NEW BEGINNINGS
New Beginnings is a divorce and separation course aiming to restore lives and act as an ongoing support group.
New Beginnings is for everyone who has suffered a broken relationship. The aim of the course is to help people come to terms with the past and make a fresh start in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. People come along who are at every stage, from not having made the split to having been separated many years but still working on some issues. Some people have been married and some not.
This course will take place on 10 consecutive Thursday evenings, and is free. We shall be meeting at St Paul's, beginning at 7:45pm and ending at 9:45pm.
The next course starts on TBC
What’s Involved
We will start at 7:45pm listening to a talk and have a small group discussion, though you don't have to say anything if you don't want to. The course is based on Christian principles but is not religious. It is open to everyone and lasts ten weeks. Although we deal with difficult issues we find that during the evening there is a lot of laughter and people have a good time.
Topics Covered
Facing the effects of separation and divorce
Good communication
Resolving conflict
Forgiveness
Divorce law
Parenting issues
Moving forward with hope
Be Brave
Many people find it hard to come to the first evening but after that they look forward to it and by the end of the course they have made really good friends. Many of the people from the previous courses have come back to take the course again and to be a helper.
What People Have Said
"I have opened the emotional box and dealt with it instead of hiding it away. I can now move on”
“I now know I don’t need to feel ashamed of my situation and have been able to talk about it and listen to others”
“It has been great meeting loads of people, having fun”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter if I have not been married or divorced?
No, the course is for anyone, men and women, who have had a broken relationship.
I am at the very early stages. Is it too soon?
Everyone is different and people come along at all stages, from not having made the split to many years afterwards. Our general advice would be to come, try it out and see how you get on.
How does the support group work?
Our members give moral and practical support to one another. Part of this can involve giving support during the legal process as people often find this stressful.
Do I have to talk?
You don’t have to say anything in the small group time if you don’t want to. We provide a very safe place in which people can talk but it is always their choice. The small groups are run by people who have been divorced and so know what you are going through, but if you would rather talk one to one we can try and arrange that too.
Can I leave before the end of the course if I want to?
Yes, you can leave at any time and we will not chase you.
Do I have to go to church in order to come?
Not at all. We welcome everyone from any background. Although the course is based on Christian principles we do not read the Bible, pray or promote Christianity. This is not a religious course in any way.
I can’t make all the sessions. Does that matter?
We know people have family and other commitments; just come to as many as you can. We can send you a copy of the talks you miss.
What is The Restored Lives course?
We use the Restored Lives: Recovery from Divorce and Separation course developed by Holy Trinity Brompton and which has been used successfully by them for many years. To visit the Restored Lives website go to restoredlives.org
Does the course help?
Yes, it really does and you will be able to ask people who came before what they have got out of it.
Who comes to the course?
People come to our Restored Lives: Recovery from Divorce and Separation course from all over the Sutton and Cheam area including Ashtead, Banstead, Burgh Heath, Carshalton, Chessington, Dorking, Epsom, Ewell, Leatherhead, Morden, New Malden, Reigate, Stoneleigh, Tolworth, Wallington, Wimbledon, Worcester Park and from parts of Surrey and South London.