A friendship group is urging Trafford residents not to cut back on socialising as the cost-of-living soars.

Not-for-profit group The Oddfellows is increasingly concerned about the impacts of reduced social contact on mental health, a lesson the group says it has learned from the pandemic.

Branch secretary Sharon Cottle says the group is making extra efforts to ensure residents continue to have access to affordable social events.

Ms Cottle said: “When you’re stretched financially, you’ve no choice but to look at how you can better budget or where to spend less.

"We want to remind people that socialising doesn’t need to be expensive. It’s not where you get together that matters, but that you’re just getting together.

"We saw the effect spending less time in the company of others had on our members during the pandemic and we need to make sure that as we face another difficult time we stay in touch and support each other.”

Eager to encourage socialising amid the cost-of-living crisis, The Oddfellows is holding several inexpensive taster events this September to celebrate National Friendship Month.

Some of the events on offer this month include coffee mornings, walks, talks and an afternoon tea.

In addition to attending regular social events, The Oddfellows members can access financial benefits and welfare support, with a dedicated care helpline and citizens advice team, as well as a travel club.

To register interest in attending an Oddfellows Friendship Month taster event, or to receive a free local events pack, branch manager Ms Cottle can be contacted on 01925 758117 or Sharon.hulsecottle@oddfellows.co.uk.

Further event and online open day details can be found at www.friendshipmonth.com.

Ms Cottle said: “Nobody should be without company if they want it.

"If you’re finding it difficult to socialise in later life, or you’d like to build or extend your friendship circle, groups such as ours are a great way to meet like-minded people locally. We’d love to see you."