Code of Conduct

Remember that everyone here is navigating their own unique journey of grief. Before you post, ask yourself: Is this coming from a place of kindness? Is it empathetic? This forum is for sharing and supporting, not for judging or giving unsolicited advice.

• No "Fix-it" Advice: We're here to listen, not to lecture. Please avoid telling others what they "should" do or how they "should" feel. We are a space for validation, not platitudes.

• Validate, Don't Minimise: Phrases like "at least..." have no place here. Acknowledge the pain and experiences of others without comparing or diminishing them.

We welcome all the messy, complicated, and yes, even the sometimes-hilarious parts of your journey. This is a space for authenticity. However, please be mindful of the impact of your words. Avoid overly graphic details or triggering content that may harm others. If you're discussing a sensitive topic, it's helpful to include a content warning in your post title.

This is a private, safe space. What's shared here should stay here. Please do not share any personal information from the forum outside of this group. Respect the confidentiality of other members and the stories they share.

This community is a free space for peer-to-peer support. Please do not use it to promote your business, products, services, or social media pages. This includes fundraising requests.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech, bullying, harassment, or personal attacks of any kind. This includes comments based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other personal characteristic. Disagreements may arise, but they must always be handled with respect.

We support one another to make our own choices, ask questions, and give informed consent when sharing personal information or taking part in activities.

We aim to prevent harm by offering good advice, clear information, and a space where concerns can be raised early.

Any response to a concern will be calm, measured and the least intrusive option needed to keep someone safe.

We look out for those who may be more vulnerable or in greater need, ensuring they receive appropriate support and representation.

We work together with local services, families and communities to find the right support and solutions when safeguarding issues arise.

We are committed to being open, transparent and clear about how safeguarding concerns are handled within the group.

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Keeping yourself safe & raising concerns

Members are encouraged to keep themselves safe, respect personal boundaries, and share any safeguarding concerns with group organisers as soon as possible so support can be offered.

Supporting Each Other Through Dark Days 

Grief can bring moments of profound darkness and overwhelming pain. You do not have to carry that weight alone. While this community is a powerful space for shared understanding, it is not a substitute for professional crisis support. If you or someone you know is struggling or in distress, please know that help is available right now:

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• UK: Call the Samaritans at 116 123 (free, confidential, and available 24/7) or text SHOUT to 85258.

• Emergency: If you are in immediate physical danger, please call your local emergency services (999 in the UK) or go to your nearest A&E.

• Global Resources: If you are outside the UK, please reach out to your local crisis helpline or emergency services.

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We are here to support one another, and our team will always step in to help connect members with the care they deserve when things become too heavy.

Protect Your Peace and Your Finances 

Unfortunately, grief communities can occasionally be targeted by malicious actors or scammers. To protect yourself and your fellow members, please adhere to a strict rule: never send money, financial details, or cryptocurrency to anyone you have only met online through this platform, no matter what story or emergency they share. If anyone approaches you asking for money, or if something feels suspicious, please report it to our team immediately.

Privacy and Safety First 

What is shared here stays here; maintaining confidentiality is essential to making this a safe harbour for everyone. However, your safety always comes first. If a member shares something that suggests they or someone else is in immediate, severe, or life-threatening danger, our moderation team cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality and may need to step in, contact appropriate support services, or notify authorities to help keep you safe.​

How to Flag an Issue 

We rely on our community to help us keep this space safe. If you see a post, comment, or message that violates our guidelines, makes you feel unsafe, or raises red flags, please let us know immediately. You can flag concerns discreetly using the Report button on any post/comment, or by emailing our team directly at info@thewidowedcollective.com. Every report is handled with strict care and confidentiality.

Our Approach to Enforcement 

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech, bullying, harassment, financial solicitation, or deliberate breaches of privacy.

To ensure this remains a sanctuary of healing:

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• Step 1: Minor or accidental breaches will usually be met with a gentle reminder or private message from our moderation team.

• Step 2: Repeated infractions, harmful behaviour, or deliberate rule-breaking will result in the immediate removal of offending content and temporary or permanent suspension from the community.

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We reserve the right to remove any member without warning if their actions jeopardise the physical or emotional safety of others.

We are all in this together. This is your space to grieve, grow, vent, and connect. By following these simple rules, we can ensure this remains a place of light on some of our darkest days. Thank you for being a part of this community.