RETIREES across Warrington are being encouraged to build new friendships, establish fresh routines and discover a renewed sense of belonging through a local friendship group.
St Helens & Warrington Oddfellows is urging people approaching or already enjoying retirement to give new social connections time to develop, highlighting the importance of regularly attending activities and meeting the same people over a period of time.
The group says that while retirement can bring greater freedom and more time to enjoy life, it can also mean losing the familiar routines, social networks and sense of purpose that working life often provides.
Relationship experts suggest it can take around three months for meaningful connections to develop, with regular attendance at social activities helping to build familiarity, trust and a genuine sense of belonging.
Nicola Daffern, local social organiser for St Helens & Warrington Oddfellows, said retirement could leave some people feeling uncertain about their place in the community.
She explained: “We often think of retirement as gaining more freedom and time, but for some people it can also mean losing a sense of who they are and where they fit in.
“For decades, work can provide routine, purpose and a community of people around us. When that’s no longer there, it’s natural to feel adrift.
“Our friendship group gives people regular opportunities to meet others, share experiences and discover new interests. Most importantly, it helps people find a place where they feel welcome, valued and that they belong.”
The Oddfellows is a not-for-profit friendly society with branches across the UK, providing a varied programme of social events, talks, walks, outings and activities designed to bring people together.
Members can also get involved in volunteering, enjoy group holidays and access wellbeing support when needed.
The local group has been working with evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin to better understand the science behind human relationships and the importance of developing meaningful social connections.
Dr Machin advises people entering retirement to spend time getting to know the “retired you”, give new groups a fair chance by attending regularly over several months and concentrate on finding genuine connections rather than simply keeping busy.
She said: “Belonging isn’t something we find just once in life. As our circumstances change, our places of belonging can change too. Retirement offers the chance to discover new communities, new friendships and new aspects of yourself.”
Nicola added: “What’s important is giving yourself time for friendships to develop naturally.
“If you are looking to expand your social life, then why not give us a go – try a few of our events and we’re confident you’ll soon start to feel part of the gang.”
Come along and meet the group
St Helens & Warrington Oddfellows is inviting anyone interested in making new friends to try one of its upcoming coffee mornings.
Two forthcoming opportunities to meet members are:
☕ Monday, November 16 – Coffee morning at The Barley Mow, Old Market Place, Warrington, WA1 1QB, at 10.30am.
☕ Tuesday, November 24 – Coffee morning at The Stonemill, off Winwick Road, Warrington, WA2 9SA, at 10.30am.
Dr Machin will also host a free public webinar on Tuesday, December 8, at 7pm, sharing practical advice on navigating changes in identity and finding a sense of belonging after leaving work.
Registration is available through the Oddfellows website.
Anyone wanting to find out more about St Helens & Warrington Oddfellows’ activities, or request a free local information pack and events diary, can contact Nicola Daffern on **07456 915655** or email nicola.daffern@oddfellows.co.uk
Further information is available through the group’s Facebook page or at https://www.oddfellows.co.uk/contact
