Fenland people are being encouraged to make time for friendship before the colder months set in.
The Capital of the Fens Oddfellows, a Wisbech-based friendship group, is urging people to prioritise their social lives and personal connections to combat isolation as autumn and winter approach.
Gemma Thomas, branch secretary of Capital of the Fens Oddfellows, said: "Summer is often full of opportunities to get out, meet people and spend time with friends and family.
"But as winter approaches, many people find they have fewer social plans and can start to feel isolated.
"That's where groups like ours can help.
"We provide easy routes to meet other local people.
"We’ve lots of opportunities coming up during Friendship Month, and the friendships formed through groups like ours can have a real and lasting impact on wellbeing throughout the year."
The group has around 270 members and offers regular social events and meet-ups across Wisbech.
To mark Friendship Month in September, the group will host a programme of free and low-cost taster events designed to welcome new faces and help people reconnect with others in their community.
These events include a coffee morning at 10.30am on September 2 at Crown Lodge in Outwell, a quiz competition at 2pm on September 8 at Reffley Hall, and a monthly breakfast at 10am on September 29 at Lillies Café in Wisbech.
Capital of the Fens Oddfellows is one of 91 UK branches of the Oddfellows, a not-for-profit mutual that supports around 39,000 members nationwide.
Angela, a Wisbech resident who joined the group to meet new people, said: "The friendships I've made through the Oddfellows have made a huge difference.
"It's given me companionship, confidence and a real sense of belonging."
Anyone interested in attending a Friendship Month event or finding out more can call 07939 860968.
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