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A self-help program for widows as an independent community service
Hospital & Community Psychiatry
|December 1, 1980
Summary
Community Contacts for the Widowed provides peer support and counseling to widows in Toronto. This self-help group has assisted over 1500 women since 1976, aiding their bereavement journey.
Area of Science:
- Social Work
- Community Health
- Psychology
Background:
- The Community Contacts for the Widowed (CCW) is a Toronto-based self-help organization.
- Established in 1976, CCW originated as a government-funded demonstration project.
- It operates as an independent charitable organization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the model and impact of the Community Contacts for the Widowed program.
- To highlight the role of peer support in bereavement.
- To document the program's reach and services.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes a peer support model where trained "widow contacts" provide one-to-one support.
- Offers individual and group counseling services.
- Engages in community education initiatives.
Main Results:
- Since 1976, the program has provided support to over 1500 widows.
- The peer-led model facilitates supportive relationships and group sessions.
- Community education aims to raise awareness about widowhood.
Conclusions:
- Self-help groups like CCW are valuable resources for bereavement.
- Peer support is an effective intervention for widows.
- Programmatic outreach can significantly aid women experiencing loss, though self-referral may limit access for some demographics.