Founded last year and born out of the heartache of bereavement and grief in the Stawell community, Tracey Ellen and friends initiated a support group for those who find they need a little extra understanding and love from those who feel the same.

In particular after loss that may have come suddenly or in some cases leaving behind loved ones who have been together all their married lives. Either way the ache sits in the pit of the stomach and is very hard to shift.

"Truth is the pain will always remain however the tears get a little less and with support we can learn to adjust and accept a 'new' normal in our lives," Tracey Ellen said.

"Meeting at 'Life after Loss' once a month is a safe haven for people to share and remember, laugh, cry, and help each other to continue on in our life time and find their 'joy' again, even though others have passed on.

"Death is a part of life and that's sad, but often we struggle with great sadness at loss particularily when we have known great love.

"We encourage you to speak about your loved one, share stories, learn tips to cope with special occasions, anniversariess. \

"We keep their memory alive when sometimes it seems the world keeps spinning out of control around us," she said.

Tracey Ellen emphasises the group is not all doom and gloom.

"In fact we often have fits of laughter as we focus on lots of past "good times" and beautiful memories," she said.

Ms Ellen is extremely grateful for the support of Stawell and community and very proud to say that Life after Loss has just been extended in the past two months to include an evening meeting in Ararat at the Neighbourhood House.

Carer's support group recently donated funds to the group in which we have invested in some valuable reading resources which can be borrowed on a monthly basis from the group.

Life after Loss meets on the first monday of the month, with the next meeting being on Monday, June 1 at 2pm at the Stawell Health and Community Centre in Patrick Street, then at 7pm at the Ararat Neighbourhood House.

The group asks for a gold coin donation to cover the costs of a cuppa.

Anyone wishing to attend is most welcome and can contact Tracey Ellen on 0428 584350.

If you feel you require urgent help with your grief please contact lifeline or beyond blue, your local general practitioner or your local community centres for assistance.