The National Widowers’ Organization created a widowers’ guideline ebook titled “How to Start a Widowers’ Group: A Manual for Men” to empower men to connect with others through group support and to provide the tools needed to start their own grief support network.

Create your own widowers’ bereavement support group

About the Manual

How to Start a Widowers’ Group: A Manual for Men

While there is no perfect formula for starting a men’s bereavement group, nor a set format for running ongoing sessions, there are some basics that can help you get started. The guidelines in the ebook are adapted from the American and N.J. Self-Help Clearinghouses, the National Widowers’ Organization and other sources—tailored for the men-only grief group experience.

“How to Start a Widowers’ Group: A Manual for Men” offers widowers practical tips, step-by-step guidance and real answers to the most common questions men face when forming their own peer support group. The manual also includes additional bereavement resources and a FAQ section on men’s grief.

The manual is available in two formats

What’s Inside the Manual

  • Don’t re-invent the wheel.

  • Think mutual help from the get-go.

  • You do not have to start a group by yourself.

  • Overcoming the Catch-22.

  • Who Should “Lead”.

  • Find a Suitable Meeting Place and Time.

  • Publicize Your Meetings.

  • Moving Forward.

  • Final Thoughts.

  • Bereavement Resources in Print and on the Web.

  • Frequently Asked Questions about How Men Grieve.

FAQs Answered in the Manual

  • What should I expect to go through in my grief?

  • Why am I angry?

  • Is there really such a thing as “closure”?

  • How do I know the difference between grief and depression?

  • Is participation in a men’s support group necessary?

  • How can I find a men’s support group in my area?

  • After my wife died, my friends and neighbors have been bringing meals to my house. I know this will soon stop and I am dreading the day. What do I do then?

  • How do I deal with household matters I was never involved with before?

  • What can I do about coming home to find an empty house?

  • I’m interested in finding new companionship. Is that ok?

  • How can I communicate this desire to my children?

  • I have no desire to meet someone new. I feel like there’s no one who could replace my late wife. Is there something wrong with me?

  • How can I find a men’s support group in my area?

Share the Manual

Help other widowers by sharing this manual through email or social media.