Friendly groups where retirements come together
Retirement is a chance to begin an exciting new chapter. But for some, it can come with unexpected challenges such as feelings of isolation or a sense of lost purpose.
Local friendship group, Heart of the West Oddfellows says it wants to remind retirees in the area that its community meetups can help them explore new interests, build lasting friendships, and make the most of this stage of life.
Sam Wyton, Social Organiser of Heart of the West, says the group has become a post-retirement springboard for many in the local area.
“We understand that retirement can be a big adjustment,” she said. “When work no longer fills your days, it’s easy to feel at odds or disconnected.
“Our group is here to help people find a new rhythm, reconnect with others, and embrace this next phase with confidence.”
She added: “Retirement is so much more than having free time – it’s about adjusting to a lifestyle where work isn't the centre of everything.”
Heart of the West Oddfellows has around 350 local members, who are mainly older adults, and hosts regular social events across Torquay and Newton Abbot.
Group member Sylvia Moore, from Torquay, retired from her career in Office Management in 2008. She said joining the Oddfellows helped her build a new routine in retirement.
Sylvia said: “When I first retired, I thought I’d spend my days relaxing. But I quickly found that I missed the social connections and routine that came with work.
“Joining the Oddfellows changed all of that. It’s given me the chance to volunteer, meet new people, and get involved in local events. I’ve found a sense of purpose that I didn’t know I was missing.”
Sylvia’s story highlights how the local Oddfellows group offers retirees the opportunity to fill the social gaps left by work, engaging in meaningful activities that foster new friendships and experiences.
Heart of the West Oddfellows’ campaign to support retirees who may feel alone when navigating this new stage of life is inspired by the latest article from anthropologist and friend of the Oddfellows, Dr Anna Machin.
Available on the Oddfellows’ website – www.oddfellows.co.uk – her piece, ‘Five Rs for a Happier Retirement – Recognise, Reveal, Rebuild, Replace, and Rhythm’, offers a practical roadmap for retirees looking to embrace this transition with confidence and positivity.
“Dr Machin’s advice resonates with how our members feel, many of whom are retired,” Heart of the West spokesperson Sam said.
“Retirement is an opportunity to build a life that brings greater joy. At the Oddfellows, we’re all about creating spaces to explore this and to where friendships naturally blossom – whether it’s through hobby groups, walks, or volunteering as a member. These shared moments are what help people truly thrive in retirement.”
To further support retirees, Dr Anna Machin is hosting a free online webinar on Tuesday 14 July at 7pm. In this Zoom session, she’ll explore her ‘Five Rs for a Happier Retirement’ and offer expert advice on how to navigate the emotional and social aspect of this life stage. Attendees will learn how to recognise and rebuild their identities, reveal their feelings, replace lost routines with new ones, and ultimately find a new rhythm that excited them.
Sam encourages anyone interested in retirement or facing uncertainty about the transition to join: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our local community to hear from Dr Machin and learn how to approach retirement with confidence and optimism. We invite everyone to join us online for this insightful and free event.”
The Oddfellows is a not-for-profit mutual society with 91 branches across the UK that offer social opportunities for members of all ages, as well as opportunities to volunteer, wellbeing support and a travel club.
To find out more about Heart of the West Oddfellows’ upcoming activities and to receive a free local information pack and events diary, people can get in touch by calling 07909 449703 or emailing sam.wyton@oddfellows.co.uk, or visiting www.oddfellows.co.uk/retirement.
