Black Country group encourages residents to make time for friendship
Black Country Oddfellows is inviting local people to try free and low-cost social activities during Friendship Month
People across the Black Country are being encouraged to make time for friendships and meet new people as the summer draws to a close.
Black Country Oddfellows is marking Friendship Month throughout September by opening its doors to local residents through a programme of free and low-cost taster events.
The organisation runs regular social events, activities and meet-ups across Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Wednesfield and Aldridge.
Karen Phillips, social and publicity organiser for Black Country Oddfellows, said social opportunities could reduce as the evenings became shorter and winter approached.
She said: “That's where groups like ours can help. We provide easy routes to meet other local people.”
One of the September events will be a Coffee and Chat meeting at the group's new Aldridge venue from 11.45am on Wednesday, September 9.
Wolverhampton resident Kim Goodhead recently joined the group after looking for opportunities to meet new people and take part in activities locally.
Kim said: “I've made some great friends through the Oddfellows. The group has given me companionship, confidence and a real sense of belonging. It's important to always have something to look forward to in your diary.”
Dr Anna Machin, an evolutionary anthropologist and friend of the Oddfellows, said regular face-to-face contact was important for maintaining friendships.
She said: “Friendships need regular contact to thrive. The key is consistency, regularity and proximity.”
Alongside its face-to-face activities, the Oddfellows also hosts around 60 free online events each month, including virtual open days.
Black Country Oddfellows is one of 91 branches of the national organisation, a not-for-profit mutual with around 39,000 members across the UK.
Members can access care and welfare support, as well as opportunities for group travel, fundraising and volunteering.
Anyone interested in attending a Friendship Month event or finding out more can request a free information pack and events diary by emailing [email protected] or visiting the Friendship Month website.
The full programme of September events is also available via the Black Country Oddfellows Facebook page.