Minus One is a support group for married couples who have been bereaved of their spouses.  Its main aim is to gather within its folds young and middle-aged people, who have been through the trauma of losing their beloved husband/wife and who are struggling to get to grips with the harsh realities of life on their own and moving on with life with a cheerful smile while at the same time bringing up, and providing support for their young families.

The group was set up 16 years ago by Albert Zammit, himself at the time a young widower.  Today the group has moved on and enjoys a much larger membership – people ranging from all walks of life and ages ranging from 34-61  and  is specifically catering for the youngish widows/widowers and their children.

The group organises many activities whereby widows/widowers can socialise and meet in a friendly, caring and supportive atmosphere.  We support each other by listening and empathising.  Activities of a social, cultural, sportive, spiritual and fun nature arealso organised.

The group Minus One meets every Friday evening at Project House in Floriana. Every week we organise different activities.  From time to time we get public speakers to deliver talks about various topics to keep our members updated especially with regards to things concerning widowhood like bereavement, up-bringing of children, pensions, social services, health etc.

Today we are an officially recognised NGO.  We were the first widows’ support group in Malta to join the United Nations and the Loomba Foundation in observing International Widows’ Day on the 23rd June.  Besides organising various activities on this day we have, for the last two years, offered a donation to another voluntary organisation, who we feel is in need of funding.  This year we are also observing International Widows’ Day and will be offering a donation to Hospice Malta.

Anyone who is a widow/widower below the age of 61 who would like to join our group is most welcome.  One can contact the Chairperson, Maria Borg on mobile No. 99271981 or the Secretary Marie Louise Suda on mobile No. 99498784 or send an e-mail to the secretary on [email protected].

Visit our website at: www.minusone.eu or our facebook page on: www.facebook.com/grp.minusone

Our main and only concern is to help those who are suffering loneliness and solitude, the trauma of bereavement.  We have been there, to hell and back, and know what it all means.  So please do let us help you.

Maria Borg

Chairperson

Minus One