Local friendship group Birmingham Oddfellows wants to remind retirees that its community meet-up's can help them explore new interests, build lasting friendships, and make the most of this stage of life.
Retirement is a chance to begin an exciting new chapter. But for some, it can come with unexpected challenges such as feelings of isolation or a sense of lost purpose.
Wayne Homer, Birmingham Oddfellows Social Organiser said: “We understand that retirement can be a big adjustment. When work no longer fills your days, it’s easy to feel at odds or disconnected.
"Our group is here to help people find a new rhythm, reconnect with others, and embrace this next phase with confidence. Retirement is much more than having free time – it’s about adjusting to a lifestyle where work isn't the centre of everything.”
Birmingham Oddfellows is a not-for-profit mutual society and has a few hundred local members, who are mainly older adults. It hosts regular social events across Harborne, Rubery, Bromsgrove, Solihull, Kings Heath and Mere Green.
Group member, Marian Baker is originally from Chelmsley Wood. She travelled and worked in France, running her own bakery and B&B business for over a decade, before returning to the UK to retire. She said joining the Oddfellows helped her build a new routine in retirement.
Marian said: “When I first retired, I thought I’d spend my days relaxing. But I quickly found that I missed the social connections and routine that came with work.
"Joining the Oddfellows changed all of that. It’s given me the chance to volunteer, meet new people, and get involved in local events. I’ve found a sense of purpose that I didn’t know I was missing.”
To find out more about Birmingham Oddfellows, people can get in touch by calling 0800 028 1810 to get an information pack, or visiting oddfellows.co.uk/retirement.
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