Strengthen friendships before winter sets in, urges Heart of the West Oddfellows

As a summer of sunshine and socialising draws to a close, residents are being urged to 'Circle September for friendship' and prioritise their social lives before winter sets in.

With social opportunities often dwindling as routines change and the evenings become darker and shorter, Heart of the West 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 (1-30 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 (62%) admit they have lost touch with a good friend because they stopped meeting up in person regularly.

Heart of the West Oddfellows, which has around 350 local members, organises regular social events, activities and meetups across Torquay and Newton Abbot.

Sam Wyton, Social Organiser of Heart of the West Oddfellows, said: "Summer is often full of opportunities to get out, meet people and spend time with friends and family. But 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 an Afternoon Tea get together starting at 4pm on 8th September at Indulgence Café, Newton Abbot. You pay for what you order. There is also a Coffee Morning with a free talk by The Seal Project Charity starting at 11am on 21stSeptember at The Anchorage Hotel, Babbacombe.

Patricia from Torquay joined the group after looking for ways to meet new people and try some shared activities locally.

She said: "The friendships I've made through the Oddfellows have made a huge difference. It's given me companionship, confidence and a real sense of belonging. It’s important to always have something to look forward to in your diary and to know you have people looking out for you."

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.

Anna 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 13 October 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 atwww.friendshipmonth.com.

Heart of the West 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 calling Sam on 07909449703 emailing sam.wyton@oddfellows.co.uk or visitingwww.friendshipmonth.com.