Staffordshire group offers retirees chance to make new friends and connections
Mid Staffs Oddfellows is encouraging people to try new social activities and give friendships time to develop after retirement
A Staffordshire friendship group is encouraging people who have retired to give new social activities time to help friendships develop and build a sense of belonging.
Mid Staffs Oddfellows says it can take around three months to develop meaningful connections, and is urging people to attend several events before deciding whether a group is right for them.
Retirement can bring changes to daily routines and social circles, with some people missing the regular contact and sense of purpose that work provided.
Tina Bayley, district secretary at Mid Staffs Oddfellows, said: "We often think of retirement as gaining more freedom and time, but for some people it can also mean losing a sense of who they are and where they fit in.
"Our friendship group gives people regular opportunities to meet others, share experiences and discover new interests."
The not-for-profit organisation runs social events, talks, walks and outings across Staffordshire, including Stafford, Penkridge, Cannock, Stone, Newcastle, Stoke-on-Trent and Trentham.
It also offers volunteering opportunities, group holidays and wellbeing support.
Local member Joan Mackinson, from Hixon, joined after retiring from a career in local government.
She said: "When I retired, I didn't realise how much I'd miss being part of a group of people and having regular social contact.
"Joining the Oddfellows gave me more than things to do. It gave me friendships and a sense of belonging."
The group is also working with evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin, who advises retirees to give new groups time, attend regularly and focus on making genuine connections rather than simply filling their free time.
Dr Machin said: "Belonging isn't something we find just once in life. As our circumstances change, our places of belonging can change too.
"Retirement offers the chance to discover new communities, new friendships and new aspects of yourself."
She will host a free online webinar about finding a sense of belonging in retirement on Tuesday, December 8, at 7pm. Registration is available through the Oddfellows website.
Mid Staffs Oddfellows is also inviting people to try its forthcoming events:
- Christmas Fair: Oddfellows Hall, Greengate Street, Stafford, on Saturday, November 14, from 10am to 1pm.
- Breakfast and cuppa: Springslade Lodge, Camp Road, Cannock Chase, on Wednesday, December 9, at 10.15am. Booking is essential.
- Christmas cakes and games: Oddfellows Hall, Stafford, on Tuesday, December 15, at 1.30pm.
For details of activities or a free local information pack and events diary, call Tina or Chris on 01785 258269, email [email protected] or visit oddfellows.co.uk.