It’s easy to feel alone once you become a widow.

While there might be swarms of friends and family around you at the funeral, months later the calls tend to stop as many people return to their normal lives.

But now a recently formed group — Widows Wear Stilettos (WWS) Bermuda Chapter — is aiming to provide widows from all different ages, races and social backgrounds with empowerment and encouragement.

The group is open to anyone who has lost a significant partner.

WWS is gearing up to host regular monthly events, such as a family beach party, make over and educational workshops on financial planning and emotional restoration.

Ultimately the group aims to provide an outlet for people to connect, learn, engage and have fun — all while rebuilding a sense of hope and purpose.

Founder Michelle Furqan realised there was a need for such an organisation on the Island, after her husband, Bilal, died tragically three years ago in a diving accident at Admiralty House.

The mother of four said it was a “very, very difficult time” in her life, where she had to draw on strength from her family and God.

But it was through that period of grieving she noticed there wasn’t a viable outlet here on the Island for widows dealing with a loss.

“I checked the churches and Government organisations and there was nothing — and I thought something needed to be done,” Mrs Furqan said.

“I got talking to a few other widows that I knew and everyone was in the same boat, where they welcomed such an outlet.

“So a year ago I decided to do some research and found an organisation in the United States that was exactly what I was looking for, that I thought Bermuda may need.”

Founded eight years ago, WWS is a global support organisation looking to provide education, support and community to the widowed population.

Mrs Furqan said she liked that the organisation had a “more lively” approach; and involved a wide cross section of people in the community.

She said: “With the group we want to be a support to each other, but not in the traditional sense where you are a support group and everyone is sitting around crying over their loss.

“The mission of the WWS is to encourage and empower widows and to keep it fun and light.

“I don’t want to make it a heavy atmosphere because of a lot of the people aren’t in the same emotional state and I want to make this a positive outlet for them too.”

She said the group’s first event last month — a cocktail reception attended by 20 people — went extremely well.

One woman has just lost her partner three months ago, while someone else had lost their husband as many as 15 or 20 years ago.

Ages also ranged from women in their mid 30s, right up to those in their 70s and 80s; and Mrs Furqan said she was happy to see it was a diverse and welcoming group.

Her hope is the events will give people a reason to get out of the house and something positive to look forward to, especially in light of all they’ve been through.

Mrs Furqan understands how hard it can be to lose a spouse and have to get used to a new normal.

She said: “I was married for almost 14 years, so it’s not the life so it’s not the life you ask for when you lose your spouse.

“You have to readjust yourself, your life and priorities and pray for strength and faith to rise the next day to do what you have to do.

“I think my strength came from firstly God and also my children and other family and friends.

“My children were the ones that I had to wake up for every morning.

“It has been difficult emotionally and I still have my moments, but the group’s motto is ‘Healing One Day at a Time’ and I strongly believe that.”

WWS’ next event will be a brunch at Griffin Bistro at St George’s Club held this Sunday at 12.30pm.

There will be speakers from the Women’s Resource Centre and the Family Intimacy Centre sharing about the counselling services offered to women.

Mrs Furqan said it should be a “fun and encouraging afternoon”, but more importantly a way for people to come out and find out what the group’s all about.

“I would encourage people to come out for two reasons,” she said. “Firstly, widows feel they are in a class by themselves and going through it alone and I want them to realise they are not alone.

“I want them to be encouraged by those in a similar circumstance. I want them to get a renewed sense of life in that their best days can still be ahead of them.”

To RSVP your space for this weekend’s brunch $35, plus gratuities, at Griffin Bistro, call 704-1320.

For more information on ‘Widows Wear Stilettos Bermuda Chapter’ visit them on Facebook or e-mail wwsbermuda@gmail.com.