Welcome to embark2

Exclusively for widows and widowers within the first six years of loss.

We are currently not accepting new members.

Support and friendship when you need it most

embark2 is run by widows/ers for widows/ers

Day events and short breaks offered by members around the UK

Online forums for members to share their own experiences, offer advice or general conversations

Welcome to embark2:
Finding your way forward, together

“Grief is in two parts. The first is loss. The second is the remaking of life.” — Anne Roiphe

If you are reading this, you’ve likely experienced the profound loss of a partner. We want you to know first and foremost: You don’t have to walk this path alone.

At embark2, we are here to walk with you through those challenging early years, offering a hand to hold as you begin the brave work of remaking your life.

A Community That Truly Understands

We believe that no one understands the journey of widowhood quite like someone who has lived it. That’s why embark2 is run by widows and widowers, for widows and widowers.

We are a diverse, inclusive, and warm community. Whether you are young or old, regardless of your race, religion, gender, or orientation, you have a place here.

Who can join? If you are within the first six years of your loss, our doors are open to you.

How long can I stay? Once you’re a member, you’re part of our community for as long as you need us.

Why embark2?

In the beginning, family and friends often rally around. But as time passes and the initial flurry of support fades, the "empty days" can feel a little quieter and longer. This is where embark2 steps in.

We provide a safe, gentle space to:

Connect: Meet others who truly "get it" without you having to explain a thing.

Share: Talk about your grief, the challenges of rebuilding, and even those complicated feelings like guilt that often surface as we start to live again.

Belong: Join a peer-to-peer network where support isn’t a one-way street—we help each other heal.

Moving at Your Own Pace

Life after loss is a series of small steps. We offer a variety of ways to reconnect with the world when you feel ready:

Local Meet-ups: Friendly in-person events organized by members in your own community.

Online Gatherings: Support and friendship from the comfort of your home.

Shared Adventures: Members often post their holiday plans, or days out, inviting others to join so no one has to travel alone.

Join Us

Remaking a life is a big task, but it’s easier when you’re surrounded by friends. We are ready to welcome you whenever you’re ready to reach out.

embark2: Supporting you in grief, walking with you in life.

How to join

We are currently not accepting new members (July 2026).

Joining embark2 is easy, just complete the on-line enrolment form, provide a brief bio of your circumstances to include such things as your hobbies etc. 

Uploading a photograph is also appreciated by other members. Your bio and photo will be accessible only to embark2 members.

You will be asked to provide a username and display name.  Please include the name of your town or city within your username, for example, John_Newcastle.  Your display name is the name associated with your posts. Commonly, this is your first name, though we would suggest that you add a number after your name. We have a lot of members called Diane as well as many called John! 

Once your membership has been approved, you will receive a notification via email and, separately, an email with your password.  As a security measure, new members have 30 days to login to our website, failing which their membership is cancelled.

If you have not heard from us within 5 days of your application, please drop us an email at enquiries@embark2.co.uk

Meet the Team

John Webb

Founder & Executive Director

I lost my wife Joyce in 2013 and soon realised that going on holiday on your own was not only a little scary but also expensive. I thought that there had to be a better way and so I set up embark2.

Diane Richardson

Executive Director - Finance

Diane Cobbold

Executive Officer

Louise Heffernan

Executive Officer

Finding ways to enjoy a holiday was one of the many challenges that I had to face after losing my husband in 2014. At first it seemed impossible to go anywhere, but Embark2, with its small groups and the personal touch of its organisers, provides just the sort of holidays I like

Susan McIntyre

Executive Officer

Nigel Milchem

Executive Officer

There is something very special about embark2. The holidays are professionally organised, nevertheless, they are informal with a welcoming, friendly and inclusive feel that is so important when on your own as, of course, we all are.

Gayle Jones

Executive Officer

Gayle is also responsible for new member applications along with other members of the admin team.

Angela McKean

Executive Officer

Angela assists with our policy reviews

What our members say

{There is something very special about embark2. The holidays are professionally organised, nevertheless, they are informal with a welcoming, friendly and inclusive feel that is so important when on your own as, of course, we all are. 
Nigel
Winchester, 2021
{Having been to a number of local and national meets, I saw the original Lake District trip advertised and thought that, although it might be a little too far to travel (I live in Kent) it would be a great opportunity to visit the Lakes and also to return to see Lancaster University where I'd met my dear wife in the seventies. I travelled by train and arrived in Keswick, not knowing what to expect both in terms of location and activities and curious about those who would be there too. I was delighted by everything I found, great company, superb ambience, wonderful communal facilities and a huge kitchen able to handle a half dozen people preparing food. And the walks - just marvellous in terms of scenery, organisation and variety. I was so overjoyed by this positive experience that I returned time and again - I've lost count of the number of times I've been to Keswick now; it's more like a second home to me. And all organised by John and Diane - if only all meets were as good as this!
John
Kent, 2021
{Rebuilding your life after losing your wife can be very daunting. Making that first move requires a lot of bravery. Joining Embark 2 helps in many ways I found myself socialising with people who have suffered the same loss. Sharing your feelings and experiences can be a great comfort. They are without exception a fantastic group of people. The holidays represent great value for money.
Ray
North Tyneside, 2021
{I have always found a warm welcome, support, friendship, laughter and much needed time of respite on one of John and Diane’s holidays. Holidays are well-researched and organised but relaxed and easy which is just my type of holiday. Embark2 offer a variety of activities from walking and sight -seeing mixed with the opportunity for more adventurous activities such as kayaking, archery, climbing, cycling. Don’t worry no –one is an expert and there is no pressure to join in anything but the opportunity to try something I would never have considered doing on my own has been so much fun and given me confidence to explore more. …..but of course the security and fun of knowing you have people to share a meal and conversation with at the end of the day is brilliant.
Gayle
Leeds, 2020
{Loved the Newcastle one (weekend) …my first real experience with embark2. I also loved the Keswick one in August
Florence
Liverpool, 2020
{The undoubted holiday highlight of 2020; a fabulous long weekend in Keswick. We were gifted with great companionship, brilliant weather, amazing views, sensational led walks and buckets full of laughter and fun….these trips are less about pomp and luxury and more about indulging yourself in the healing glory and Majesty of nature, the great outdoors and fabulous like-minded companions
Katy
Tamworth, 2020
{Finding ways to enjoy a holiday was one of the many challenges that I had to face after losing my husband in 2014. At first it seemed impossible to go anywhere, but Embark2, with its small groups and the personal touch of its organisers, provides just the sort of holidays I like.
Louise
Oxford, 2020
{My very first holiday away in Keswick ……I was very anxious and fairly newly widowed, however it was a respite and we had a great few days away. ……..despite our losses and sadness, if we are brave enough to take a chance there is fun, friendship and adventure out there……
Gayle
Leeds, 2019