As living costs continue to rise, local friendship group, South East Lancashire Oddfellows is urging residents to not cut back on socialising.
The not-for-profit group, which has 750 members across Bury, Wigan and Blackburn, many older or retired, is becoming increasingly concerned about the impact any reduced social contact could have on people’s mental health and wellbeing, a lesson learnt from the pandemic it says.
Member Vera Kirkby, from Bury, says the branch is making extra efforts to ensure residents continue to have access to affordable social events and opportunities to socialise locally, and is urging residents to give them a try.
Vera, 69, said: She added: “It’s important that everyone – no matter what their age – places an importance on having fun and socialising, because it will keep you sane! Socialising doesn’t have to be going out for expensive meals or spending money on special outfits, you can go along to an Oddfellows’ event and enjoy an inexpensive coffee or take part in a craft event and have just as good a time.”
Vera, whose husband Brian is also a member, added: “The Oddfellows is particularly good because it provides you with a designated time where you meet and socialise, so you can look at your calendar and know that on that day you’re going to have fun and it’s not going to cost the earth.
“Having a routine is great because it gives you a specific time to allocate to something that’s very important for your mental health.”
To celebrate national Friendship Month this September, South East Lancashire Oddfellows – which covers Blackburn, Bury and Wigan, is holding several inexpensive taster events. These events have been specifically designed to make newcomers feel at ease and give residents the chance to experience the supportive benefits of joining a friendship group.
Events planned for Blackburn include a social get together and games afternoon on Tuesday, September 13th at Salvation Army, Vicar Street, Blackburn at 12 midday. It costs £4 to take part which includes food and drink.
On Tuesday, September 27th, will be the Oddfellow’s monthly ‘Dine Around’, which sees members choose a different location to enjoy lunch. For more information about the lunch or walk contact Joan.
Upcoming events include a free get together at the Wigan Star, Frank Street, Wigan, on Thursday, September 7th at 10.30am.
Wigan also hosts a monthly ‘Dine Around’ with the next event planned for Thursday, September 15th, at midday.
Events in Bury include a craft and coffee morning on Monday, September 26th, at 10.30am. This takes place at Oddfellows House, Manchester Road, Bury, and costs £3 per person.
And the Thursday Friends group – a friendly group which enjoys a chat and games – is meeting at Oddfellows House on September 29th at midday.
“Nobody should be without company if they want it,” added Chris McGarraghy, who is a committee member of the South East Lancashire District.
He said: “We saw the effect spending less time in the company of others had on our members during the pandemic and we need to make sure that as we face another difficult time we stay in touch and support each other.”
“If you’re finding it difficult to socialise in later life, or you’d like to build or extend your friendship circle, groups such as ours are a great way to meet like-minded people locally. We’d love to meet you.”
Research recently undertaken by the Oddfellows showed how those aged 60-plus in the UK have on average four close friends, with three percent mentioning that they don’t have any. Nine out of 10 (87 percent) agreed that friends improved the quality of their life.
The August 2022 study also revealed how 68 percent of over-60s felt they could rely on their friends in times of need, with 65 percent agreeing that friends help them to get through difficult times.
Dr Jennifer Wild, an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at Oxford University and friend of the Oddfellows, describes friends as ‘precious protectors’, and something you can never put a price on.
She said: “Friendship is a wonderful thing. Spending time with people who share our values and beliefs can be very motivating, and laughter with friends is proven to improve our mood.
“But friendship goes much deeper than that. The support that good friends provide can also be protective. Those with close companions they can lean on in tough times are less likely to suffer from depression. Friends offer perspectives more compassionate than our own, which helps to interrupt self-critical thinking and improve our problem-solving skill set.”
In addition to attending regular social events, members of South East Lancashire can access financial benefits and welfare support, with a dedicated care helpline and citizens advice team, and a travel club. Oddfellows membership costs from £25 a year.
To register an interest in attending an Oddfellows Friendship Month taster event, or to receive a free local events pack, contact Chris McGarraghy on 07711 376280 or email Chris.McGarraghy@oddfellows.co.uk.
Further event and online open day details can be found at www.friendshipmonth.com, as well as a competition to win one of two Champagne afternoon tea gift boxes.
To read Dr Wild’s series of friendship advice blogs, written especially for the Oddfellows, go to www.oddfellows.co.uk/news.
