming space for people who have lost their partners, coming together on the first and third Monday of each month.
Vicki Collings founded the group with a simple but heartfelt goal — to open up a space where people could talk openly as they navigate the deeply personal journey of life after losing a partner.
She said since her husband died in 2024, her house has become quiet – often unbearably so.
The group provides a chance for her to say what’s on her mind, without filter, as those attending are going through a similar situation.
“I thought I could start a group — just somebody behind you to give you a kick on the backside to get you to move,” she said.
The group currently has about seven to eight regular attendees, but Mrs Collings would like to see that number grow.
Mrs Collings acknowledged that taking that first step into a support group can feel daunting, but she warmly encouraged anyone craving a bit of laughter, easy conversation, and genuine friendship to give it a try.
For her, the beauty of the group lies in its lack of pressure.
“Our grief is different. We don’t have a timestamp, you know,” Mrs Collings said.
"I still feel that it’s nice to be able to get together and just meet up, have a coffee. We don’t have to talk about our grief — we can if we want to, but we can also just talk about our week."
With a solid foundation of regular attendees already trading stories over their morning brews, Mrs Collings hopes the Stanhope circle is just the beginning of a wider regional network of support.
The group meets at the Stanhope Cafe at 10am on the first and third Monday of each month.
New members are always welcome — contact Mrs Collings on 0400 499 468 for more information.
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