Therapy inspired me to face my Chapter 2.
Facing Chapter 2
Therapy inspired me to face my Chapter 2.
Last Christmas, 2024, I found myself at lunch with four lovely actors I’d worked with a decade ago. All women now in their sixties — all still happily married. Except me.
Not that I wasn’t happily married. I was. Deeply. My husband was my best friend, my writing and business partner, my home.
But as life keeps reminding us, nothing is forever. In April 2022, after a short and brutal encounter with cancer, he was gone.
Since then, I’ve been learning how to live again — not in the shadow of loss, but in the light of love that remains.
Therapy didn’t erase the grief, but it opened the door to something new: the possibility that Chapter 2 could still be written, and that I’m the one holding the pen.
Embracing Intimacy After Loss: Your Guide to Rebuilding Connection
Embracing Intimacy After Loss: A Gentle Guide by Angela Vossen
Rebuilding emotional and physical connection after the loss of a partner is a deeply personal journey—one often filled with hope, hesitation, and healing. In this heartfelt guide, relationship and sex coach Angela Vossen (from sextasy) offers supportive, practical steps to help you reconnect with your body, open up to new relationships, and embrace intimacy at your own pace.
Drawing from Chapter 2’s research and her coaching experience, Angela shares how to navigate guilt, rebuild trust, and rediscover your spark—with compassion and courage.
Ready to take your next small step?
Read the full guide and join the conversation in the Chapter 2 forum.
From Hacienda to Heartbreak…to Healing
In her rawest and most revealing conversation yet, Nicky joins Sarah Knight on the It’s Got Pockets podcast to unpack the unimaginable…losing the love of her life, navigating solo parenting through grief, getting sober, and rediscovering purpose in the aftermath of heartbreak.
From the darkest moments to rebuilding with humour, grit, and honesty, Nicky shares what it really means to begin again at any age.
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep going when life falls apart, this story is for you.
The High Seas Call to Those Who’ve Weathered Life’s Storms: Alaska Cruise 2025
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Alaska while building connections with others who truly understand the challenges of grief and the hope of new beginnings.
If you’ve ever thought, “Is my child really grieving? They seem fine—but are they?” You’re not alone. – Sarah Gallagher
Grief in kids doesn’t always look the way we expect. They don’t have the words or tools to express their feelings as we do, so their grief often shows up in ways we might not recognize. It’s one of the hardest parts of solo parenting through loss—trying to support your child while also managing your own grief.
Unlock the Power of Connection: Why You Should Attend the Next Chapter 2 In-Person Event
We’re thrilled to introduce a special video featuring some our UK members, sharing their experience at our in-person events and why these gatherings have been important.
Watch the video below to hear firsthand and discover why you shouldn’t miss the next one.
The Story Behind Chapter 2: Nicky Wake’s Journey from Heartbreak to Healing
In this video, Nicky shares her deeply personal story – the heartbreak of losing Andy, the challenges of dating again, and the incredible journey that led her to create Chapter 2. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the belief that even after the darkest times, there is still light to be found.
Chapter 2 – Now Live in US, Canada and Australia!
We are thrilled to announce that Chapter 2, the UK’s only dating app dedicated to widows and widowers, has officially launched in the US, Canada and Australia!
Chapter 2’s Founder, Nicky Wake, on BBC Morning Live
Mavis Ackerley speaks to our Founder Nicky about her experience, the reason she set up Chapter 2, and meets some of our members at our last in-person event in London.
Become a Chapter 2 Champion!
We’re looking for several of our members to play an instrumental role in growing and supporting this special community built by widows for widows and widowers.
Celebrate the Festive Season with Widows and Widowers Friendship Facebook Group: Christmas Dinner 2024
The Widows and Widowers Friendship and Maybe More ❤️ UK Facebook group is excited to announce their special Christmas dinner this year! This festive event will be held at The Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, promising an evening of great company and delicious food.
Chapter 2 Forum – Now Free to All Members!
Great news! Our Chapter 2 Forums are free to all members regardless of your status (standard or premium). So please read, post, add comments start conversations or new threads.
Chapter 2 is proud to support Widows’ Rights International this International Widows Day
Chapter 2 is proud to support Widows’ Rights International this International Widows Day. Widows’ Rights International (WRI) would like to invite you to their International Widows Day event on 22 June 2024 at the historic Athenaeum in Liverpool.
From Grief to Growth: Creating a Community for Widows and Widowers – Tony Smith
Hello everyone, my name is Tony.
My life took an unexpected turn in August 2022 when I became a widower. At first, like most people, I didn’t know what I was doing.
After the initial shock, I realised I needed to reconnect and it would be nice to go out. I joined a few Facebook groups that organised social events, and went out when I could.
Chapter 2’s back on ITV3!
We’re thrilled to announce we’re back on ITV3 with our advertising campaign this April. Our aim is to continue to support more widows and widowers in finding their next chapter, and expanding our audience to the 3.11 million widows and widowers in the UK.
TEDx Manchester: Watch Chapter 2 Founder Nicky’s Inspirational Talk
Step into the world of storytelling and entrepreneurship with Nicky Wake, our visionary Founder of Chapter 2.
Finding Love After Loss: Chapter 2’s Premiere on ITV3
At Chapter 2, we’re thrilled to announce our upcoming advertising campaign on ITV3 throughout December. Our aim is to support more widows and widowers in finding happiness in their next chapter.
Our advert, featuring the voice of TV presenter Jenny Powell, will debut on ITV3 at 10.01pm on Monday 11th December.
Embracing the Spirit of Giving: Chapter 2’s ‘A Season of Gifts’ for Widows & Widowers
As the festive season approaches, we at Chapter 2 are filled with warmth and gratitude for the unwavering support of our members. In the spirit of giving and celebration, we’re thrilled to introduce ‘A Season of Gifts’ – an initiative crafted especially for our Premium Access members.
How Music Guides Our Journey: Building Hope and Celebrating Memories
We want to know your favourite tracks and the stories behind them. Was it the song from your first dance with your lost love, the one you play while gearing up for a thrilling new date, the track marking your first kiss with your Chapter 2, or perhaps a song that inspires and propels you forward into this unexpected new chapter?
Embracing Authenticity: Introducing our ‘Real Widows & Widowers’
In a world inundated with stereotypes and misconceptions, it’s crucial to challenge preconceived notions and celebrate the diverse tapestry of human experiences. This is especially true when it comes to the complex journey of widowhood.
Our ‘Real Widows and Widowers’ campaign seeks to shed light on the incredible diversity of widows, showcasing their strength, resilience, and individuality. We recognise that real widows(ers) come from all walks of life.
My Mum, Your Dad
At Chapter 2, we’re completely enraptured by the latest sensation on ITV: ‘My Mum, Your Dad,’ a captivating series helmed by the wonderful Davina McCall. It’s a heart-warming, beautiful new programme that’s been hailed as a Love Island for the middle aged. Thankfully there are no prying lenses in the bedroom!
Love Again…
Love Again… A heartbreakingly beautiful film about loss, loving again, and sharing your deepest inner thoughts with your late partner by text.
One Minute Briefs x Chapter 2
On Friday 7th July, we partnered with One Minute Briefs to create a unique campaign, bringing together the best creative ideas in just 60 seconds!
Every day, One Minute Briefs (OMB) challenges the creative Twitter community to respond with their ideas to daily advertising briefs and reward the best entries. We partnered with OMB to challenge their audience to craft captivating posters to showcase Chapter 2 Dating.
Loving more than one person – Suzanne Elvidge
I sometimes feel like I’m living two parallel lives. The one where Tim is still alive. And then there’s the one that I am in now, without Tim but with my wonderful wife Dee.
