Friends to keep your spirits lifted
When John Leggett’s wife moved into a nursing home, it marked a huge change to his daily life and happiness. Despite regular visits to Mary, his wife of 53 years, he missed her always being there and experienced loneliness for the first time.
Said John, 73, from Ipswich: “We were a very happy couple, we did everything together, so when she wasn’t there it was very uncomfortable. It’s not grief because I get to see her, but our lives have changed dramatically. “We didn’t think about it at the time, but we were equal, we cared for each other. It’s interesting because now she’s in a care home I realise how I needed her just as much as she needed me, both for the social and the welfare side.” After spotting an advert for the Oddfellows in a magazine, John decided to give his local friendship group a try. Now a regular face at his branch, he said the support of those he has met there – which remained constant throughout the pandemic – has been a lifeline. “The Oddfellows is one of the few places I go where I feel totally comfortable,” he added. “It’s like a family, it’s lovely to just have someone to chat to, but you also get an emotional support that you can only really get from your peers or people who perhaps have been through a similar thing.” For more than two centuries, the Oddfellows has offered friendship and support and is one of the UK’S largest friendly societies, with 41,500 members across its 115 Branches. It’s a non-profit mutual (membership from £25 per year) run by members, for members, to improve the quality of people’s lives. Members are invited to regular social events run by their local Branch, such as coffee mornings, walks, craft sessions, lunches out, guest talks and excursions. There are also online activities and Oddfellows Travel group holidays, in addition to benefits such as care and welfare advice and support, special member discounts and historical archive access.* “My wife is always on my mind, but lots of people ask about her and it makes me feel good to talk about our happy memories. Our relationship has changed a lot because of the dementia but the Oddfellows is a happy constant,” added John. Throughout September, the Oddfellows is celebrating Friendship Month and will be hosting hundreds of local taster events and online open days designed to make visitors feel especially welcome and show them the benefits of joining a local friendship group. INFORMATION: To learn more about the Oddfellows (oddfellows.co.uk) and to receive a free information pack and local events diary, call 0800 028 1810 or email enquiries@oddfellows.co.uk. To find your nearest Oddfellows Friendship Month event visit www.friendshipmonth.com. *T&CS apply to member benefits.