Creative writing session focused on grief for war widows, defence and veteran families
Who is this free activity for and why?
Life alongside or after military service comes with unique challenges — whether you’re the widow of a veteran, a parent whose child served, or the partner of someone navigating transition. This free creative writing session is for you. Held in Chatswood on Thursday 24 July 2025, it offers a chance to reflect and connect through storytelling and shared experience.
War widows, veteran families and those connected to defence service are often deeply impacted by service life but may not always find spaces that reflect or understand their experience. This session, part of our Wellbeing Program, aims to offer community, care and creativity in equal measure.
Writing session
War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together for a session of creative writing with a focus on grief. Facilitated by social worker, Gabby Steel, 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: Families of Veterans Guild Office, Level 1, 9 Help St, Chatswood, NSW, 2067 OR online (Zoom link will be sent to you)
Date and Time: Thursday 24 July 2025, 12pm – 1pm.
Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 22 July.
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.
