LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Gavin & Stacey star kickstarts initiative to support the elderly this Christmas

Supermarket teams up with national treasure Larry Lamb to reimagine its in-store cafes as 'Chatty Cafés' and help spark conversations this Christmas.

Gavin & Stacey star kickstarts initiative to support the elderly this Christmas

Article Source: Asda
Last Updated: 12 November 2024 14:42

It’s called the most wonderful time of the year, – but millions of over 60s are facing a completely Silent Night – and Day – this Christmas season, with one in 10 not sure they will speak to anyone between December 15th and January 1st.

The sobering statistic comes from Asda’s new Christmas Community report – which surveyed 1,000 over 60s – and lays bare the lack of human interaction and conversations millions of older people suffer during the festive period.

Last Christmas, almost one in five (17 per cent) said there were days when they didn’t speak to a single soul, and during the two-and-a-half week spell running from mid-December to the end of the year, 15 per cent said they got used to not conversing with other people.

One in 10 over 60s said they’d gone to a supermarket simply to speak to another person. Worryingly, 42 per cent said their mental health suffered as a result of their lack of interaction with others.

With no one to talk to again this year, 79 per cent said they’ll reluctantly rely on the TV for company, while 29 per cent said they’ll depend on their pets.

This Christmas, Asda is encouraging over 60s to visit their local Asda store and enjoy a ‘Winter Warmer’– the hugely popular deal that offers over 60’s a hearty soup and a roll, with the new addition of a hot drink – with others of their age.

The supermarket is aiming to transform their in store café’s into ‘Chatty Cafes’ – where senior citizens can come together, eat and drink, and make new friends.

Yesterday (Monday 11th November), national treasure and affable star of Gavin & Stacey Larry Lamb visited the Asda superstore at Heron Retail Park in Basildon to launch the new Chatty Cafés concept. Larry spent hours chatting to more than 40 senior citizens who attended the grand opening, tucking into bowls of soup and a cuppa.

Asda’s Winter Warmer initiative will run across all Asda Cafés until the end of 2024. Back by popular demand, this year’s offering is bigger and better than ever, with three soup flavours to choose from and the addition of unlimited tea or coffee – all for just £1.

Commenting on his store visit, Larry said: “It’s a privilege and an honour to work with Asda to launch its Chatty Cafés initiative this Christmas. I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by friends and family this time of year, but that’s not the case for everyone, and it’s so important that we all club together and help combat loneliness.

“It’s heartbreaking to think that so many over 60’s in Britain might not speak to anyone at all over the extended Christmas period. Asda’s going all out to bring people in this Christmas and make them feel seen and heard, and spread a little Christmas joy. I’d urge everyone to do the same. If there’s somebody, anybody – young or old – who you know is going to be struggling for company this Christmas, pick up the phone or go and pay them a visit – and obviously, pay a visit to one of Asda’s Chatty Cafés”.


As well as its Chatty Café offer, Asda is investing further in tackling loneliness for the over 60s’s across the Festive period. Across its estate, and running up until the New Year, Asda colleagues will be donning ‘Happy to Chat’ badges, checking in on older customers in-store when delivering home shopping orders.

The Asda Foundation will deliver £600k of grants tackling loneliness amongst the elderly, boosting activities in the local communities, funding Christmas celebrations to bring people together as well as supporting with funding daily essentials.

The supermarket will also dedicate £600k of Asda Foundation grants to tackling loneliness among the elderly through boosting activities in the local communities , funding Christmas celebrations for elderly groups to bring them together as well as supporting donations of daily essentials.

David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Asda, commented: “Our mission this Christmas is to provide everything customers need at our famously low Asda prices. Christmas is a time to enjoy time with loved ones and the fact one in ten of our older generation is facing Christmas alone is genuinely sobering.

That’s why, alongside The Asda Foundation, we’re proud to invest almost £1 million through our in-store initiatives and grants to do what we can to tackle loneliness and isolation in the communities we serve.

“Our teams do incredible work to support communities all-year-round, and I’m so proud to be able to launch the Chatty Cafés initiative today, alongside our renowned Winter Warmers deal, which we know is a lifeline to many. We’re pledging to bring people together this festive season and encouraging people across the nation to check in with the elderly in their communities this Christmas.”


Anyone wishing to get involved can reach out to their community champion at their local Asda store for more details of events near them.

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
Fayre Play
Open Pass Scotland
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Paisley First
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Gin To My Tonic

Latest Glasgow News

Tis The Season of Giving

Tis The Season of Giving

Buchanan Galleries partners with Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity to help spread festive joy!

READ MORE
Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives

Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives

A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.

READ MORE
Glasgow Fort reveals new competition winning festive pancake coming to its markets

Glasgow Fort reveals new competition winning festive pancake coming to its markets

Glasgow Fort has announced the winner of its recent competition to design an exclusive festive pancake flavour.

READ MORE
Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon

Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.

READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce comedy commission with The Alasdair Gray Archive

Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce comedy commission with The Alasdair Gray Archive

Alan Bissett, Ashley Storrie and Christopher MacArthur-Boyd to create responses to The Alasdair Gray Archive as part of Glasgow 850.

READ MORE
Katy J from Capital Radio returns to join the fun in The Wizard of Oz

Katy J from Capital Radio returns to join the fun in The Wizard of Oz

Guess who's back to sprinkle some extra magic (and laughs) on the SEC stage?

READ MORE
Double charity boost from Glasgow Clan

Double charity boost from Glasgow Clan

Ice hockey fans will get the chance to do their bit to help the less well-off by donating food items and toys at Glasgow Clan games this weekend.

READ MORE
Drag legend Andi Martine joins all star cast of Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens this January

Drag legend Andi Martine joins all star cast of Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens this January

Glasgow's own Andi Martine joins an all-star cast including Gogglebox legend Scarlett Moffatt, Celebrity Big Brother-winner David Potts and Ru Paul's reigning Queens, Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas

READ MORE
Merry go round celebrates National Lottery Grant to support Glasgow families

Merry go round celebrates National Lottery Grant to support Glasgow families

Local Southside charity Merry-go-round is celebrating a £39,000 award from The National Lottery Cost of Living Support Fund.

READ MORE
The biggest Festive Artists and Makers Market in Scotland returns to the Briggait

The biggest Festive Artists and Makers Market in Scotland returns to the Briggait

Support local artisans and discover one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season when the highly anticipated Wasps Winter Artists and Makers Market at The Briggait returns this weeekend!

READ MORE
Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line

Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line

A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.

READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre launches Priority Live scheme

The Pavilion Theatre launches Priority Live scheme

The Pavilion Theatre is delighted to announce it is part of a brand-new membership scheme from Trafalgar Theatres – PRIORITY LIVE - offering exciting new benefits for theatre fans everywhere.

READ MORE
Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024

Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024

Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.

READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025

TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025

50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.

READ MORE
Platform has unveiled their festive programme for the ultimate alternative night out this Christmas

Platform has unveiled their festive programme for the ultimate alternative night out this Christmas

From new delicious seasonal dishes and boozy hot chocolates to local live music and family-friendly events, Platform's has something for everyone this festive season.

READ MORE
Christmas Dinner bookings surge at Crutherland House

Christmas Dinner bookings surge at Crutherland House

Crutherland House Hotel & Spa has reported a remarkable rise in bookings for Christmas lunch, highlighting a growing trend of families seeking the magic of dining out this festive season.

READ MORE
Pioneering accessible technology conference returns to Glasgow in 2025

Pioneering accessible technology conference returns to Glasgow in 2025

RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability (IDS) Conference is set to return to Glasgow Science Centre on 17 and 18 March 2025.

READ MORE
Glasgow Fort invites local residents to input on exciting expansion plans

Glasgow Fort invites local residents to input on exciting expansion plans

Leading retail destination Glasgow Fort is announcing exciting new expansion plans and inviting local residents to have their say.

READ MORE
New artisan bakery gives away free coffee and cake to celebrate opening

New artisan bakery gives away free coffee and cake to celebrate opening

Shots of a new bakery set to open in Glasgow's west end have been revealed as its owner plans to usher in a new era: 'brot winter'.

READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!

READ MORE
The Grahamston unveils new festive dining experience and limited edition cocktail menu

The Grahamston unveils new festive dining experience and limited edition cocktail menu

The menu features a festive twist on key dishes alongside unique Peter Pan-inspired cocktails!

READ MORE
Glasgow Fort launches Christmas charity partnerships to support local young people and their families

Glasgow Fort launches Christmas charity partnerships to support local young people and their families

As Christmas approaches, Glasgow Fort has partnered with local charities Simba and FARE Scotland to support young people and their families this festive season.

READ MORE
Do Not Disturb: Drinks delivery service becomes the first to offer silent delivery

Do Not Disturb: Drinks delivery service becomes the first to offer silent delivery

Glasgow's newest drinks delivery service has become the first retailer to offer a 'silent night' delivery option meaning customers can order worry-free of doorbells or loud knocks.

READ MORE
Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch

Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.

READ MORE
Family festive fun at the National Museum of Rural Life

Family festive fun at the National Museum of Rural Life

Celebrate the season with festive family fun at the National Museum of Rural Life this December.

READ MORE
Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies

Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.

READ MORE
Park Lane Market comes to city centre as founder calls on Glaswegians to shop local this Christmas

Park Lane Market comes to city centre as founder calls on Glaswegians to shop local this Christmas

Glasgow's Park Lane Market, one of the city's most popular and longest-running markets, is set to host its biggest ever Christmas event on November 30th at The Social Hub Glasgow.

READ MORE
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa unveils magical line up of festive events

Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa unveils magical line up of festive events

Glasgow's iconic Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa is kick-starting the festive season with a Christmas movie takeover at its inhouse cinema.

READ MORE
Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos

Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos

A popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!

READ MORE
Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas

Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas

itison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

City Sightseeing Glasgow
East Renfrewshire Culture
Glasgow's Leading Attractions
ATG
The Quay
Pace Youth Theatre
Mowgli

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
Fayre Play
Open Pass Scotland
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Paisley First
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Gin To My Tonic
City Sightseeing Glasgow
East Renfrewshire Culture
Glasgow's Leading Attractions
ATG
The Quay
Pace Youth Theatre
Mowgli

Popular Events

Glasgow Winterfest
Glasgow Winterfest, the city's most anticipated winter celebration, is back for 2024, set to transform George Square and St Enoch Square into enchanting wonderlands!
Beauty And The Beastie
From the team that brought you the hilarious and much-revered adventure Treasure Island, this year's panto at The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow will be Beauty And The Beastie!
Peter Pan
Join Peter Pan and the characters you know and love when this swashbuckling J M Barrie pantomime adventure, starring Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac, comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow!
Ashton Lane Hogmanay Street Party
The Ashton Lane Hogmanay Street Party is back for 2024 and it's going to be bigger and better than ever, tickets are going fast so pick up yours today!
itison Drive-In Movies
Scotland's original Drive-in returns to Loch Lomond Shores this Christmas, with your favourite festive classics, a host of festive foodie treats and itison's famous Car-aoke!

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro