'Cosmo' centres to offer counselling - and a manicure

Cosmopolitan, the glossy women's magazine that combines liberation with libido, is launching a network of drop-in lifestyle centres across Britain offering counselling to young women.

Cosmopolitan, the glossy women's magazine that combines liberation with libido, is launching a network of drop-in lifestyle centres across Britain offering counselling to young women.

Visitors will be able to book a manicure in one of the beauty treatment rooms, order a light lunch and discuss their boyfriend troubles all in one trip. Women concerned about their weight and general well- being will also be able to consult professional staff.

The magazine, which is famous for its no-holds-barred approach to sex, will open its first centre in Manchester in August. Other sites will follow in the Midlands and the north of England before they are launched throughout the country and possibly abroad.

The scheme is a joint venture between the National Magazine Company, Cosmopolitan's parent company, and Hearst Magazines. The health and fitness company Debulit Limited has been granted the rights to own and operate the centres.

Cosmopolitan's target market is women aged 18 to 34. The magazine first appeared on UK news stands in 1972 with a sexy blonde model on the cover and a nude male centrefold. Cover stories included "How to turn a man on". The issue sold out in less than a day and was sold on the black market.