A Macclesfield Friendship Group has launched an open appeal for more members this September.

Local friendship group, The Oddfellows is inviting people to amp up their 'frenergy' this September by taking part in one of their special energy-boosting events for Friendship Month with local events are being held to celebrate how good it feels to spend time in friendly company.

Local facilitator Sharon Cottle said "We have been hosting events in Macclesfield for about 20 years, with a mixture of lunches and coffee mornings and craft mornings.

"We know it all sounds a bit playful, but 'frenergy' – the unique energy you get from friendship – is real. When you spend time with people you like, or you share a common purpose, it lifts your mood. They don't need to be best friends, just people you get on with. We benefit from receiving frenergy, but we can also radiate it."

Friendship Month is the Oddfellows' annual festival of friendship. The campaign, now in its 15th year, is held in September and encourages those looking to meet new people locally to give a community or social group a try.

"We want to remind people about the feel-good factor of spending time in friendly company," Sharon also said.

"These events are a perfect opportunity to top up your frenergy levels, and to give some back, too."

This year, your local Oddfellows is holding events across Cheshire which include coffee mornings, indoor bowling and even a fun cuddly pig racing event.

Psychologist Dr Veronica Lamarche.

Friend of the Oddfellows, psychologist Dr Veronica Lamarche, explains how 'frenergy' works, saying how it can be shared in a variety of ways, from spending one-on-one time with a good pal, to simply being part of a group event such as a coffee morning or an outing.

Dr Lamarche, who is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at The University of Essex, said: "The energy boost we feel from spending time with friends is due in part to our thoughts and experiences being validated and understood.

"Even the smallest action can generate positive energy. Simply seeing someone do something nice for someone else, such as helping a stranger carry their shopping or serving a cup of tea, can provide a frenergy buzz.

"By taking part in conversations and being joyful you are building frenergy among those around you. But it doesn't have to be so obvious. Your presence alone brings positivity to the group because it contributes to the shared goal and connection by being at the event."

Sharon added: "Newcomers are always welcome to join our friendly group. You can come along to have a chat and a laugh and to meet new people, you can help out, or you can relax, listen in and just enjoy being part of the group.

"No matter what you do, you're contributing to our collective feel-good frenergy."

Our local Oddfellows branch is one of 99 branches in the UK, which is one of the oldest and largest friendly societies in the UK. The Society aims to improve its members' lives through friendship and support. As well as its events, members can access a variety of benefits including care and welfare support and a travel club. There are also opportunities to take part in fundraising and volunteering initiatives.

To register an interest in attending one of our Friendship Month events, or to find out more about the group and its activities, please email [email protected] or call 01925 758117.

More information about the Oddfellows and Friendship Month can be found HERE.

Dr Lemarche's tips to amp up your frenergy can be found below:

Everyone can share a little frenergy no matter who they are. Here, Dr Lamarche shares her tips on how you can amp up your frenergy this Friendship Month.

• New friends – heading to an Oddfellows taster event and making some new friends is a sure-fire way to cause the frenergy sparks to fly! Not only will you enjoy the feeling of being among others, but it could be the start of a great friendship.
• Collective effervescence – this is the energy and harmony derived from when you're engaged in a shared uplifting experience. This could be something as simple as going to an Oddfellows coffee morning or going to a huge event like a sports match where you are supporting the same team.
• Do your bit – volunteering or doing something for someone else is a frenergy amplifier. Not only do you feel good for doing something positive, but the person on the receiving end of your efforts feels more energised and grateful. Even a person witnessing your kind action will get a buzz from it!
• Low-key actions – a simple gesture like smiling at someone or nodding your head will help those around you feel validated and share some frenergy.
• Spoken word – if you can't meet in person, a phone or video call is the next best thing. Just because you aren't in the same room doesn't mean frenergy can't radiate between you. Speaking to a friend provides you both with validation and support, as well giving you the opportunity to discuss things that interest you.
• Instant message – sending a text or tagging someone on social media can spark frenergy because you are letting that person know you are thinking of them.

Local facilitator Sharon Cottle added: "We would love to thank our Macclesfield members for being part of our fabulous friendship group and would like to encourage everyone who is looking to make local friends to come along and meet us.

"We guarantee a warm welcome and it's a great way to make lifelong friends. We meet up regularly and our members say it's wonderful to have something to look forward to."

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