Friendship group, St Helens and Warrington Oddfellows, is encouraging adults across the area to stay socially connected over the festive season by joining a programme of free, friendly activities running throughout December and into the New Year.
The Oddfellows’ “Stay in touch this Christmas and New Year” initiative features a wide mix of online social events – all free and open to the public, not just members. The aim is to help people stay in contact, form new friendships, and enjoy companionship at what can be a difficult and sometimes isolating time of year.
Activities, hosted on Zoom, include games, informative talks, relaxed social chats, a quiz on Christmas Day and even a New Years eve party. Full details on how to take part can be found at www.oddfellows.co.uk/online-events.
St Helens and Warrington Oddfellows will restart meeting in person in January giving people the chance to meet face-to-face in a warm and welcoming setting. The friendship group, which has around 300 local members, meets regularly in and around St Helens and Warrington.
Newcomers are welcome to attend any upcoming meetups in January, including:
- Monday 12 January 10.30am catch up held at The Barley Mow, Golden Square, cost as per your menu choice
- Tuesday 20 January 10.30am drop in held at The Living Well Hub, Golden Square, free event
- Tuesday 27 January 10.30am coffee morning at Rhode Island, Golden Square, cost as per your menu choice
Residents can also request a printed local events diary, which the Branch can post out on request. Anyone interested in trying the group is encouraged to get in touch to find out more.
St Helens and Warrington Oddfellows Social Organiser, Nicola Daffern, said: “The festive season can be an isolating time. We want people to know they don’t need to feel cut off or be on their own – there are friendly faces and regular opportunities to connect through our group.
“All our events – both online and in person – are open for anyone to try. They’re relaxed, informal and designed to help people feel part of a community. We encourage anyone who’d like details of what’s happening to get in touch. We’re very happy to post out our events diary so people can plan ahead and join us whenever they’d like some company.”
The Oddfellows, a not-for-profit with 96 branches across the UK, is one of the UK’s oldest and largest friendly societies and supports friendship and community connection for people of all ages.
For further information about St Helens and Warrington Oddfellows, or to request a local events diary, contact Nicola at nicola.daffern@oddfellows.co.uk or 07456 915655. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/oddfellows.sthandw/ All events can also be found at www.oddfellows.co.uk/events
