Grief isn’t only about bereavement — join a monthly creative writing session for war widows, defence and veteran families

Grief in the Defence community takes many forms. It can arrive with a posting or relocation, and the friends and community left behind. It can be the separation of a deployment, the loss of a partner, family member or mate, or the family gatherings and traditions that service has made hard to keep. Sometimes it’s a future you’d planned for that now looks different. All of it belongs here.

Born from an idea shared by a war widow, our monthly Writing Through Grief sessions offer a safe space to put words to whatever you’re carrying. Facilitated by our social workers over Zoom, using poetry, letters, short stories and reflective journaling.

No writing experience needed. No pressure to share. A journal and pen are all you need — both provided free to new attendees. Come to one session or all of them.

Previous attendees said “The session created a safe and supportive space where I felt comfortable listening, sharing, and opening up at my own pace.”

Event information

• Location: Online (Zoom link will be sent to you).

• Dates:

  • Thursday 16 July 2026
  • Thursday 20 August 2026
  • Thursday 17 September 2026
  • Thursday 1 October 2026
  • Thursday 12 November 2026 
  • Thursday 3 December 2026

• Times: 6pm – 7.30pm (AEST/AEDT).

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

Creative writing session focused on grief for war widows, defence and veteran families

Writing session

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together online for a session of creative writing with a focus on grief. Facilitated by social workers, Gabby and Hayley, you will explore creative writing as a therapeutic tool which can take many different forms including poetry, short stories, letters, and reflective journaling. As a group we will explore the theme of grief which may be experienced in the Defence community in a variety of ways including bereavement, deployment, transition, relocation etc.  

It is important for participants to be informed that we will be exploring themes of grief in this activity and are advised to participate at their own discretion. This is not a counselling session however our qualified social workers can explore referrals to such supports as needed.

There is no cost for this activity. Your materials will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I enjoyed the time spent with likeminded military wives, cementing friendships and looking inward.”

Event information

• Location: Online (Zoom link will be sent to you).

• Date and Time: Thursday 11 June 2026, 6pm – 7.30pm (AEST).

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

Creative writing session focused on grief for war widows, defence and veteran families

Writing session

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together online for a session of creative writing with a focus on grief. Facilitated by social workers, Gabby and Evelyn, you will explore creative writing as a therapeutic tool which can take many different forms including poetry, short stories, letters, and reflective journaling. As a group we will explore the theme of grief which may be experienced in the Defence community in a variety of ways including bereavement, deployment, transition, relocation etc.  

It is important for participants to be informed that we will be exploring themes of grief in this activity and are advised to participate at their own discretion. This is not a counselling session however our qualified social workers can explore referrals to such supports as needed. 

There is no cost for this activity. Your materials will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to connect with such a wonderful group. It was such a great opportunity to do a self-care activity and get to know some of the other attendees at the same time.”

Event information

• Location: Online (Zoom link will be sent to you).

• Date and Time: Thursday 14 May 2026, 6pm – 7.30pm (AEST). 

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 4 May.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

Creative writing session focused on grief for war widows, defence and veteran families

Writing session

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together online for a session of creative writing with a focus on grief. Facilitated by social workers, Gabby and Hayley, you will explore creative writing as a therapeutic tool which can take many different forms including poetry, short stories, letters, and reflective journaling. As a group we will explore the theme of grief which may be experienced in the defence community in a variety of ways including bereavement, deployment, transition, relocation etc.  

It is important for participants to be informed that we will be exploring themes of grief in this activity and are advised to participate at their own discretion. This is not a counselling session however our qualified social workers can explore referrals to such supports as needed.

There is no cost for this activity. Your materials will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to connect with such a wonderful group. It was such a great opportunity to do a self-care activity and get to know some of the other attendees at the same time.”

Event information

• Location: Online (Zoom link will be sent to you).

• Date and Time: Wednesday 8 April 2026, 6pm – 7.30pm (AEDT).  

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 2 April.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

Creative writing session focused on grief for war widows, defence and veteran families

Writing session

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together online for a session of creative writing with a focus on grief. Facilitated by social workers, Gabby and Hayley, you will explore creative writing as a therapeutic tool which can take many different forms including poetry, short stories, letters, and reflective journaling. As a group we will explore the theme of grief which may be experienced in the Defence community in a variety of ways including bereavement, deployment, transition, relocation etc.  

It is important for participants to be informed that we will be exploring themes of grief in this activity and are advised to participate at their own discretion. This is not a counselling session however our qualified social workers can explore referrals to such supports as needed. 

There is no cost for this activity. Your materials will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to connect with such a wonderful group. It was such a great opportunity to do a self-care activity and get to know some of the other attendees at the same time.”

Event information

• Location: Online (Zoom link will be sent to you).

• Date and Time: Thursday 19 March 2026, 6pm – 7.30pm (AEDT).

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 9 March.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

Creative writing session focused on grief for war widows, defence and veteran families

Writing session

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together online for a session of creative writing with a focus on grief. Facilitated by social workers, Gabby and Hayley, you will explore creative writing as a therapeutic tool which can take many different forms including poetry, short stories, letters, and reflective journaling. As a group we will explore the theme of grief which may be experienced in the Defence community in a variety of ways including bereavement, deployment, transition, relocation etc.  

It is important for participants to be informed that we will be exploring themes of grief in this activity and are advised to participate at their own discretion. This is not a counselling session however our qualified social workers can explore referrals to such supports as needed. 

There is no cost for this activity. Your materials will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to connect with such a wonderful group. It was such a great opportunity to do a self-care activity and get to know some of the other attendees at the same time.”

Event information

• Location: Online (Zoom link will be sent to you).

• Date and Time: Thursday 19 February 2026, 6pm – 7.30pm (AEDT).

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 9 February.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.