Friendly Fellas offers friendship and fun

A Glossop group is helping men build friendships, share their interests and feel less alone - and now it is hoping to welcome more members and find a volunteer to help it grow. 

Friendly Fellas has been bringing men together for around two and a half years, offering a relaxed and informal place to meet, chat and enjoy a bit of company. 

The group meets each Tuesday at Wetherspoon’s in Glossop from 11am, where members can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, have breakfast if they wish and stay for as long as they like. There is no formal agenda, no pressure to talk about personal problems and no need to attend every week. It is simply an opportunity to get out, meet people and have a conversation. 

The group was established by the social prescribing service at The Bureau, after staff noticed that many of the men referred to them were experiencing loneliness or needed more opportunities to socialise. Some had been bereaved and were adjusting to a new way of life. 

While one-to-one befriending can be valuable, they wanted to offer another option for men who were able to get out and about but would benefit from spending time with others. 

Although the group is supported by Faith and Liv from The Bureau, the aim is for it to operate independently, with the social prescribers stepping in only when additional support is needed. 

At its heart, Friendly Fellas is about creating a comfortable environment where friendships can develop naturally, with conversations ranging from football and current affairs to memories of years gone by. 

Choosing a familiar pub setting was important. Meeting somewhere relaxed and well known can feel more approachable than attending a formal support group, particularly for older men who may find it difficult to talk openly about their feelings. 

Photo: Owen Russell (3rd left) with some of the Friendly Fellas.

One member who knows the value of having people to talk to is 90-year-old Owen Russell, who has been attending for around two years. 

“I think people deserve to have a bit more of their life than just sitting looking at four walls in the house” he said. “I wouldn’t want that, and that’s why I’m here.” 

Owen enjoys the easy-going atmosphere and the opportunity to share his interests with other members. Football is a particular passion, and he is always happy to contribute to a conversation and help keep things lively. 

His outgoing nature stretches back to his schooldays, when he remembers being something of a class clown, entertaining his classmates with remarks from the back of the classroom. That same sense of humour and willingness to talk to people are qualities he brings to the group today. 

Owen understands that joining an established group can feel daunting. “It can be difficult when you’re not quite sure what to expect” he said. “But my advice is to just give it a try. Be friendly and let the conversation develop naturally. You don’t need to overthink it - just take that first step.” 

There is certainly plenty to talk about at Friendly Fellas. Members have brought in childhood photographs, prompting conversations about where they grew up and the places they remember. On another occasion, old coins, including shillings, sparked a lively discussion about the past. 

The group has also organised outings, such as a trip to a garden centre. Members have worked together to arrange transport and make plans, helping them maintain their independence and build friendships beyond the weekly get-together. 

Faith and Liv, who provide support from a distance, say this sense of ownership is important. Friendly Fellas is not intended to feel like a service where people are supervised or expected to take part in organised activities. Instead, it belongs to the men who attend, giving them the freedom to shape it around their own interests. 

The group typically attracts six to eight men, although numbers vary from week to week. There is no strict age limit and, while it was established with older men in mind, anyone who would benefit from the companionship is encouraged to get in touch. 

Now, the group is hoping to find a male volunteer who would be happy to attend regularly, become part of the group and help newcomers feel welcome. 

The role is informal. The volunteer would simply be there to enjoy the company, greet people and offer reassurance to anyone who might feel nervous about coming along for the first time. They would have someone to turn to at The Bureau if they had concerns about a member who might need additional support. 

Above all, the message from the organisers and members is that nobody should feel they have to face loneliness alone. Sometimes, a cup of tea, a friendly face and a good chat are all it takes to begin building new connections. 

As Owen’s experience shows, there is always room for another conversation - and another friendly face around the table. 

To find out more about Friendly Fellas, or to enquire about volunteering, contact The Bureau on 01457 865722 or email info@the-bureau.org.uk