Start your own group

If there is no group in your area to help people through the trauma of divorce and separation there is probably a need to start one. Divorce Recovery Workshop has been designed to be simple to start and simple to run.

All our groups have been started by ordinary people with organising ability who felt motivated to support others. They may not be trained counsellors but their personal experience combined with the excellent materials we provide gives real benefit to those in need.

If you are interested in starting a new group we ask that you attend one of our weekend workshops first. This allows you to see how the workshop works and to discuss running a workshop with us - and you will find out just how beneficial DRW is in helping with your own recovery! If you can't get to a workshop we may be prepared to make an exception - do give us a call so we can discuss the way forward.

To get your workshop going just follow the steps below.

Step 1 - Let us know

There may be an group already starting up in your area, or other people who have expressed an interest. We can talk over your approach and give support and advice from the very start. Call us on 07000 781889.

Step 2 - Get your group together

We recommend that you get at least five people together to start your new group. These may be friends or you may be able to recruit helpers from community or church groups. All members of your core group must have experienced the breakdown of a significant relationship. Feel free to distribute pages from this web site or the leaflet we will send you to recruit members to your group.

The active support of a community group can be critical to the success of a new workshop, offering premises, facilities and help with initial funding. Supporters who have not experienced a relationship breakdown may also bring valuable skills for committee and publicity work. Such supporters should not participate in the workshop itself where the sharing of personal experience is an important feature.

If you have the support of a community group, or are such a group hoping to start a workshop, we ask you to download and read our notes for support groups. These are especially relevant to religious groups where there may be conflict with DRW's fundamental principles. Please pass a copy to your sponsors.

Step 3 - Arrange an Introduction Day

When you have your group together we will arrange to visit you all and provide an introduction to DRW. You will be responsible for providing a suitable venue (with the means to play a DVD) and refreshments. A small hall or someones home would be suitable.

During the morning of the Introduction Day you experience the first session of the workshop. In the afternoon we cover setting up and running a workshop. A typical programme is:

(These two sessions can be split and run on separate evenings.)

Step 4 - Sign the DRW agreement

During the Introduction Day we will discuss the DRW licence agreement. This grants suitable groups a sole licence to operate in their area and to use the DRW name, logo and materials. The agreement binds the group to comply with the fundamental principles of DRW.

When the agreement has been made we will supply a set of videos, support materials and operating manual. Most of these can be downloaded from our group support web site.

Step 5 - Complete the course

After the Introduction Day we recommend that you complete the remaining five sessions of the course privately with your group, meeting one evening per week. You can repeat the course with friends to increase confidence if you wish.

Step 6 - Run your first public course

When you feel ready you can run your first public course. The Operations Manual gives a step-by-step guide and plenty of advice. DRW National will be available to offer additional advice and support should you need it to ensure that your workshop is a success.

Periodically we hold "Coordinators Days" and training weekends where you can meet people from other local groups and exchange ideas and experiences. A regular newsletter keeps you in up to date on the work of the national committee.