Edinburgh charity launches ‘Biscuit and a Blether’ to combat loneliness in over 60s

Edinburgh charitable partnership Vintage Vibes is launching its phone-based ‘Biscuit and a Blether’ service to help vulnerable people over the age of 60 cope with loneliness caused by self-isolation due to the covid-19 crisis.

As some over 60s will be talking to their volunteers for the first time, Vintage Vibes is offering a conversation starter by providing both parties with packets of biscuits donated by The Shortbread House of Edinburgh.

The charity’s VIPs - seniors who normally meet at least weekly with a dedicated volunteer – will instead receive phone calls. Vintage Vibes is also extending the service to over-60s who have not yet been matched with their own specific volunteer but have been referred to the charity as someone in need of company.

Vintage Vibes marketing and development manager, Georgia Artus, said: “Our long term aim is to create lasting face to face friendships between vulnerable over-60s and a dedicated volunteer. We have a very successful track record creating meaningful matches based on shared interests, from cooking to canoeing, with some friendships lasting over four years so far.

“However, due to the coronavirus and self-isolation guidance, we’ve had to innovate and adapt quickly to ensure the wellbeing of local over 60s, and ‘Biscuit and a Blether’ is the result of that.

“It’s a temporary service for the moment, and we’re planning on running it for at least two months. We wanted to bring some positivity and joy to a challenging time - and what's more joyful than enjoying a good biscuit and a blether?

“What’s great is that due to the passion of our trained volunteers, we’re able to extend our service to include more over 60s than just those we have already matched, and so folks on our waiting list are getting much needed companionship too.”

As some over 60s will be talking to their volunteers for the first time, Vintage Vibes is offering a conversation starter by providing both parties with packets of biscuits donated by The Shortbread House of Edinburgh. Almost 300 packs will be sent to seniors and volunteers over the coming week.

In addition, volunteers will receive additional training and regular updates ideas for conversation topics and activities from the Vintage Vibes team.

Whilst the main goal of ‘Biscuit and a Blether’ is to maintain a sense of community in difficult times, the conversations are also intended to be an early warning system.

Heather Allan, service co-ordinator, explained: “We will be checking in with our volunteers to get an update on the health and wellbeing of our VIPs and all the over-60s who are part of this initiative.

“If there are ‘red flags’ and people need additional support such as a broken appliance or difficulty accessing shopping, our team will aim to signpost to those that can help.

“Essentially, we are hoping to provide a connection that will help vulnerable people living alone through a time where they may feel even more isolated.”

Christopher Laing of Shortbread House of Edinburgh says: “We are delighted to work with Vintage Vibes on their Biscuit and a Blether campaign. During this difficult time of isolation for older people we understand the importance of looking after people’s mental well-being and we hope our biscuits will give a helping hand to start people blethering.”