New Friendship Network Launches in Cornwall for Widowed People

A new friendship network, my widowed friends, has launched in Cornwall to help widowed people connect through weekly coffee groups.

Founded in 2025, the organisation was created to tackle loneliness and social isolation often felt by those who have lost a life partner. The idea is simple: bring people together, face-to-face, in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

How the groups work

Each group meets weekly at the same local venue such as a café or pub, providing a regular space where members can talk, laugh, and build new friendships. To keep the groups personal, each one is limited to a maximum of 30 people.

Members are also encouraged to arrange social activities including meals out, cinema trips, walks, and visits to local events.

Membership is open to anyone who has lost a long-term life partner, whether married or co-habiting, regardless of age, background, sexuality, beliefs, or ethnicity.

The network is not a bereavement counselling or dating group. Instead, it focuses on friendship, mutual support, kindness, and respect.

Cornwall chosen as the trial county

Cornwall has been selected as the first county for the network’s national plans. Over the next five years, my widowed friends aims to create a weekly group within 15km of 95% of the UK population.

The Cornwall trial will shape how groups develop across the country, supported by a website and Facebook presence.

“The groups are based on a simple idea; that regular, face-to-face contact matters when trying to tackle loneliness,” said Andrea Beck, founder of my widowed friends. “These groups are about friendship, chat, and the pleasure of sharing a coffee with people who understand, every week”.

Where groups are starting

Groups are set to launch in the coming months in:
Bodmin, Bude, Callington, Camborne, Falmouth, Hayle, Helston, Launceston, Liskeard, Newquay, Penryn, Penzance, Redruth, Saltash, St Austell, St Blazey/Par, St Ives, Truro, Torpoint, and Wadebridge.

How to get involved

Widowed people in Cornwall can find more details and sign up via the website: www.mywidowedfriends.co.uk