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.

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.

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

Latest Lanarkshire News

M&Ds to host ASN Family Festival

Following the incredible success of the first event, M&D's Scotland's Theme Park is delighted to welcome families back for an ASN Family Festival on Sunday 10th May.

Snap up free tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow or Edinburgh

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!

Spring clean shoes to protect heritage, urges National Trust for Scotland

With warmer days on the way, visitors to gardens at National Trust for Scotland places are being asked to follow biosecurity measures throughout the spring and summer seasons.

Fan favourites return to Vue venues in Scotland this spring

Vue is bringing a roster of much-loved film favourites back to the big screen this spring as part of a special anniversary season celebrating some of Hollywood’s most iconic titles.

Aldi calls on shoppers across Scotland to donate pet food in stores this National Pet Month

Aldi is encouraging shoppers in Scotland to donate pet food at its in-store community donation points this April to mark National Pet Month.

Crossbasket Castle reveals first look CGIs of new spa and Hebridean inspired cabins

Crossbasket Castle enhances its luxury wellness offering as it reveals first-look CGIs of new Four Angels Spa and Hebridean-inspired cabins.

Dig up some fun this half term at the National Museum of Rural Life

Spring has arrived at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride this half term!

Loch Lomond Springfest is back

Get ready for a brilliant weekend at the free Loch Lomond Springfest on 4th and 5th April, featuring world-class chefs, wild foraging, tasty street food and non-stop family fun for all ages!

Top family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this Easter

Families looking to make the most of the Easter holidays in Scotland will find plenty to enjoy over the break!

Spring starts with Dobbies Spring Shopping Evening

Celebrate the colours of spring at Dobbies Spring Shopping Evening, a free-to-attend evening event dedicated to outdoor living and seasonal inspiration, taking place on Thursday 2nd April!

Last chance to enter for lunch with George Clooney

Entries are closing soon for the chance to have lunch with Hollywood icon George Clooney as part of itison's fundraising campaign for Social Bite.

Cloned sheep that paved the way for Dolly the sheep goes on show at the National Museum of Rural Life

Morag the sheep, an important cloned predecessor to the world-famous Dolly the sheep, has gone on permanent display at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.

Doors set to reopen across the country to some of the most iconic historic sites in Scotland

More than 40 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Wednesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) marks the start of its spring/summer season.

One of the best loved food brands in the country is bringing back its popular Golden Easter Hunt

Launching just in time for the school holidays, this year it's set to be bigger, bolder and even more exciting - and it's free for anyone to enter!

Spectacular stage productions to enjoy at Vue this spring

To celebrate World Theatre Day (27 March), Vue is highlighting upcoming theatre and opera productions showing on the big screen.

Pool set to reopen following major refurbishment

The John Smith Swimming Pool in Airdrie is set to reopen to the public on Monday 6th April 2026 after the completion of a significant refurbishment programme.

March madness at M&Ds Theme Park Preview Weekend

Scotland’s favourite family destination, M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, is to host a special Preview Weekend to launch the new season!

Venue celebrates 10 Years of supporting community at the heart of Hamilton

Ten years of success gave plenty of reason to celebrate as community members and VIP guests gathered in a popular Hamilton community venue.

Community project delivers nature improvements

A community project to improve Dumbreck Marsh Local Nature Reserve for residents and visitors has been successfully completed.

Time to spring into clean up action again

South Lanarkshire Council is supporting Spring Clean Scotland again this year and is hoping that everyone else will too.

Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring

Scotland's biggest home event is back at Glasgow SEC from 22nd - 25th May 2026 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our readers!

Summer events taking place at historic sites across Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland has announced its summer events programme, with events taking place at iconic heritage sites across the country!

Hop into Easter at Dobbies with Gabbys Dollhouse Little Seedlings Club

Dobbies is teaming up with Gabby's Dollhouse to bring an extra special spring themed experience to families at its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club on 4th April, packed with fun and creativity.

Spring fun returns as New Lanark hosts family friendly Easter Festival

Families are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring at the Easter Festival at New Lanark, with a packed programme of activities, entertainment and seasonal fun for visitors of all ages.

Scottish Excellence Awards 2026 Shortlist showcases strength of hospitality sector

Finalists have been announced for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026.

Support for bereaved families in Scotland is vital ahead of Mothers Day

As Mother's Day approaches, the charity Sands is sharing simple ways anyone in Scotland, and across the UK, can show they care for a mum they know, who's been touched by pregnancy or baby loss.

Celebrate Mothers Day at Zizzi

Zizzi is offering a three-course set menu for £29.95 this Mother's Day, with a special treat for every matriarch.

Raw Material and Cumbernauld Theatre announce Aladdie by Forbes Masson for Christmas 2026

Raw Material and Cumbernauld Theatre will work together this Christmas to co-produce Aladdie, written by acclaimed actor and playwright Forbes Masson and directed by Gordon Dougall.