A new bookshop and cafe dedicated to combatting loneliness has opened in Manchester

A new independent bookshop, cafe and events space dedicated to combatting loneliness has opened in Manchester.

The House of Books & Friends is based in the Manchester Club building at the top of King Street. Law firm gunnercooke are behind the concept, which has been set up as a Community Interest Company — meaning it seeks to benefit the community rather than private shareholders.

The new space will offer initiatives for customers and businesses through pay-it-forward schemes, as well as opportunities to make connections with their community through events and a café.

Projects funded by book sale profits will engage the square mile around the shop, working alongside local charities to combat social isolation and connect a wide breadth of people including the elderly, new parents, and local schools.

Darryl Cooke, Founder of gunnercooke, said: “Loneliness is a widespread and growing issue in our society. It can affect anyone of any age and can come about from many different causes at any time. We believe that bookshops can provide a powerful tool.

“Reading can connect us physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. When we read we are not alone. Our focus will be to connect all the charities we work with and, at the heart, to develop a culture of connection.

“We have appointed a talented Bookshop Manager from Waterstones, Naomi Self, and are currently recruiting a team who can bring passion and work alongside us and our charity partners to bring our dream to fruition.”

To keep up to date with the launch of The House of Books & Friends head to their Twitter @Books_n_friends, Facebook  or Instagram @houseofbooksandfriends.