A NEW women's social group will launch in Bury to provide a welcoming space to meet and greet.

The New Springs Community Project Group will provide a variety of activities to create opportunities for women to socialise.

Social housing and care provider, Sanctuary Housing, is behind the initiative and has provided financial support through its 'Grand Ideas Fund'.

A variety of free weekly sessions will take place on Wednesdays at the activity centre in Dorset Drive.

Visitors will be able to participate in sewing workshops, a cookery course, craft and yoga, among other activities.

The aim thereafter will be to establish an ongoing social group for the Springs Estate.

Lucy Cooke, of New Springs Community Project Group, said: "We already deliver a wide range of activities, events and training opportunities and are always looking to expand our offering to the local community.

"We believe there is an appetite for a women’s social group and these taster sessions are a fantastic opportunity for people to find out more and get involved."

Organisers hope the new group will provide a welcoming environment for residents to learn new skills, access social and employment opportunities and get to know more people from the community. A light lunch will be served at the end of each session to encourage this.

Lyndsey Cassidy, Sanctuary’s area manager, said: "We are always looking to invest in our communities and support projects that help our residents learn new skills and lead happy and healthy lives."

The first taster session - sewing and banner making - will take place on February 7 between 12noon and 2.30pm.

A Valentine's cookery class will then be held on February 14 between 11am and 2pm.

Priority will be given to Sanctuary and Springs Tenant Management Co-operative residents.

For more information, or to book a place, email springscommunityproject@byconnect.com or call 07960 402368.