The Widowed Collective, a peer-to-peer non-profit support network, has officially launched in Greater Manchester to provide free, practical and emotional support for widows and widowers of all ages. Founded by Manchester entrepreneur Nicky Wake, the organisation was inspired by her own experience of widowhood following the death of her husband Andy in 2020, and offers a safe space for connection, guidance and community for anyone navigating life after the loss of a partner.
According to 2021 Census data, there are approximately 169,200 widowed people in Greater Manchester, representing 5.9% of the population. Now a new non-profit support network, The Widowed Collective, has been launched in Manchester to help people rebuild their lives after losing a partner.
Designed to address the loneliness and challenges often faced by widows and widowers, the organisation provides free peer-to-peer support, expert guidance and opportunities to connect with others.
Open to people of all ages, regardless of marital status, gender or sexual identity, The Widowed Collective offers an inclusive space where those who have been widowed can share experiences, find understanding and begin to move forward after loss.
The organisation’s board is exclusively made up of widows and widowers, ensuring that every decision reflects the lived experience of those it exists to support.
Manchester-based founder Nicky Wake, 53, experienced first-hand the profound challenges of widowhood following the death of her husband Andy in 2020. Andy suffered a catastrophic heart attack and brain injury in 2017, which ultimately led to his passing in a specialist care facility after three years of medical complications. Nicky was left to navigate parenting alone of their then nine-year-old son, Finn, while managing the emotional and practical realities of starting over.
The Widowed Collective offers a range of free support and resources designed to help widowed people manage both the everyday and emotional challenges of loss. Members have access to practical guidance on key issues such as legal matters, financial planning, solo parenting and emotional wellbeing.
A members-only, moderated online forum provides a safe environment for open discussion, peer support and the sharing of experiences without judgment. It allows members to connect with others who truly understand what they are going through, offering reassurance and understanding from people who have faced similar circumstances.
In addition, the organisation will facilitate online and in-person events both here in Greater Manchester and throughout the UK, to help members build friendships, find companionship and feel part of a supportive network. These gatherings aim to reduce isolation and create opportunities for genuine connection, whether through informal meetups, group discussions or social activities.
Membership is completely free and available to widows and widowers nationwide, with the non-profit community interest company (CIC) funded by donations and grants. Every penny raised is used to support widowed people through resources, events and outreach.
The launch of The Widowed Collective builds on Nicky’s previous work in creating Chapter2Dating.app, the UK’s first dating app for widows and widowers, which provides additional opportunities for social engagement and rebuilding life after loss.
Nicky Wake said, “Widowhood changes everything. It’s not just grief, it’s learning a new way of living, often alone, and figuring out how to rebuild while carrying the weight of loss. The Widowed Collective is designed to provide a safe, honest and supportive space for people going through this. Everyone who has lost a partner deserves understanding, connection and practical support.
The experience of losing Andy and navigating life afterwards made me realise how few spaces exist for widowed people to feel seen, understood and supported. The Widowed Collective ensures that no one has to face this journey alone. It’s a community built by widowed people, for widowed people, providing peer support, practical tools and a sense of belonging.
Membership is completely free to access, as I believe widows and widowers have already paid the highest price for membership, the loss of their partner.”
For more information, or to join The Widowed Collective, please visit www.TheWidowedCollective.com