Colette Byrne
In 2018 Colette was presented with the Everyday Hero, People of the Year Award for founding the online community - widow.ie - following the tragic death of her husband, Peter. His life was tragically cut short when he was killed in a traffic accident in August 2008, leaving behind a three-year-old daughter, Kate (now 17). Qualified as a Pharmaceutical Technician, she now works in the accounts department of her families quarry business.
The Forgetful Widow, Widows Fog and Widow Brain
"Widows fog," also referred to as "Widow brain,". It is a term used by individuals to describe the mental difficulties or memory impairment they experience after the loss of a spouse. It is important...
Encouraging Quotes for the Widowed
Inspirational and encouraging quotes for someone who is widowed, along with the known name of who said it:
"The greater the love, the greater the grief." - Unknown
"It's okay to not be okay, but it's...
Alcohol & Grief Don’t Mix Well
Alcohol & Grief: Losing a spouse is a difficult experience that can leave you feeling overwhelmed, sad, and helpless. In such times, some people turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. While alcohol may...
What is Self-Care for Someone Grieving
You may have come across the term, "Self-Care", but what exactly is meant by it? Self-care is an important aspect of coping with grief and loss, and it can be particularly helpful for someone...
How to Help a Recently Widowed Friend
Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult experiences that anyone can go through. In the aftermath of such a profound loss, it can be challenging to know how to support a friend...
Grief Telephone Support Helplines
Grief Telephone Support Helplines
Free to use grief telephone support helplines are invaluable when you are grieving and in early bereavement. In the early days, weeks and months following the death of a spouse or...
Mother’s Day Ideas for Children Bereaved of a Mother
Mother's Day will soon be here, and for many it will be the first without their Mother. The death of a loved one is difficult and notably so in the time leading up to special events such as, Mother's Day.
Not a Support Group Kinda Guy – TEDx
Seven ordinary Dads brought together after the death of their wives and discovered the power of a support group.
The seven grieving and widowed Dad's began to share their loss in the group. In time, they gained the tools to help them reimagine their lives without their wives.
Can the Widowed Apply for COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment?
If you are widowed and were working up until March 13th, you can claim the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and it will be paid in addition to your widowed pension. To apply for the new COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment you can apply online at mywelfare.ie If you require a form posted out, it can be requested both online or by calling the emergency phone number 1890800024
Widow Wins Appeal to Backdate Household Benefits Package
Ombudsman Peter Tyndall recently published the first casebook for County Clare. He was asked to examine the case of a widow who, after her husbands death, wasn't informed of her entitlement to Household Benefits Package.