OFF the back of the government’s recent roadmap announcement, we’re putting plans in place to re-start our face-to-face social events.

While many of our group’s members can’t wait to get out again and re-connect, there are some who feel that their confidence and mental health have been knocked for six this past year.

We’ve been in regular touch with our local members throughout the pandemic. Sadly, some have lost someone close, and the majority have felt the daily struggle of staying at home to keep themselves and others safe.

As social restrictions ease and we’ve got routes back to a more normal way of life, we know that many people’s normal will be very different to the one they once knew. So much time has passed and we appreciate that it might feel incredibly daunting to step out and socialise again.

We’re going to be there for all our members to help them re-adjust at their own pace.

But if anyone else feels that they too are in need of some gentle, friendly support or encouragement, then we’ve always room for more within our friendship group.

We’ll be looking to safely restart our events from mid-May. We’ve also lots of online events that are free and open to the public to enjoy right now.

We’ve been told that they’ve been a lifeline during the pandemic. There are also monthly online open days where you can find out more about us, visit oddfellows.co.uk/events If you’d like to be kept in the loop of our group’s activities and receive a listing of our events, contact me on 01202 775122 or email margaret.white@oddfellows.co.uk Stay safe and well.

MARGARET WHITE

Oddfellows Pride of Bournemouth branch