GETTING over a broken heart can seem like an impossible task when you are stuck in the grief of a divorce, writes Kate Hughes.

The pain and isolation can appear overwhelming and it is often hard just to get through the day.

But now a workshop is being offered to help people who are going through a divorce to rebuild their lives.

The Divorce Recovery Workshop is starting in Barnt Green on May 8.

The workshop is a series of six sessions where a small group of people, who have been through or are going through a divorce or separation, can share their emotions and help each other come to terms with their pain.

Each session begins with a video, which sets the topic for the rest of the session. They include issues such as planning for the future, coping with your ex-spouse, forgiving and letting go and thinking about new relationships.

After the six workshop sessions are completed participants often go on to start a social support group, if they wish.

Former participant Heidi Twilley found the workshop so helpful she decided to become a facilitator for future groups, which means she focuses the topics of discussions in the group and makes sure everyone feels able to share.

Heidi sums up the workshop: "The level of empathy in the groups is wonderful. It is a very safe environment to share your grief and it helps you look to the future with great hope."

Heidi stresses: "The sessions are not counselling. It is based on a sharing of emotions. We are not experts but we have been through the same feelings and that can be very helpful to people.

"You can either go through divorce or grow through divorce."

Heidi adds that the workshops help on a practical level with regards to being on your own or being a single parent.

The registered charity was founded in 1992 based on a concept brought back from the US. The workshops are led by 19 strong principles, which ensure the sessions are completely confidential and are not used for any other purpose than helping people with the experience of divorce.

Kath, a teacher from Bromsgrove, who was married for 30 years and has been through the course, said: "It was lovely to be able to share with people going through a similar situation.

"I realised I hadn't failed. It was my marriage that had failed and that was nothing to be ashamed of."

Alan Crowther, of Bromsgrove who was also married for 30 years, saw the advert for the workshop in the Advertiser/Messenger.

"I was a bit scared at first to ring because I was very withdrawn but it has helped me so much. I've got a different outlook on life. I'm courting a lovely woman and I go out for drinks with my friends from the workshop."

Heidi admits: "I know it takes a lot of courage to ring, especially when your self-esteem is so low but the phone call is the first step to help yourself come to terms with your divorce."

Alan adds: "All I can say to anyone who is going through the same situation is to give it a go. You've got nothing to lose."

As well as the Barnt Green group, there are other Divorce Recovery Workshops in Redditch and Solihull.

For details of the Barnt Green workshop, which is held at the Barnt Green Baptist Church, call Heidi on 0121 445 4396 or Lee on 0121 445 1207.

Or alternatively, you can visit their website on www.drw.org.uk