Solace understands there are no timetables on the journey of grief, and offers to walk with the bereaved for as long as their journey takes; everyone has to walk the journey and it can be a long and very lonely road! Solace understands that grief is the price we pay for loving someone.
The widowed founder Mrs Jean Almond OAM understood this well, and realised the importance of such a support group in meeting her own and others needs.
Solace was the brainchild of widows Jean Almond and Isabel Harker, affectionately known as ‘the blue rinse set’ (ie light blue died hair!). After listening to a radio session on ‘Grief’ they were alarmed at the platitudes and down play of grief suffered by those who had lost a spouse or partner through death.
Consequently Jean frequently rang radio stations when the subject was raised and spoke publicly at various community gatherings.
Jean, Isabel and Harold Almond (all widowed), with the assistance of Harold E. Jones (Bereavement Educator) formed a Bereavement Support Group in Adelaide South Australia, and held their Inaugural Meeting in November, 1983.
The initial Bereavement Support Group soon evolved into what was to become a Solace Support Group; its aims were presented at the Funeral and Bereavement Education Association Conference, in October of 1984 in the Barossa Valley, South Australia and soon a National Organisation was born, with branches established in Perth, Western Australia (Dec 1984) and Melbourne, Victoria (June 1985).
In 1985 a small group who had become aware of this growing organisation invited the founder Jean Almond to Sydney, NSW to talk about the Solace program, and as a result the Inaugural NSW group was established in Chatswood, which shortly afterwards became Solace Assoc. Inc NSW (May 1986). Canberra ACT followed in 1987, Tasmania in 1989 and Brisbane Queensland in 1994.
The late Mrs Jean Almond’s love and compassion for those bereaved, lives on in the many widowed volunteers who offer their time and support as Solace Group Facilitators, Phone Receptionists, Committee Members and Group Members in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia.
A big thank you to all those who carry on Jean’s legacy of caring and devotion to those bereaved!
Solace commenced in: