Now is the time to make connections

THROUGHOUT September, to celebrate Friendship Month, Derby Oddfellows is holding events to bring friends back together and encourage new connections after 18 months of isolation.

The society, whose members meet regularly for social and fundraising activities, wants to extend a welcome to newcomers by offering a range of taster events.

Activities include a “Friendship Relaunch” on Friday, September 17. It is a free event with refreshments and food. Booking is essential.

The Oddfellows is all about making friends and helping people. We’ve spent much of the past 18 months ensuring members were supported, but it’s now the time to help more people to make new friends, reconnect with old ones, and build up any social confidence that may have been lost.

Since the end of the last lockdown we’ve started to meet regularly again, such as our recent coffee morning at Oddfellows Hall in Charnwood Street. It’s been great to see people in person, but we’ve made a real effort during the pandemic to stay in touch online. Online open days are also being offered throughout September.

Making friends later in life and enjoying a brew in great company is something our group can definitely help people with.

Derby Oddfellows is non-profit with around 630 members. In addition to regular social events, members can access financial benefits and welfare support, with a care helpline and citizens advice team, and a travel club.

To register an interest in attending an event, or to receive a free events pack, call Lorraine or Penny on 01332 345697 or email Lorraine.killa@oddfellows.co.uk or Penny.folds@oddfellows.co.uk Further details can be found at www.friendshipmonth.com.

Lorraine Killa (District Secretary),

Derby Oddfellows