What people ask us first.
If your question isn’t here, ask us. No question is too small or too awkward.
What is StriveForward?
StriveForward is a free support community for people facing separation, divorce, or the loss of a spouse or child. It started in 2015 at a dining table, and for ten years people who have been through it have been helping the people going through it now.
Who is it for?
Anyone whose life has been turned upside down by the end of a marriage or the loss of family: people thinking about separating, in the middle of a divorce, rebuilding after one, widowed, or who have lost a child, through death or through losing custody or contact. It is for everyone, whoever you are and wherever you come from.
Is it really free?
Yes. Joining, the group chats, the gatherings, and the Notes are all free.
How do I join?
Join the mailing list or send us a message, and we will point you to the right group for your situation and where you live. Most of the community talks in group chats, with gatherings in person and online.
Ways to joinDo I have to talk about what happened?
No. You can listen until you are ready, and you never have to explain yourself. Everyone here has been through something like it.
I'm only thinking about separating. Is this for me?
Yes. Many people come before anything is decided. You will hear from people who have looked at it from many angles. The decision is always yours.
Is this legal, financial, or medical advice?
No. We share what we have lived, not professional advice, and we never replace your lawyer, financial adviser, doctor, or therapist.
What happens at gatherings?
Some are support circles where people talk. Others are just for living again: hikes, karaoke nights, game days, and kids' and family days, where children meet other kids who understand.
About gatheringsWhere are you?
The community is in the United States, India, and Australia, with group chats and gatherings both in person and online.
Who runs StriveForward?
StriveForward was started by a small group of people who had been through it themselves. Suyog Gandhi, the founder, is still deeply involved and is its public face. Members who were once helped keep it going by helping the next person.
Our storySomeone I love is going through this. How can I help?
Stay close, even if you don't know what to say. Listening matters more than advice. And you can tell them about StriveForward: most people find us because someone who cared passed it on.
I'm in crisis right now. What should I do?
Please call your local emergency number or a crisis line now: 988 in the US, 13 11 14 (Lifeline) in Australia, 14416 (Tele-MANAS) in India. We are a peer community and can't respond in an emergency.