Twenty four years of support and smiles - Blog | Keyton
Contact

On a mission to help people dealing with loss

Thursday, 21 June 2018

After the loss of her husband, Betty Mounser found a way to help people living through the loss of their partner.

For some people, helping others is as much a part of their lives as breathing.  For Betty Mounser, offering support to those who need it most has opened up a new chapter for her. And it’s been one filled with laughter, friends and genuine connection.

After the loss of her husband, Bob, Betty came across Solace Australia. Solace is a not-for-profit community organisation helping widowed people adjust to their new lives. With groups established in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Tasmania, Betty headed to New South Wales to meet with a group there. 

Bringing Solace to Queensland 

At the time, Solace didn’t have any groups operating in Queensland, so Betty decided to bring the initiative to the Sunshine State herself. 

‘At its core, Solace is an organisation run by widowed people, for widowed people. After I did some training and met with people down in New South Wales, I decided to hold my own meetings here,’ says Betty. 

‘It makes me so proud to have been a part of something that’s helped people for so long.’ 

In 1994, she held the first Solace meeting on the Gold Coast. ‘We’ve got 3 branches now. We’re on the Gold Coast, Garden City and Chermside. We meet at public libraries and community centres,’ said Betty. 

After almost a quarter of a century, Betty is still very much an integral part of Solace in Queensland. And she maintains her role as state president. ‘It makes me so proud to have been a part of something that’s helped people for so long. And it’s still going strong,’ she said. 

A guardian angel offering endless support

With fortnightly meetings and monthly social luncheons, Betty’s goals for Solace are twofold. 

‘Firstly, we help people to grieve, and we’re a shoulder to cry on. We also do our best to help people get back into the real world again. Socialising and rebuilding their sense of independence,’ she said. 

‘I’m available, in a sense, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I let everyone know that if they want help and want to talk to someone, they can ring my number at any time,’ she said. 

A resident of The Gardens on Lindfield for many years, Betty has been the guardian angel for so many. Offering endless support and a listening ear at all times of the day. 

If you need support after losing your partner, you can contact your local branch of Solace Australia. 

Learn more about The Gardens on Lindfield, QLD.

For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550. 

If you think your family or friends might enjoy this article, please share it with them.

Related Stories

Retirement village residents Joan and Ron Anderson are smiling as they stand proudly among the gorgeous roses they grow in their vast garden at Abervale.
A fulfilling community life
After retiring from their farm, Joan and Ron found a wonderful social life and a sense of community and security at Abervale.
Retirement village resident Judith sits by a fireplace drinking from a floral coffee cup. She’s smiling, wearing a royal blue jumper with a blue floral blouse.
A safe and social life by the sea
For more than 20 years, Judith’s been enjoying retirement life at The Village Williamstown, in the suburb where she grew up.
Retirement village resident Satya Prema Naidu is smiling, wearing a striking blue and black patterned top with a blue and white beaded necklace and pearl drop earrings.
How this retired teacher finds time for business and pleasure in village life
Satya Prema Naidu keeps busy as a VCE tutor. And as an active member of her retirement community, she’s enjoying an exploration of her creative passions.
Retirement village residents Bruce and Dorothy Murray stand with beautiful Bonnells Bay in the background. Dorothy wears purple, and John wears bright blue. They’re smiling as they look at the camera.
The volunteers: the welfare group helping fellow residents on the road to recovery
When Bruce and Dorothy moved to Lakeside Retirement Village, they found a wonderful way to help residents recover from sickness and injury.