* Manchester City Council is set to launch new WhatsApp community group for residents to give help and support across the city, along with details of free fun things to do with children and youngsters.

The WhatsApp group, called Family Friend, not only gives cost of living support, but also practical help like where to get free data sims and Wifi, additional funded childcare, health information and a pull-out poster for parents and children to help with key skills ahead of starting primary school.

It will also carry free offers of things to do in the city, plus a digital cookery book containing budgeted recipes from Manchester's diverse communities.

The move comes after resident feedback on the need for information in a single place that can give quick help, or a nudge about things that help with family life while many are feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis.

There is also digital and printed versions of the Family Friend booklet, which will be available throughout the city and particularly in schools.

Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader at Manchester City Council, said: "The idea behind the approach is to have a 'virtual' friend giving the type of updates that someone you know and trust might share with you.

"This winter will be hard for many and isolation can make money, food, budgeting and health issues feel even worse. This concept isn't a fair-weather friend: it's a companion guide to getting what you need and making the most of what Manchester has to offer."

Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: "This is a bold new approach and it is also a way of helping to address some of the health inequalities in the city that we recognise in our Making Manchester Fairer action plan.

"That's why the Family Friend concept also includes posters and details of how to help with your child being ready to start school because we know those early milestones can have a major impact on learning and life chances later on."

To join the Family Friends community group and get updates sent straight to your phone, please use this link: www.manchester.gov.uk/ff-whatsapp