Asda colleagues wear Happy to Chat badges to help tackle loneliness this Christmas

Millions of over 60's are facing a completely silent night, and day, this Christmas season, with one in 10 not sure they will speak to anyone across the festive period.

Article Source: Asda
Last Updated: 10 December 2024 11:48

It’s called the most wonderful time of the year – but millions of over 60’s are facing a completely Silent Night – and Day – this Christmas season, with one in 10 not sure they will speak to anyone across the festive period.

One in 10 over 60’s 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.

To help offer up more conversations, Asda colleagues and delivery drivers have the option to add a new element to their uniform: a ‘Happy to Chat’ festive badge to let customers know they’re happy to have a quick chat with them whilst doing their instore shop or if they receive a home delivery.

Service colleague Catherine Ross is a familiar face to customers of Asda Maryhill in Scotland, where she has worked in the store for 26 years.

Catherine said: “I’ve always been a bit of a chatterbox, and I’m delighted to be supporting the Happy to Chat initiative and have been wearing my Happy to Chat badge. Customers will tell me about their day, and we’ll chat away about anything and everything really – the weather, what’s on TV, you name it! It’s good to know you’re bringing a bit of brightness into someone’s day by having a nice chat and I enjoy it too.”

David Hills, Asda’s Chief Customer Officer said: “Christmas can be a challenging time for everyone, especially those experiencing loneliness. Asda colleagues always make the effort to have a quick chat and raise a smile, and we’re proud to have some of the friendliest home shopping drivers who go over and above for our customers. The Happy to Chat badges are a symbol of the great work they all do – delivering a little kindness along with their groceries to someone who may be lonely or isolated. This year, we want to make sure that whether it’s in our stores, at the doorstep, or out in the community, we try to bring people together this festive season and encourage people across the nation to check in with senior citizens in their communities.”

In addition, Asda’s network of Community Champions will be working with local school children to create Christmas cards for local care homes and those isolated in their communities. Special post boxes will be available in larger stores for customers wishing to get involved.

Asda’s famous Winter Warmer £1 meal deal in over 205 cafes has already served over 120,000 this month and the retailer continues to encourage the over 60’s to come and have a hot meal as well as being able to socialise with others.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Strictly champ Ore Oduba joins Picture You Dead ahead of performances at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

See the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.

Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.

Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.

Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.

Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.

Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!

Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT

Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.

Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.

This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!

Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location

Lychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.

Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.

PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!

Calling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!

Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations

Glasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.

Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.

Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!

The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly

Scotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!

Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow

Due to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.

Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers

Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!

Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year

Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.

30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025

The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!

Line up announced for Laugh In The Park

Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!

Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!

Strictly star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Fawlty Towers

Casting announced for the critically acclaimed production of Fawlty Towers - The Play, coming to Glasgow's King's Theatre in January!

New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday

Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

A new culinary destination has opened at Tarbet, Loch Lomond

Lomond Leisure Group is delighted to announce the opening of Kirk O'The Lochs, a distinctive restaurant and bar nestled in a beautifully restored historic church in Tarbet, Loch Lomond.

Full cast announced for 2:22 A Ghost Story

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to announce the full 2025 cast for the UK tour of the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story.

New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.

Dog lovers alert for a fun day out at Loch Lomond

Top Dogs at Loch Lomond Shores is back on Saturday 3rd May with its fun competitions, expert advice and dog-friendly products including accessories, pupcakes and much more!

Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.