Social Manchester: combating loneliness in the City

An initiative is making a difference by creating spaces for people to come together and combat loneliness.

Social Manchester, founded by Sam Bates, is a community group that organises events aimed at young professionals who are new to the city or simply looking to expand their social circles.

Sam explained the inspiration behind Social Manchester and its growing success.

Social Manchester

“I moved to Manchester in January of last year and didn’t know anyone here,” he began.

“It was difficult at first. I took a bit of a risk moving here for my job and found it hard to meet new people. I went to various networking events but found them too formal for what I was really looking for—friends. That’s when I saw a gap in the market to set this up.

Sam’s realisation wasn’t just personal; he saw a growing issue across cities like Manchester, particularly after the pandemic, with more people working remotely and missing out on the day-to-day interactions that naturally foster connections.

Social Manchester was born out of this need—a space where individuals could meet in a relaxed, fun environment without the pressure of traditional business networking.

Bringing people together

The core of Social Manchester is its events, which span a variety of activities designed to appeal to different interests while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere. “

We run a range of events across the city, from games nights at venues like Roxy Ballroom and Boom Battle Bar, to brunches and sports days,” Sam said.

“Our goal is to create a welcoming community where people can meet new friends, and it’s been incredibly successful so far.”

Social Manchester’s games nights are a highlight for many members. Held once a month, these events bring together over 120 people to socialise, play games, and unwind.

The venues are carefully chosen to offer a variety of activities, including pool, darts, and shuffleboard, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Sam emphasised the accessibility of these events, noting that the cost is kept low to encourage participation.

“We charge around £10 for most events, and that includes a drink, food, and access to all the games.

“It’s a great deal compared to other networking events, and we want to make sure people can attend without it being a financial burden,” he explained.

A Safe Space for Newcomers and the Lonely

The driving force behind Social Manchester is the desire to build a community that is inclusive and supportive, especially for those who may be feeling isolated or lonely.

Sam shared how important it is to make everyone feel welcome, particularly those who attend the events alone.

“The vast majority of people come to our events solo,” he noted.

“We have ambassadors on hand to make sure no one is left feeling out of place or awkward. It’s really important to us that every attendee feels included and has someone to talk to.”

This focus on creating genuine connections sets Social Manchester apart from other social or networking events.

It’s not uncommon for attendees to walk away having met their new best friend or established a close-knit group of companions.

“There are testimonials on our Instagram from people who’ve formed strong friendships through these events,” Sam said, highlighting the profound impact the group has had on many of its members.

“A lot of our attendees work remotely and find it isolating, so coming to Social Manchester events gives them a chance to see people and feel connected.”

Tackling Loneliness One Event at a Time

Sam’s personal experience of moving to a new city and feeling disconnected drove him to launch Social Manchester, but the broader aim is to address a larger issue—loneliness.

“It’s something that I struggled with, and I know many others do too,” Sam said.

“Especially now, with so many working remotely, it’s easy for people to go days without meaningful interaction. Our events give people a chance to make friends, feel part of a community, and hopefully feel less alone.”

According to Sam, loneliness and isolation aren’t confined to a particular age group or demographic, but he sees Social Manchester as a space for young professionals who are often caught in the tension between digital work environments and real-life social isolation.

“Most of the people who come to our events are in their twenties or thirties, and a lot of them work from home. We’re trying to fill that gap and offer a place where they can socialise without the pressure of business networking.”

Upcoming events and plans for growth

As Social Manchester continues to grow, Sam is planning even more exciting events for the coming months.

“We’ve got an Oktoberfest-themed games night at Beerkeller coming up, as well as a brunch at On The Hush in the Northern Quarter,” he said.

“We’re also taking over Flight Club for a darts night and The Spider Box, a new venue with karaoke and racing simulators.”

Beyond these immediate plans, Sam is always looking for ways to expand and improve the Social Manchester experience.

He’s currently on the hunt for a Christmas venue and is open to collaborations with local businesses for sponsorship.

“We’re also looking for sponsors and partnerships. It’s something I’m really keen to explore, particularly with companies that share our values of community and connection,” Sam added.

Advice for the Hesitant and the Lonely

For anyone who might be feeling unsure about attending a Social Manchester event, Sam has a reassuring message.

“You’re not alone. Most people come to our events by themselves, and everyone’s in the same boat.

“It can be daunting, but we’ve worked hard to make sure it’s a welcoming and friendly environment. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll feel part of the group.”

He added that the support doesn’t end at the events themselves. “We really focus on creating a lasting community. It’s not just about turning up for a few hours and leaving—it’s about building friendships and connections that last well beyond the event.”

Get Involved with Social Manchester

Social Manchester is more than just a social group; it’s a lifeline for many people looking for connection in a busy, sometimes isolating world.

If you’re in Manchester and looking to meet new people, make friends, or simply spend time in a supportive community, Social Manchester is the place to be.

Here are some upcoming events at Social Manchester

17^th Oct – Oktoberfest Games Night @Bierkeller

26^th Oct – Young Professional Brunch @onthehush

7^th Nov – Young Professional Games Night @flightclub

28^th Nov – Young Professional Games night @spiderbox

For those interested in attending an event or getting involved as a sponsor, you can reach out to Sam and his team through their Instagram page or via email at [email protected].