Category: News

Do something you love – it might be visiting your local bookshop(!), café or getting out in nature. Immersing yourself in something you love can have great effects on mental health and often find yourself with like-minded people. If visiting a café look out for Chatty Cafe members like us, …

African Rainbow Family was established in 2014 by a lesbian in the wake of  some Commonwealth countries in Africa’s toxic and draconian anti-gay laws; persecutions and environment which seek to criminalise LGBTIQs for the preference of whom they choose to love.  We spoke to the team at African Rainbow Family …

Beacon Counselling operate out of Stockport, and are the largest provider of mental health support in Greater Manchester. This month we asked CEO Sandi Marshall all about what Beacon is doing for the Northern population, as well as any book recs this month. What do you do in or around …

The summer may be over, but Manchester’s literary scene is booming this autumn and we have plenty of suggestions to keep you entertained on these drizzly evenings. Manchester Literature Festival is welcoming renowned poets Lemn Sissay (HOME/16th Sept) and Simon Armitage (Central Library/15th Oct) to celebrate their latest collections, as …

August’s charity shoutout is ‘Proud 2B Parents’, who offer services and support for LGBT+ parents / carers to be, LGBT+ parents / carers and their children living in Greater Manchester (and the North West). We hear from the Director of the foundation, Matt, about what Proud 2B Parents has been …

Here at House of Books & Friends we love to get creative. Whether we’re writing, storytelling or drawing, we’re keen to explore a connection with art and the benefits of taking the time to tap into our imaginations. Feeling artistic?! We’d love you to get involved! For the summer holidays, …