30 years on: end-of-relationship course prepares for new session

VOLUNTEERS who help people after relationship breakdowns are celebrating the 30th birthday of charity Divorce Recovery Workshop.

Their way to celebrate is highly practical. They’re relaunching the Wokingham and Reading area Divorce Recovery Workshop course in Earley after a two-year break due to Covid.

John Kemp, 68, of Wokingham, found the first UK course, at Berkshire College of Agriculture near Maidenhead, life-changing.

“I felt my world had come to an end when my 16 year marriage collapsed. The workshop helped me put things into perspective. I needed to work things through, see my future and not look back,” he said.

He went on to help set up

DRW across the UK.

“It’s great that DRW still flourishes, helping some of the thousands affected by divorce and separation every year,” he added.

The next course for Berkshire is on Friday evenings of June 10 and 17 and during the day on

June 11 and 18 at Brookside Hall, Brookside Close, Earley.

John Kemp and the course leaders Seamus Jennings and Julia Green met at the hall last week to discuss arrangements for the course.

Seamus, of Reading, said: “DRW’s courses are for people whose relationship has broken down, whether they’re divorced or separated, and whenever the breakdown was.

“All DRW’s volunteer leaders have been on the courses themselves. There’s plenty of free parking at Brookside and you will be warmly greeted with a cup of tea or coffee before every session. A light lunch is also provided. Please call me with any queries.”

Topics covered include: Is this really happening to me? Coping with your ex-partner.

Assuming new responsibilities. Letting go and forgiveness. Family matters. Thinking about new relationships.

A modest charge covers costs including lunches.

Anne of Wokingham said: “After my divorce, I struggled to come to terms with bewilderment, loss, anger, bitterness, and betrayal. It’s a horrible, tough, awful time. DRW showed me a way through. I never imagined I could live life to the full again.”

■ For details: call Seamus on 07887 800521, email reading@ drw.org.uk or go to facebook. com/readingdrw.

■ DRW’s website www.drw.org. uk gives tips for going through separation or divorce