A GROUP that helps socially isolated people has launched in Radcliffe.

Men in Sheds – which has been funded by Groundwork Ambition for Ageing with support from The Pitch at Bury Council – is aimed at men and women over the age of 50 who may fall into loneliness after retiring.

Members are encouraged to get together as a group like they would do in the workplace and partake in joinery and gardening tasks.

Colin Harrison, founder of the Radcliffe group, said: “I just felt that there was a need for it in the town.Men are not good at talking about problems and feelings and this leads to depression and mental health issues.”

Julie Bentley, coordinator at Ambition for Ageing, said: “Colin came up with the idea to set the group up after speaking to people in the town who are likely to become isolated when they finish their working life. There has been lots of interest from women too so far and they are more than welcome to join in.”

The group meets on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday’s from 9.30am at Radcliffe Cricket Club.