Edinburgh locals invited to join schools and businesses in sending a card to a chronically isolated, local older person this Christmas through Vintage Vibes
Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes, have launched their much-loved Christmas Card Appeal to ensure lonely and isolated older people across the city to feel valued and are not forgotten this festive period, as they embark on their 10th year helping older people to find friendship and combat loneliness.
Since 2017, Vintage Vibes has invited local people to write a very special Christmas card to a specific isolated older person in the city, by sending them a profile of someone who they know will be lonely this festive season.
By sending a personalized card, individuals can make a profound difference to a local older person, with some Vintage Vibes recipients keeping their cards up for months after December.
This year, Vintage Vibes need the public to get behind them more than ever as funding cuts threaten to impact vital services. Having reached a staggering 30,000 hours of friendship in the city, Vintage Vibes is to become a fully independent charity in 2025.
This means every donation made will not only help create friendships this season but will also support the future of Vintage Vibes friendships across Edinburgh for years to come.
Edinburgh locals can show their support by visiting Vintage Vibes’ website, where they can donate and receive a profile of a local, lonely older person – from Anne who loves doing jigsaw puzzles and looking around the shops to our numbers fan Bryan, who loves to sing and used to be a lecturer of economic history!
Personalised Christmas cards can then be written and sent on to Vintage Vibes in time to distribute to them to those in need in time for Christmas. All the family can get involved, with Vintage Vibes VIPs (older people they support) loving to receive children’s drawings and crafts as part of the card!
VIP, Sheila said: “I joined Vintage Vibes over a year ago. At that time, I was feeling a bit down and very alone. I then got introduced to my friendship volunteer, Nicky and we never stopped talking and laughing.
“I love socialising, attending their events and groups too. I then I found out about the Christmas card appeal and asked to be included. When I received my Christmas cards, I think I cried a lot.
“My cards were mainly from local school children and were so adorable they touched my heart. I love the company and joy that Vintage Vibes brings to me and so many lonely people.
“Vintage Vibes is part of my life now and I can’t praise them enough! I recommend anyone thinking of taking part to just do it. You won’t regret a minute of it.”
Here are just a couple of the other thank you comments from our wonderful VIPs who received cards last year:
‘What a lovely surpriseit was to receive the Christmas cards, and to know that people were thinking about us.’ Irene
‘I lost my husband and was feeling down but reading all the lovely Christmas cards really cheered me up. You made my day – thank you all so much.’ Marleen
Why It Matters: Edinburgh ranks as one of the loneliest cities in the UK for older people, and Vintage Vibes has been committed to tackling the loneliness crisis since 2015 – empowering over 60s to lead happier, healthier lives through friendships, groups, events and activities.
Having partnered with local charities LifeCare and Space for nearly a decade, they are now preparing to stand on their own.
The need is greater than ever, with up to 2,000 older people currently waiting for friendship support across the city, and community support such as the Christmas appeal is vital to raising awareness and funds.
Georgia Artus, Development Manager at Vintage Vibes said: “This is my favourite campaign in the year, because we know from our VIPs what a difference this makes to their Christmases.
“Sheila’s story of crying with joy at receiving the cards is not the only I’ve heard, and I’ve been to VIPs houses where they have kept the cards long after Christmas is over – something this simple really does matter to someone spending Christmas alone.
“For us, the recent funding cuts are challenging, however we’re excited for our future as an independent charity and now more than ever, we are asking for the support of the local community to help continue our vital work helping older people to live happy, healthy lives.
“I would encourage everyone to get involved, it is so easy to do, incredibly fulfilling and supports the future of friendships in Edinburgh.”
Neil Hay, CEO Space (parent charity) said: “I’m inspired by Vintage Vibes’ remarkable growth and impact over the past few years.
“Through innovative programs and unwavering dedication to the VIPs, Vintage Vibes has transformed countless lives. The positive ripple effect of their work is a testament to the power of love and compassion.
“Their commitment to making a difference has uplifted communities and inspired an outstanding volunteer team to join their cause; their collective effort will hold them in good stead as they move into the next chapter as an independent charity.”
How to Join In: By taking part in Vintage Vibes’ Christmas Card Appeal, you can make this Christmas special for an older person feeling alone. It’s so simple, just visit vintagevibes.org.uk and go to the Donate page.
Here you can donate and download the first name and interests of a local older person, so you can write a personal message and send your good wishes at a time when they need them most. Some have even got their colleagues, friends or family members involved as a wee Christmas celebration!
Vintage Vibes also provide examples to help you write your card and information on how to send it. Their donate page is also filled with fabulous ‘gifts’ if you wanted to add a festive meal or trip out for a local older person to your basket.
Support the Future of Friendships: Vintage Vibes works to tackle isolation in local older people year-round, with hundreds of older people engaged in their friendships and activities every week and 97% saying being involved in Vintage Vibes has improved their wellbeing and reduced their loneliness.
You can now help support the future of year-round friendships and groups by becoming a Regular Donor as they move into an exciting 2025.
Gemma Wright, Communications & Fundraising at Vintage Vibes: “Sometimes people underestimate what a difference becoming a regular donor can make to a small project like ours – our incredible regular donors help us to be able to make plans and grow.
“To you, it may be the price of a coffee each month, to us, it’s the ongoing support that helps us reach those who are most vulnerable within the community.”
To show you care and give the gift of friendship this year, visit vintagevibes.org.uk today.
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