A BARNT Green group, which has helped more than 100 people to recover their lives after going through a divorce, is looking to expand its work to meet the growing demand.

Divorce Recovery Workshops, for people wanting to get over break-ups, are helping to put lives back together – but with around 30,000 people affected by divorce annually in the West Midlands, need is outstripping supply, say leaders.

Heidi Twilley, a volunteer with the Barnt Green-based Divorce Recovery Workshop (DRW), helps people who are victims of the rising divorce figures.

She joined with a friend to start a local support group with the view of helping others following her divorce.

“So far we have had 108 people go through the workshops in Barnt Green. While this figure did not make headlines, it sure made a difference to the 108 individuals.

“I too have been consumed by anger, betrayed by my husband and my best friend, carrying thoughts of revenge that were almost self-destructive until I grasped the truth that forgiveness is the only key to letting go and moving forward.

“The result had an amazing impact not only on myself, but my children, my wider family, friends and community.

“After volunteering as co-ordinator and facilitator for DRW here too I could see that many people from different faiths, backgrounds and personal values were liberated after letting go of the past and embracing the future with hope and new determination.”

Heidi added: “Recently I had a man phone who’d not only lost his job, but also his wife and children through divorce – he was desperate for support. A person like this is struggling not only with anger and resentment, but also with low self-esteem, a sense of worthlessness and all too often we hear stories about people having taken their own life.

“The workshops are not glamorous, but can make a difference to an individual and may prevent some unwanted headlines,” Heidi added.

For more details contact Heidi Twilley at barntgreen@drw.org.uk