WITHDRAWING socially is normal after losing a partner.

But when the time feels right to join in again, local friendship group Mersey Oddfellows can help make those daunting first steps a little easier to take.

Wanting time alone or to stay in is only natural following the loss of a partner, and the time it takes to feel ready to step out and meet people again is a very personal thing.

It can be a matter of weeks for some, or possibly years for others.

Our advice is to take it one step at a time and to do it when it feels right.

With over two centuries of experience in offering friendship and support to its local members, the Liverpool and Wirral based Branch of the Oddfellows is no stranger to supporting people through difficult times.

There are so many wonderful things to get involved with locally.

We'd recommend coming along to for tea and conversation on Wednesday, June 1, in Wallasey, as it’s a great first event for those who would like to meet new people.

We've seen many supportive friendships form within our group, especially between other widows and widowers because they just know what each other is going through.

To have a chat with somebody ahead of trying out an event, or to receive Mersey Branch’s latest events diary, contact me, Margaret Hughes, on margaret.

hughes@oddfellows.co.uk or call 639 2777 between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Margaret Hughes, branch secretary, Mersey District.