January meet-ups helping adults stay connected
As the year gets underway, Black Country Oddfellows is encouraging adults across the city to make a fresh start by meeting new people and building social connections through its Stay in Touch initiative.
The programme offers a mix of free social activities, all open to the public, not just members. The aim is to help people feel connected, form new friendships and enjoy companionship as they settle into the months ahead.
Alongside online socials, Black Country Oddfellows also hosts relaxed, in-person meet-ups in welcoming local venues, giving people the chance to enjoy a cuppa, have a chat and connect face to face in a friendly, informal setting.
With January meet-ups well underway, the group continues to run regular events in January and throughout the year, making it easy for people to book and join us whenever it suits them.
Newcomers are welcome to attend upcoming events, including regular meet-ups taking place across Aldridge, Wednesbury, Dudley, Wolverhampton and our newest catch up in Walsall. Sessions continue every month, offering ongoing opportunities to stay connected and meet new people in a relaxed and supportive environment
Oddfellows are delighted to be launching a new Cuppa and Chat group in Walsall on Wednesday, January 28, from 11am – 12.30pm at Sainsburys Starbucks, Reedswood Park, Reedswood Way, Walsall, WS2 8XA.
Adam Blake Starbucks Manager - Reedswood branch had this to say about the new cuppa and chat group launching next at his café: “We’re really happy to host the new Oddfellows Cuppa and Chat group here at Starbucks Reedswood. It’s a lovely way for people in the area to meet up, relax and make new connections over a cuppa. Supporting local community groups is important to us, and we’re glad to provide a friendly space for everyone to come together. We look forward to welcoming the Oddfellows every fourth Wednesday of the month from January 28.
Here are details of a couple of our Black country events happening over the next few weeks:
Dudley Quiz, Cuppa and Chat: Toby Carvery, Burnt Tree Island, Tipton, DY4 7UF, Tuesday, January 27, 11am-12.30pm.
Aldridge Games, Cuppa and Chat: Aldridge Well-being centre (Well-being café), Leighswood Road, Aldridge, WS9 8AB – Tuesday, February 11, 11am to 12.30pm.
Residents can also request a printed local events diary, which can be posted out on request.
Kerry Smith, Black Country Oddfellows Social Organiser, said: “The New Year often encourages people to think about meeting new faces and feeling more connected, but it can be hard to know where to start. Our Stay in Touch events are designed to make that first step easy.
“We run activities throughout January and continue to meet regularly all year round, so there’s no pressure to attend straight away or every time. People can simply get in touch with us and we will book you a place and introduce to the others when you arrive, enjoy a chat and get to know others at their own pace.”
Corey Jansen, a regular at Oddfellows’ Black Country socials, said: “I enjoy going along to the Aldridge catch-ups, and a change of scenery with a new venue will be nice. I’m also a regular at Sainsbury’s and Starbucks in Walsall, so I’ll be joining the new group there too in the New Year. It’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends.”
The Oddfellows is a not-for-profit organisation with branches across the UK and has been supporting friendship and community connection for over 200 years.
For further information, to request a local events diary or to find upcoming events, visit oddfellows.co.uk/events or contact 0800 028 1810 to get an information pack.
