Local friendship group, Leicester Oddfellows, says there is no shame in admitting you would like more company or friends in your life - and it should instead be seen as a promising turning point.

The message is part of a mini-campaign being run by the group as it invites anyone looking to expand their social circle to give one of their friendly meetups a try.

A recent survey¹ of 138 Oddfellows members showed the top three reasons behind initially giving their group a try was to spend time with people (77.54 per cent), to build a new circle of friends (65.22 per cent) and to get out the house more (58.7 per cent).

"People are not alone in how they feel. It's essential for us as humans to socialise and spend time with others," said Mike Harris, Branch secretary for Leicester Oddfellows.

"Knowing what steps to take to meet new people as an adult, however, is often the stumbling block. That's where we come in."

Leicester Oddfellows, made up of 795 mostly older and retired members, hosts events in and around Coalville, Whetstone and Westcotes each month with another group hopefully starting soon in Market Harborough.

Suggested upcoming great first-try events include a Ukulele concert by the Glenfield Strummers on Thursday, April 3, at St Ursula's Chapel at Wyggestons, 160 Hinckley Road Leicester LE30UX from 2pm - and a tour of the 1620s house and garden at Donington le Heath, Hugglescote Leicestershire LE67 2FW at 10 am or lunch out at the Meadow Barn in Whitwick.

Almost all of the Oddfellows' members surveyed (97.83 per cent) also agreed that it was important to regularly participate in interesting activities in later life, with the most cited reason being to keep the mind and body active.

Mike added: "We've a great bunch who come on their own, as a couple, or with friends, and there's always a host who'll look out for you. Everything is organised, you just need to turn up and enjoy yourself."

To find out more about Leicester Oddfellows and its upcoming events, get in touch with Jo at [email protected] or 0116 2543106 or visit www.oddfellows.co.uk/activities.