Spread the love of friendship this February

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

While most people’s thoughts turn to romance this Valentine’s Day, the Oddfellows is inviting people to fix up a friendship date instead.

Bradford Oddfellows members, Mike Waddams, Jane Cockitt, Bill Sunderland and Sue Jones at a recent Branch Cuppa and Chat meet-up.

Romance is great but it’s not the only way to make you feel more energised and valued.

When it comes to feeling loved and emotionally supported, forging strong friendships can help us to feel more fulfilled and satisfied with life.

Lots of feel-good events lined up for Feb

To help spread the love and give the nation greater opportunity to experience the feel-good factor of friendship this February, Oddfellows branches across the country are hosting a number of fun social events online and in person such as lunches, fundraisers, walks, talks, quizzes and craft clubs. 

Oddfellows spokesperson, Jayne Holgate, said: “Valentine’s Day always tends to focus on romance and grand gestures, but it is important to remember that love comes in many forms and is needed for more than just one day of the year.

“Friendships can be just as rewarding as romantic relationships and can support good mental health and wellbeing. It’s why we are always so passionate about championing the vast benefits that accompany spending time with good friends.

“As well as providing us with social experiences that lift our spirits, friendships offer a vital support network for when times get tough, prevent loneliness, and perhaps most importantly, help individuals recognise their own self-worth.

“We also appreciate that if you’ve lost someone close, Valentine’s Day can be a difficult time of year. We say come and have a lovely time with us at one of our meet-ups. A warm welcome is waiting.”

Grenville Oddfellows' members out for lunch at the Flight Deck Café at Turweston Aerodrome.

You can never have enough friends! Diane Jones, Grenville Branch member

The Oddfellows' UK friendship groups have nearly 39,400 members, mainly older adults. They meet regularly for social get-togethers and offer support and advice when members might need it.

Diane Jones, from the Oddfellows' Grenville Branch, and who has been a member for 18 years, added: “Our Branch is lively, fun and very social and you always have something to look forward to.

“You leave feeling great after having had a lovely time together, and you know you’ve also helped another member feel better about themselves too. You feel valued and it’s wonderful. I’d encourage everyone to come and give our next event a go. You can never have enough friends!”

Oddfellows friendship groups

Whether you want to stay fit and active, find new ways to give back to the community, or you’re looking for new ways to get out and about and socialise, the Oddfellows is a great place to start.

We're always ready to welcome new members to our local Oddfellows friendship groups.

You can find your nearest by using our Branch Finder, or use our Events Finder to search for social events and activities happening near to where you live or online.

Contact us to request your free information pack and local events diary.