Ledbury Focus September 2019 Ledbury Focus September 2019 v2 | Page 19

Helping both men and women deal with the trauma of a relationship that has irretrievably broken down. By Malvern Branch Co-ordinator: Gill Owen I got involved with Divorce Recovery Workshop (DRW) 8 years ago when a friend who had been on the course found it so inspirational she wanted to set up a local branch in Malvern, which is the only branch in Worcestershire. The workshops are run by experienced volunteers who have all been through the breakdown of a long term relationship and attended the workshops. Although my own divorce was a long time ago, I had to attend the workshops before becoming a facilitator. I was amazed to discover just how many emotions I had buried. Once I had completed the workshop I knew I had come to terms with my past and could let it go. When you go through a breakup you don’t always realise how much grief, resentment and anger you hold on to or how emotionally and physically exhausting it can be. How can Divorce Recovery Workshop help? The breakdown of a long term relationship is a form of bereavement; yet unlike the death of a partner, you are often expected to carry on as normal. Whilst friends and family can be supportive, they don’t always understand how you feel and even your best friend will eventually have had enough of you going over and over what has happened! Anyone who has been through the heartache of an irretrievable breakup is welcome at DRW, even if you are going through the divorce or if it was years ago. DRW will help you cope with the many different emotions: shock, disbelief, rejection, anger, bitterness and guilt. You will gain a better under- standing of what you are going through and be offered strategies to help you cope. What actually happens at a workshop? The course consists of six sessions covering: • Is this really happening to me? • Coping with your 'Ex' • Assuming new responsibilities • Letting go and forgiveness • Family matters • Thinking about new relationships Participants watch a DVD on each topic and then divide into small groups with 2 facilitators per group. Everything said in the group is strictly confidential and no one is pressured to talk if they don’t want to. When is the next one taking place? The next DRW course will run on 3 consecutive Saturdays: 28th September, 5th and 12th October 2019: 2 sessions per day with lunch in between. Is there a charge for the Workshop and where does it take place? DRW is a non-profit making registered charity but to cover our running costs we ask participants to pay £60 for the entire course. The venue is in Churchdown Road, Malvern and there is a free car park. If you would like more information or to reserve a place, please contact me, Gill, on 01684 560394 or email: [email protected] www.drw.org.uk Ledbury Focus 61 19