With the summer of sunshine and socialising drawing to a close, residents across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands are being urged to prioritise their social lives before the darker winter months set in. Local groups are opening their doors to help people forge new connections as social opportunities often dwindle when routines change and evenings grow longer and colder.
To mark Friendship Month, a series of free and low-cost taster events is taking place across the region, designed to help people strengthen existing friendships and build new ones. The initiative follows a recent survey revealing that 62 per cent of people admit they have lost touch with a good friend because they stopped meeting up in person regularly.
Local Oddfellows branch opens its doors
The friendly local branch of Oddfellows, which has around 300 members, organises regular meetups across Birmingham, Rubery, Solihull, and Bromsgrove. Organisers hope the upcoming gatherings will offer easy routes for residents to get out of the house and enjoy good company in a welcoming environment.
Wayne Homer, branch representative, 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."
He continued: "That's where groups like ours can help. We provide easy routes to meet other local people."
He added: "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."
Members share the benefits of connection
Local member Michael Phipps joined the group after looking for ways to meet new people in his area. He 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."
Expert Dr Anna Machin noted that regular face-to-face contact helps friendships grow stronger, making it vital to stay connected. She 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."
Friendship Month event schedule
The Friendship Month activities run from September 2 to September 21, at various venues across Birmingham, Rubery, Solihull, and Bromsgrove, and offers free and low-cost taster events. Event details include:
- Kings Heath Cuppa and Chat: September 2 at 11.15am, The Red Lion, Vicarage Road, Kings Heath
- Rubery Cuppa and Chat: September 7 at 10.30am, Morrisons Café, Rubery
- Harborne Games, Cuppa & Catch Up: September 14 at 11am, The Green Man, High Street, Harborne
- Mere Green Cuppa and Chat: September 15 at 11.15am, The Crown, Walsall Road, Four Oaks
- Solihull Cuppa and Chat: September 17 at 1pm, Royal British Legion, Union Road, Solihull
- Bromsgrove Cuppa and Chat: September 21 at 11am, Bromsgrove Golf Centre, Old Stratford Road, Bromsgrove
In addition to local meetups, the organisation hosts around 60 free online events every month accessible to everyone. A free friendship webinar will also take place via Zoom on October 13 at 7pm offering advice on building connections in later life.
For further information, to request a local events diary, or to request a free information pack, call 0800 028 1810 or visit the Oddfellows website.
