Friendship Month: celebrating connection, community and companionship

Published: 01 Oct 2026

Hundreds of new connections were made and countless conversations were shared, as communities across the UK came together to celebrate Oddfellows Friendship Month 2026.

Getting people together

Throughout September, Oddfellows branches welcomed members and guests to a wide variety of free and low-cost taster events, all aimed at encouraging people to strengthen existing friendships, make new connections and enjoy the benefits of spending time together.

From social lunches and coffee mornings to walks, talks and special events, Friendship Month once again highlighted something many of us know instinctively: friendship matters.

This year's campaign focused on the importance of staying connected as we head into the colder months. 

Keep friendships warm

While summer often brings plenty of opportunities to socialise, autumn and winter can make it harder for people to maintain regular social contact. Friendship Month encouraged people to make time for friendships and community connections before winter routines take hold.

The message struck a chord.

Branches across the country reported strong attendance at events, enthusiastic feedback from visitors and a warm welcome for people discovering the Oddfellows for the first time.

Concord Oddfellows celebrated Friendship Month in style at their popular coffee morning in Aldershot.

Many branches were especially pleased to see existing members bringing along friends, neighbours and family members to share the experience.

“…a real buzz in the air.”

Steph Hopes, Branch Secretary for Concord Oddfellows, said: "We welcomed several people who had never attended an Oddfellows event before. By the end of the morning, everyone was chatting as though they'd known each other for years. It was a fantastic atmosphere."

Handforth and Altrincham Oddfellows met up for a round of adventure golf.

Sharon Hulse-Cottle, Branch Secretary for Handforth and Altrincham Oddfellows, said: “Our members did a brilliant job of helping newcomers feel at ease. By the end of the event, there was a real buzz in the air. It was lovely to see new faces becoming part of the group."

Make time for face-to-face contact

The campaign also provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the wider benefits of friendship. During the month, expert anthropologist Dr Anna Machin helped support the campaign by sharing insights into the importance of maintaining strong social connections and making time for regular face-to-face contact through online news blogs and radio interviews.

A huge thank you

Pam Casey, the Oddfellows' Secretary of the Order, said: "Friendship Month may now have come to a close, but we hope its impact will continue to be felt in our branch communities for months to come.

"A huge thank you goes to every branch, volunteer, organiser, member and guest who helped make Friendship Month 2026 such a success.

"Your enthusiasm and willingness to reach out to others demonstrated the positive difference that friendship can make in our communities."

And the good news is that the opportunities don't stop here.

With a busy programme of events planned throughout autumn, winter and beyond, there are still plenty of ways to meet new people, try something different and strengthen social connections.

Whether you're looking to expand your social circle, rekindle your confidence after a difficult period, or simply enjoy more good company, there's an Oddfellows event waiting for you.

Find your nearest Oddfellows friendship group

•    Use the Branch Finder to locate your nearest Oddfellows branch
•    Search for activities using the Events Finder, including online events
•    Request your free information pack and local events diary
•    Register for an online open day
•    Read more advice in our friendship guides section

Friendship expert and anthropologist Dr Anna Machin

Join our free friendship webinar

Join Dr Anna Machin at our free friendship webinar on Tuesday 13 October at 7pm. She'll be sharing practical insights on how to build and maintain meaningful friendships, and explaining why friendship remains one of the most important investments we can make in ourselves and others. Register here or find out more

About Dr Anna Machin

Anna is a doctor of evolutionary anthropology, a writer and broadcaster. She is world-renowned for her work in the science and anthropology of close human relationships. She is also the author of Why We Love: The Definitive Guide to Our Most Fundamental Need.
www.annamachin.com