Skelmersdale residents are being encouraged to strengthen friendships and stay socially connected as the darker months approach.
As Summer draws to a close, new research is highlighting why maintaining friendships should remain a priority as routines change and opportunities to socialise reduce.
An Oddfellows survey found that 62% of people have lost touch with a good friend because they stopped meeting in person.
Skelmersdale is served by the Ormskirk and Southport Oddfellows, a local branch with around 650 members offering social events, activities and opportunities to meet new people.
The group is using September’s Friendship Month to encourage people to reconnect, with free and low-cost taster events taking place across the area.
Evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin, a friend of the Oddfellows, says consistency, regularity and proximity are important in helping friendships grow and remain strong.
“Friendships need regular contact to thrive.”
Local Social Organiser Judith Catton says groups like Oddfellows can provide an easy way to meet others, particularly as Winter approaches and some people begin to feel more isolated.
Alongside face-to-face activities, Oddfellows also hosts around 60 free online events each month.
For local event information, contact Judith on 01704 545279 or judith.catton@oddfellows.co.uk