How did The Group Hug start?
A very warm and sincere welcome to The Group Hug and thank you for joining the community. Everyone is of value. Some people are just starting out on their separation or divorce journey and others are midway through, or hoping that they are nearing the end of the process. For others, they may be looking at what the uncoupling journey could look like.
We are here to make you feel better if you are down and to be happy when you have good and positive news to share.
What’s important is that you share what you are going through, good or bad, so that everyone can draw something from your experience. Do you have advice for someone? Do you need advice.
It’s not all super divorce chat. Maybe you want some advice on how to start dating again; maybe the prospect of having sex with someone new after a long marriage terrifies you or you want to know how to change your name back to your maiden name.. whatever it is, just ask.
You can post ANONYMOUSLY in our forum; all you need to do is register, choose your own “posting name” and join in the chat. You will see the different topics.
The History
The Group Hug originally started off as “The First Wives Club” and was only based in Ascot, Berkshire. One day, through her own crappy divorce, Founder Alison decided that she couldn’t be the only one going through such a difficult time.
Join in the conversation in the forum community
The Group grew rapidly and it was soon apparent that entire UK needed a voice, support and advice. It was when Ali was through her own divorce that she decided to make The First Wives Club UK wide and open to men. The Group Hug was unveiled. In March 2019 the website underwent a total rebrand and men quickly started to reach out too.
The Forum
Our main message to those facing separation and divorce is that social media such as Facebook is not the place to converse about delicate family law issues, your divorce, your ex or children’s matters. Your picture is out there for all to see. Even in a “closed” Facebook group, no one can know who is watching. Did you know that your social media posts can end up as evidence in court?
We made the conscious decision to be a public Facebook group, pointing people to the online forum to talk confidentially. Our community support each other via our special platform and they choose their own posting names so unless they reveal personal information about themselves such as names and places, they should stay anonymous.
I was thoroughly annoyed with many of my so called “friends”. I was no longer invited to dinner parties or family Barbeques with my children as I was not in a “couple”. It was time to do something about it! That’s when I set up The First Wives Club facebook group back in 2017.”
Alison – Founder

I started the group with all good intentions, but soon found myself in the depths of divorce proceedings – it took over my life and almost defined me. A then “new friend”, Kay took over the helm of the local First Wives and kept the group going with fun posts on the page. Kay and I are still great friends.
Soon, many other ladies started to join and conversations were happening. It was lovely to see, however, many women could not engage as Facebook is not anonymous. Many women were worried that other members may see their posts and tell their exes. One poor lady had some facebook posts from a divorce group used as evidence in court. So as lovely as it was, there was always part of us which had to hold back. We could be really open when we spoke face to face if some of got together.
Alison – Founder
Being lonely, loneliness and wellbeing
Take a look in The Hug Directory to see who may be able to help you
Do you need a Group Hug?
The Group Hug website is all about giving men and women a voice through their divorce or separation; somewhere to share experiences and ask for advice. There are also issues after the event.
- Maybe you are getting married again?
- Want to start dating?
- Has a change in life left you needing a larger income so you need a career change?
- Is your mind boggling with applying for benefits?
- Looking for a singles holiday?
- Maybe you are a parent suffering from “empty nest” because your children have gone off to Uni.
Whatever you are going through, join us for a Group Hug.
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