The Army Widows’ Association (AWA) aims to deliver peer support, advice, comfort and friendship to fellow bereaved army widows, widowers and partners. Although it’s a club that nobody wants to join, members are grateful for its existence and the invaluable support it provides.
Members understand the pain of bereavement, and all the subsequent difficulties that may need to be overcome in order to build a more positive future.
The AWA also advises policy makers through the Defence Bereaved Families Group and provides practical support to the unit welfare officer and casualty visiting officer training courses.
CELEBRATION IN SONG
To mark its 20th anniversary, a collaboration between the AWA, retired army padre Father Kevin Bell and Lieutenant Colonel Craig Hallatt resulted in a song being produced and professionally recorded at Aldershot Garrison.
The lyrics were written by Father Bell, using words and phrases supplied by AWA members, and the music was composed by Lt Col Hallatt. The vocals were provided by Lance Sergeant Tiffany Ellen and the music performed by the Army Contemporary Music Group, Blue Red Blue, along with the Countess of Wessex String Orchestra.
The AWA hosted a special 20th anniversary event for its members and invited guests in London where the music was provided by the Honourable Artillery Company Band, Saxophone Quartet, and the song Not Just Twinsets and Pearls was launched.
LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS
Chair of the board of trustees Raqual Harper-Titchener says: “It would be hard to say what the biggest achievement of the AWA would be, but the fact that we have and are able to make a difference and influence policy in a positive way to improve how we, and the newly bereaved, are treated is certainly up there. The greatest gift of the AWA has got to be the on-going non-judgemental peer support that has grown over the last 20 years. Many lifelong friendships have been established. We give support through friendship and find friendship through support.”
For more information, see armywidows.org.uk.