By SARAH HARKER

WHEN widow Ruth Chischniak realised the highlight of her week was a trip to Asda, it was obvious to her that there had to be more to life.

Then she discovered a unique group which gave her the confidence to get out and meet people despite being on her own.

Ruth, from Stretton, was widowed 12 years ago and for two years struggled to adjust to life without Andre, her husband of 30 years.

She says: "I found there were lots of activities and groups for the divorced and separated but their needs are not the same as those who have been bereaved."

Ruth says that she felt she needed to rebuild her social life as the circle of friends she had made with her husband could no longer relate to her or her situation.

"Friends just didn't know what to say to me, they attempted to find safe subjects to talk about, but could really find nothing left to say."

But the breakthrough came when Ruth's daughter dialled the number of the Young Widows' and Widowers' Association and handed the phone to her mum.

There she found that all the group had been through experiences similar to her own and found the best therapy was to be with people who understood how she was feeling.

"Before I joined the group the highlight of my week was my trip to the supermarket on a Friday night, something I'd dress up and put make up on for, kidding myself that I was socialising."

She insists that the group has been her lifeline and that it has changed her life.

"Some people stay in the group, others move on they come here broken and leave mended. Firm friendships are made here, whenever we go out we're the loudest group, we grasp life and get everything out of it."

The group meets at Grappenhall youth and community centre every Thursday at 9pm. Ruth is willing to meet new members in the car park or even pick them up from their homes.