Widows support group UK
A widows support group where your culture is understood
African Caribbean Widows UK is a peer support community for women of African and Caribbean heritage across the UK who have lost a husband or partner. You can join from anywhere in the UK, whether your loss was recent or many years ago, by filling in a short form, and someone from the community will contact you personally.
Join the communityWhy a community just for African and Caribbean widows?
There are bereavement services and widows groups across the UK, and many of them do wonderful work. But grief is shaped by culture. How a family mourns, the gatherings, the prayers, the food, the expectations placed on a widow, the relatives here and back home, all of it is part of the loss.
Our founder, Ethel MacPepple-Jaja, lost her partner suddenly in 2025. She looked for women who would understand both the loss and the culture, and found that, for widows of African and Caribbean heritage in the UK, that place didn't exist. So she started one.
What the community offers
- Someone to talk to who understands, without having to explain where you come from or how your family grieves.
- Friendship and companionship with women walking a similar road.
- A place to remember the husband or partner you have lost, with love.
- Your own pace. You can listen first and share only when, and if, you feel ready.
We are a peer community, not a counselling or crisis service. If you need urgent help, please see the support numbers at the bottom of this page.
Who can join
Women of African and Caribbean heritage living in the UK who have lost a husband or partner. Married or not, recently bereaved or many years on, you are welcome. However your family came to be here, and whatever your story, there is a place for you.
How to join
Joining takes about two minutes. You answer a few gentle questions, sharing only what feels right, and someone from the community contacts you personally by phone, WhatsApp or email, whichever you prefer.
Common questions
Is there a widows support group for Black women in the UK?
Yes. African Caribbean Widows UK is a peer community for women of African and Caribbean heritage across the UK who have lost a husband or partner. You can join online from anywhere in the UK.
Do I have to live in London to join?
No. The community is UK-wide. When you join, you tell us which part of the UK you live in, so we can help you connect with others.
Is this a counselling service?
No. We are a peer community of women who have been through a similar loss. For professional bereavement support you can call Cruse Bereavement Support on 0808 808 1677.