About Us

embark2

‘Grief is in two parts. The first is experiencing a loss. The second is the remaking of life.’(Anne Roiphe)

embark2 aims to provide support for anyone who has experienced the loss of a partner and provides opportunities so that they can start the process of remaking their life.

embark2 is there to help  you whether you have been recently bereaved or bereaved some time ago, regardless of age, gender, race, religion or orientation.

We all experience loss differently and embark2 is a place for you to find peer to peer support and meet others who understand what it means to have lost their partner and who are faced with the challenge of trying to rebuild their lives.

It is often the case that in the days and weeks after our loss, friends and family rally around and we are often kept busy. Eventually, for many of us, that support can fall away and we find that we have more and more time to fill and have empty days when the support and friendship of others is needed.

embark2 provides opportunities to meet up by providing weekends away and holidays, where we can share our experiences of grief in a safe environment, receive and provide support to fellow members, have a place to make sense of our new life and deal with the feelings of guilt which are so often present when we embark on the process of living again.

All holidays organised by embark2 are offered on a not-for-profit basis.

Meet the Team

John Webb

Founder & Executive Director

I lost my wife Joyce in 2013 and soon realised that going on holiday on your own was not only a little scary but also expensive. I thought that there had to be a better way and so I set up embark2.

Diane Richardson

Executive Director - Finance

Diane Cobbold

Executive Officer

Louise Heffernan

Executive Officer

Finding ways to enjoy a holiday was one of the many challenges that I had to face after losing my husband in 2014. At first it seemed impossible to go anywhere, but Embark2, with its small groups and the personal touch of its organisers, provides just the sort of holidays I like

Susan McIntyre

Executive Officer

Nigel Milchem

Executive Officer

There is something very special about embark2. The holidays are professionally organised, nevertheless, they are informal with a welcoming, friendly and inclusive feel that is so important when on your own as, of course, we all are.

Nicola Byrne

Mountain Walk Leader

Nicola is a qualified mountain walk leader who supports our walking holidays in the Lake District to ensure that they are not only safe, but also enjoyable. WWW.gingerroutes.co.uk

What our members say

{There is something very special about embark2. The holidays are professionally organised, nevertheless, they are informal with a welcoming, friendly and inclusive feel that is so important when on your own as, of course, we all are. 
Nigel
Winchester, 2021
{Having been to a number of local and national meets, I saw the original Lake District trip advertised and thought that, although it might be a little too far to travel (I live in Kent) it would be a great opportunity to visit the Lakes and also to return to see Lancaster University where I'd met my dear wife in the seventies. I travelled by train and arrived in Keswick, not knowing what to expect both in terms of location and activities and curious about those who would be there too. I was delighted by everything I found, great company, superb ambience, wonderful communal facilities and a huge kitchen able to handle a half dozen people preparing food. And the walks - just marvellous in terms of scenery, organisation and variety. I was so overjoyed by this positive experience that I returned time and again - I've lost count of the number of times I've been to Keswick now; it's more like a second home to me. And all organised by John and Diane - if only all meets were as good as this!
John
Kent, 2021
{Rebuilding your life after losing your wife can be very daunting. Making that first move requires a lot of bravery. Joining Embark 2 helps in many ways I found myself socialising with people who have suffered the same loss. Sharing your feelings and experiences can be a great comfort. They are without exception a fantastic group of people. The holidays represent great value for money.
Ray
North Tyneside, 2021
{I have always found a warm welcome, support, friendship, laughter and much needed time of respite on one of John and Diane’s holidays. Holidays are well-researched and organised but relaxed and easy which is just my type of holiday. Embark2 offer a variety of activities from walking and sight -seeing mixed with the opportunity for more adventurous activities such as kayaking, archery, climbing, cycling. Don’t worry no –one is an expert and there is no pressure to join in anything but the opportunity to try something I would never have considered doing on my own has been so much fun and given me confidence to explore more. …..but of course the security and fun of knowing you have people to share a meal and conversation with at the end of the day is brilliant.
Gayle
Leeds, 2020
{Loved the Newcastle one (weekend) …my first real experience with embark2. I also loved the Keswick one in August
Florence
Liverpool, 2020
{The undoubted holiday highlight of 2020; a fabulous long weekend in Keswick. We were gifted with great companionship, brilliant weather, amazing views, sensational led walks and buckets full of laughter and fun….these trips are less about pomp and luxury and more about indulging yourself in the healing glory and Majesty of nature, the great outdoors and fabulous like-minded companions
Katy
Tamworth, 2020
{Finding ways to enjoy a holiday was one of the many challenges that I had to face after losing my husband in 2014. At first it seemed impossible to go anywhere, but Embark2, with its small groups and the personal touch of its organisers, provides just the sort of holidays I like.
Louise
Oxford, 2020
{My very first holiday away in Keswick ……I was very anxious and fairly newly widowed, however it was a respite and we had a great few days away. ……..despite our losses and sadness, if we are brave enough to take a chance there is fun, friendship and adventure out there……
Gayle
Leeds, 2019