Oddfellows issues friendships message in Harrogate before winter sets in

With social opportunities often dwindling as routines change and the evenings become darker and shorter, Leeds District 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[1] which found that nearly two-thirds (62%) admit they have lost touch with a good friend because they stopped meeting up in person regularly.

Leeds District Oddfellows, which has around 1200 local members, organises regular social events, activities and meetups across Leeds, Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Claire Kilburn, Social Organiser for Leeds District Oddfellows in Harrogate & Knaresborough, 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 a Blind Jack guided walk of Knaresborough, starting at 10:30am on Sunday September 6 from Knaresborough Heritage Museum.

There is also a Talk about the Mitford Sisters, with refreshments, starting at 2pm on Wednesday 9th September at Gracious Street Church and a guided walk of Valley Gardens followed by a visit to Crema Coffee, starting at 10am on Wednesday 16th September at Valley Gardens, Harrogate.

Wendy Geraghty from Harrogate 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 at www.friendshipmonth.com.

Leeds District 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 Claire on 07830 988120, emailing [email protected] or visiting www.friendshipmonth.com.