Local friendly society, Leicester Oddfellows, is urging people to keep meeting up with friends as we head into winter, despite the ongoing cost-of-living challenges.

The group, which has 850 mostly retired members based in and, around Leicestershire recognises the importance of staying social and the positive impact it has on physical and mental wellbeing.

Friendship is important during difficult times, says Branch Secretary Mike Harris - and especially important during the winter months when we tend to retreat into our homes and mix less.

He said: "Last winter was hard on people's pockets and wellbeing.

"Struggles around the increased cost of living meant many had to make significant cutbacks.

"At the Oddfellows, we believe friendship is an essential, particularly when times are tough and during winter when we can feel more isolated.

"Company provides comfort and support, and has to be prioritised.

"A good chat can bring light relief and help ease worries, and being able to share a problem might offer a new perspective."

The local friendship group also wants to remind people that socialising does not need to be expensive.

Mike added: "When you're stretched financially, you've no choice but to look at how you can spend less.

"But it's not where you get together that matters, just that you're getting together – whether that's meeting up in the park with a flask, at each other's homes or in the local library.

"With our group meet-ups, we make sure that there are as few barriers to friendship as possible and we make them as affordable and accessible as we can."

Upcoming events being run by the group, which are open to all include Christmas Lunches, guest speakers and quizzes as well as lots of trips being organised for next year.

June Edwards aged 83 from Coalville has been a member at Leicester Oddfellows for 13 years. She said "I've made loads of friends through Oddfellows. Folk I can turn to in times of need. It's always good to have something to look forward to in these difficult times, knowing it will be a happy time full of laughter and chat."

The Society also lists around 50 free online events on its website each month that are open to the public to attend.

The Oddfellows is one of the UK's oldest and largest friendly societies.

Its members also have access to a wide range of benefits including care and welfare support and a travel club.

For further details about Leicester Oddfellows and to request an events diary, contact Jo brown on 0116 2543106 or email [email protected]

Visit HERE for more information.

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• Established in 1810, the Oddfellows is one of the largest and oldest friendly societies in the UK, with around 37,000 members across 99 branches nationwide. We're a non-profit mutual run by our members for our members, and we do our best to improve the quality of people's lives through friendship, care and charity. It costs from £25 a year to join us as a member and become part of our friendly society.
• For further information about the Oddfellows, please contact Lewis Finney ([email protected]) or Naomi Fulwood ([email protected]) on 0161 832 9361.