THE Oddfellows – one of the oldest friendly societies in the world – is urging Warrington residents to strengthen friendships and prioritise their social lives before winter sets in.
St Helens and Warrington Oddfellows is encouraging local people to strengthen existing friendships and make new connections ahead of the colder months.
To help people achieve this and to mark “Friendship Month” in September the group is opening its doors through a programme of free and low-cost taster events.
The invitation is backed by a recent Oddfellows survey which found that nearly two-thirds of people admit they have lost touch with a good friend because they stopped meeting up in person regularly.
The local branch, which has around 300 members, organises regular social events, activities and meetups across St Helens and Warrington.
Nicola Daffern, social organiser of St Helens and Warrington Oddfellows, said: “As winter approaches, many people find they have fewer social plans and can start to feel isolated.
“That’s where groups like ours can help. We provide easy routes to meet other local people.
“We’ve lots of opportunities coming up during Friendship Month, and the friendships formed through groups like ours can have a real and lasting impact on wellbeing throughout the year.”
Oddfellows taster events taking place during September include ten pin bowling at Discobowl in Golden Square, Warrington starting at 10.30am on September 7, cost as per centre charges, please contact Nicola for more information and to book your place. Plus there are also regular meet ups, no need to book, at The Stonemill on Winwick Road, Warrington including coffee mornings on August 25 and September 29 from 10.30am, cost as per your drink.
Dr Anna Machin, evolutionary anthropologist and friend of the Oddfellows, says regular face-to-face contact helps friendships grow stronger, making it important to maintain social connections during the colder months.
She said: “Friendships need regular contact to thrive. The key is consistency, regularity and proximity. As winter approaches, making time for regular catch-ups can make a significant difference to your wellbeing.”
As part of Friendship Month, Dr Machin will also host a free friendship webinar on Tuesday October 13 at 7pm. The Zoom session will offer practical advice on building and maintaining meaningful friendships in later life. Further information and registration details are available at www.friendshipmonth.com.
St Helens and Warrington Oddfellows is one of 91 UK branches of the Oddfellows, a not-for-profit mutual that supports around 39,000 members nationwide.
Oddfellows members can access a variety of benefits including care and welfare support. There are also opportunities for group travel and to take part in fundraising and volunteering.
In addition to in-person social events, the Oddfellows hosts around 60 free online events every month that are accessible to everyone, including virtual open days where people can learn more about membership and its groups.
Anyone interested in attending a Friendship Month event or learning more about the Oddfellows can request a free information pack and events diary by visiting www.friendshipmonth.com or by calling Nicola on 07456 915655 or emailing nicola.daffern@oddfellows.co.uk.
