Birmingham residents urged to make time for friendship this September

Birmingham residents are being encouraged to make time for friendships and socialising before the darker winter months arrive

Birmingham Oddfellows is opening its doors during September as part of Friendship Month, offering a programme of free and low-cost events designed to help people meet others and make new connections.

Wayne (Oddfellows Social Organiser for Birmingham) standing next to a seated Michael Phipps and Robert, another member of the Oddfellows) | ©Kerry Smith - Oddfellows Birmingham

placeholder image — Wayne (Oddfellows Social Organiser for Birmingham) standing next to a seated Michael Phipps and Robert, another member of the Oddfellows) | ©Kerry Smith - Oddfellows Birmingham

The group, which has around 300 local members, organises social activities and meet-ups across Birmingham, Rubery, Solihull and Bromsgrove.

Its campaign follows research which found that 62 per cent of people surveyed had lost touch with a good friend because they had stopped meeting in person regularly.

Wayne Homer, of Birmingham Oddfellows, said summer often provided plenty of opportunities to socialise, but people could find their social calendars becoming quieter as winter approached.

Some of our members enjoying a Cuppa and Catch up in Harborne | ©Kerry Smith - Oddfellows Social Organiser

“That's where groups like ours can help. We provide easy routes to meet other local people,” he said.

“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.”

The programme includes:

Kings Heath Cuppa and Chat – 11.15am, Wednesday, September 2, at The Red Lion, Vicarage Road.
Rubery Cuppa and Chat – 10.30am, Monday, September 7, at Morrisons Café.
Harborne Games, Cuppa & Catch Up – 11am, Monday, September 14, at The Green Man.
Mere Green Cuppa & Chat – 11.15am, Tuesday, September 15, at The Crown, Four Oaks.
Solihull Cuppa & Chat – 1pm, Thursday, September 17, at the Royal British Legion, Union Road.
Bromsgrove Cuppa & Chat – 11am, Monday, September 21, at Bromsgrove Golf Centre.

Members of the Oddfellows enjoying a catch up at our Mere Green Cuppa and Catch up | ©Alison Read - Social Organiser Birmingham

Michael Phipps, from Oldbury, said joining the group had helped him meet new people and take part in shared activities.

“The friendships I've made through the Oddfellows have made a huge difference,” he said. “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.”

Rubery Cuppa and Catch Up Taken last September at our annual Friendship Month celebrations | ©Wayne Homer - Oddfellows Social Organiser for Birmingham

Dr Anna Machin, an evolutionary anthropologist who works with the Oddfellows, said regular face-to-face contact was important for maintaining friendships.

“Friendships need regular contact to thrive,” she said. “The key is consistency, regularity and proximity.

“As winter approaches, making time for regular catch-ups can make a significant difference to your wellbeing.”

The Oddfellows will also host a free online friendship webinar on Tuesday, October 13, at 7pm, offering advice on building and maintaining friendships in later life.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the group or attending an event can request an information pack and events diary by calling 0800 028 1810.