The Oddfellows

The Oddfellows is a friendly society open to everybody. It has branches across the UK where people are encouraged to meet and enjoy social activities together. Members organise days out, holidays, coffee mornings, informative and educational talks, and charity fundraising events. In addition to social activities that help build friendships, the Oddfellows provides care support, helplines and a range of life-enriching financial benefits. The Society is a non-profit making mutual organisation, run by and for its members. Though most of those active within the organisation are over 55, the Oddfellows also has a substantial number of Child Trust Fund members and is as interested in their welfare as it is in that of its older members. The Oddfellows has a long and illustrious history. It was founded in 1810, offering a means for workers and their families not covered by traditional trade guilds to pay small regular sums to insure themselves should they fall on hard times. During the industrial revolution, the Society continued to play a vital role in protecting workers from destitution – pioneering early forms of social security such as sick pay, unemployment benefit and life insurance. By 1850 the Oddfellows had grown into the largest friendly society in Britain with its members playing a vital role in establishing the welfare state and National Health Service. Though the establishment of the welfare state reduced the need for friendly societies to fulfil this important function, the Oddfellows still takes seriously its commitment to the wellbeing of its members and wider community.