By Isle of Wight Observer
Island friendship group, Vecta Oddfellows, is encouraging retired Islanders to give new social groups a chance, saying it can take around three months to develop meaningful connections.
The group believes attending several events before deciding whether to continue can help people build friendships and regain a sense of belonging after retirement.
Vecta Oddfellows secretary, Maretta Heap, said: “We often think of retirement as gaining more freedom and time, but for some people it can also mean losing a sense of who they are and where they fit in.
“Our friendship group gives people regular opportunities to meet others, share experiences, and discover new interests. Most importantly, it helps people find a place where they feel welcome, valued, and that they belong.”
The Oddfellows is a not-for-profit friendly society offering social events, walks, outings, volunteering opportunities, and wellbeing support.
Newport member, Ray Harrington-Vail, who joined after retiring from managing an environmental charity, said: “Joining the Oddfellows gave me more than things to do. It gave me friendships, a sense of belonging.”
Regular Island activities include coffee mornings at Ryde Library on the first Wednesday of each month at 10.30am, darts at The Binstead Arms on the third Friday at 2pm, and cards at Unity Hall, Newport, on alternate Wednesdays at 1.30pm.
Relationship expert, Dr Anna Machin, will also host a free webinar about belonging in retirement on December 8 at 7pm, with registration via iw.observer/anna-machin.
For more information, call 523115, email Maretta.heap@oddfellows.co.uk, or visit iw.observer/oddfellows.
