We’re doing it! On Sunday 18th May, from 1pm to 3:30pm at Leonardo Hotel, Murrayfield we will be hosting Edinburgh’s first Cake Grab to raise funds to tackle local loneliness.
This unique event, hosted by Vintage Vibes, brings together 100 local people to create the ultimate cake-sharing experience.
HOW IT WORKS
100 brilliant bakers will each bring a homemade cake to share.
Our VIP judges, members of Vintage Vibes Community, will award prizes for the most exciting and unusual cakes.
Then, the fun begins! Each guest will receive a box and a set time limit to grab as many different slices as possible.
No cake left behind! Once time’s up, any remaining cake becomes a free-for-all—so pace yourself wisely!
But it’s not just about the thrill of dashing for cake. Throughout the afternoon, you can chat all things baking, enjoy eating your chosen treats, take part in fantastic raffles and games, and even grab a drink at the on-site bar. All whilst making a difference to Edinburgh’s most isolated older people.
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND
We’ve had so much interest in this event and limited ticket numbers, so we are announcing the time and date that the tickets go on sale in ADVANCE!
If you notice that your teen seems down or withdrawn it may be because they’re feeling lonely.
Even if they have lots of friends or if they’re surrounded by family, they can still feel lonely, misunderstood or like they don’t fit in. And teens often feel emotions like loneliness even more strongly than adults.
For tips on how to support your teen or young person if they are withdrawn or feeling isolated:
Community-led mental health and wellbeing projects are to benefit from £30 million Scottish Government funding over the next two years.
The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults – first launched in 2021 – supports local groups to deliver programmes for adults which build resilience and tackle social isolation, loneliness and mental health inequalities. It is expected the Fund will open to applications this Autumn.
In the first three years around 4,800 grants were made to a wide range of grassroots community projects focused on connecting people and providing peer support through activities such as sport, outdoor activities, and the arts.
The charity, Empower Women for Change, has secured grant awards in all rounds of the Fund to date. This year, the group is using its grant to support lone parents, families with a disabled family member, Minority Ethnic families, and young mothers.
Visiting their office in Glasgow Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “I am pleased to meet staff and service users at Empower Women for Change and hear more about the valuable work they do in the community they support. It is inspiring to see first-hand the impact that this funding can have.
“Since the fund was established, we have invested £66 million, reaching a variety of groups supporting those at increased risk of poor mental health and wellbeing – including people facing socio-economic disadvantage, older people and ethnic minority communities.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this further £30 million investment will make to the wellbeing of people and communities across Scotland.”
Empower Women for Change CEO and Founder Asma Abdalla said: “We are delighted and honoured to welcome the Minister Maree Todd to our organisation.The Wellbeing Fund has played a transformative role in improving the lives of our service users of ethnic minority women and girls and our volunteers, members, and staff.
“Through our Inspired Women projects, we have provided vital mental health support, resilience, and community connection, changing lives and strengthening communities. We are looking forward to continuing this work, with support from the Wellbeing Fund.
“We welcome this unique opportunity to share Inspired Women participants’ testimonies, their voices highlight the urgent need for sustained investment in grassroots wellbeing services. Please join us in amplifying their stories and celebrating the power of community-led change.”
Partnership Manager at Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Sheena Arthur said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government’s Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund is continuing.This fund delivers small grants which make a positive difference and so far, has supported over 900 Third Sector organisations and community groups across Glasgow.
“In increasingly challenging times, the Third Sector plays a crucial role. This fund enables the development of existing projects as well as emerging ideas from the community. It helps to bring people together- contributing to better health and wellbeing of people and families, strengthening social connections and tackling inequality and poverty.”
The Eric Liddell Community has received crucial funding from The Garfield Weston Foundation to help sustain its vital work in combating loneliness and isolation in Edinburgh.
The Eric Liddell Community, an Edinburgh-based care charity, is delighted to announce that it has received a generous £150,000 grant from The Garfield Weston Foundation. This three-year funding award will support the charity’s core operating costs, helping to continue its crucial work in dementia care and community support services.
For over four decades, The Eric Liddell Community has been at the heart of Edinburgh, providing a range of essential services, including its flagship Dementia Day Care service, a wellbeing programme for unpaid carers, and a Community Hub programme.
The Garfield Weston Foundation has been a dedicated supporter of The Eric Liddell Community since 2008, including providing multi-year grants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, foundation representatives visited the Community Hub, where they engaged with members of staff from the Dementia Day Care Service and spoke with members of the local community.
Their visit reaffirmed their commitment to the charity’s mission, leading to this significant funding award.
John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, expressed his gratitude for the support:“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Weston family and entire Garfield Weston Foundation team.
“The cost-of-living crisis has impacted us all – we are more grateful than ever to partners like Garfield Weston for giving us the support and flexibility we need to thrive despite these challenges.
“Unlike project-specific funding, this grant gives us the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most, ensuring we can respond effectively to emerging needs. It is a powerful endorsement of our work.”
Securing funding for core operational costs is one of the greatest challenges which charities face. The Garfield Weston Foundation is among a select group of charitable partners that recognise the importance of unrestricted funding, allowing organisations to allocate resources where they are most critically needed.
Through this generous grant, The Eric Liddell Community will continue to expand its essential services, ensuring that those facing loneliness and isolation across Edinburgh receive the vital support they need.
For further information about The Eric Liddell Community, please visit:
Are you looking to get out and about and meet new people? Then we hope you will join us 11am – 1pm on Monday 13th January at LifeCare’s warm and welcoming community cafe, CafeLife (2 Cheyne Street), as we celebrate the 1st birthday of our Chatty Cafe and help turn Blue Monday into Brew Monday.
Enjoy coffee, tea, cake and conversation as we bring the community together round our Chatter and Natter Table.
We’re incredibly proud of all we have achieved this year and hope you can join us to celebrate!
Chatty Cafe is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
Childline delivered almost 5,000 counselling sessions across 2023/24 where the main concern was loneliness.
Causes include being bullied by peers and seeing their friends having fun on social media and feeling as though they are missing out.
This January, Childline continues to be there for young people who need a safe and confidential place to turn to.
Thousands of children and young people across the UK continue to turn to Childline to discuss and seek help for feelings of loneliness.
In 2023/24 the NSPCC service delivered almost 5,000 counselling sessions related to the concern, both online and over the phone from one of their 13 bases around the country, including Aberdeen and Glasgow in Scotland.
Reasons children and young people have cited for feeling lonely in the last year include moving house or school and having to make new friends, their parents working long hours, being bullied by peers, and seeing their friends having fun on social media and feeling as though they are missing out.
One 11-year-old girl from Scotland said to Childline: “I feel so lonely at school, I only really have one friend.
“What’s harder though is I feel I can’t talk about how much it upsets me. My parents seem annoyed or judgemental when I try to talk about my feelings. Speaking to Childline feels like a weight has been lifted.”
The charity is revealing these figures to remind children and young people that they are not alone this January, or any other time of the year, with Childline ready to provide help and support 24/7.
Adeniyi Alade, Childline Service Head, based in Aberdeen, said: “The dark and cold winter months can be a difficult time for many of us when feelings of loneliness and isolation can become more intense.
“Sadly, a high number of children and young people contact Childline because they feel lonely and isolated. We know this can have a serious impact on their mental wellbeing, often leaving young people feeling depressed and helpless.
“Children don’t have to face these emotions alone. Childline is here for every young person, no matter what their situation. Whether they’re missing a member of their family, struggling with friendships and bullying, or finding it difficult to talk with those around them, our counsellors are ready to listen.
“We’d encourage young people to get support as early as possible because that can help prevent the situation from getting worse.”
Tips for adults to help children and young people who may be experiencing loneliness include:
Communicate openly: Encourage children to talk about their feelings and listen without judgement.
Discover what’s causing the problem: Gently explore why they might be feeling this way and validate their emotions.
Encourage socialising: Help children find opportunities to connect with peers through hobbies, clubs, or activities.
Help them build their confidence: Celebrate their strengths and achievements and remind them of the positive relationships in their lives.
Build a supportive environment: Loneliness isn’t something that can be resolved with one conversation. It is important to create an environment of openness where a child can talk to you about their feelings and any struggles they may be facing.
To support young people who may be dealing with loneliness, the NSPCC also offers an online text befriending service called Building Connections.
The First Minister shows support for Vintage Vibes’ work helping lonely and isolated older people in Edinburgh and highlights the value of building lasting relationships this Christmas and for the future
First Minister, John Swinney joined local older people to hear their impactful stories at an event hosted by Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes to highlight the importance of friendship and community connections in tackling loneliness in the over 60s this Christmas and for the future.
Edinburgh is 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 one-to-one volunteer friendship matches, groups, events and activities.
First Minister, John Swinney said: “Vintage Vibes is an absolutely joyful project which brings older people together with younger people to tackle the issues of loneliness and isolation that exist within our communities.
“What I heard from listening to those involved is that sense of improvement in their wellbeing; it brings happiness and connection within communities, and helps people feel they are making a contribution to society.
“Vintage Vibes is a good preventative intervention that helps to boost the resilience, capacity and strength of individuals – it’s a really strong model and is a lovely example of how we can combat social isolation and loneliness and build stronger communities.”
Georgia Artus, Vintage Vibes Lead said: “As we come into our 10th year of creating long-lasting friendships in one of the loneliest cities in the UK for older people, we are delighted to have gained the interest of the First Minister.
“This recognises the empowering contribution our volunteers make every week throughout the year in Scotland’s capital and the transformational change that can be made through friendship.
“We know that loneliness has a hugely detrimental effect on older peoples’ wellbeing and physical and mental health, with the negative health impacts equating to that of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
“There is an estimated 11,000 older people who are often or always alone in Edinburgh – and those figures are rising.
“We’re excited for our future as an independent charity, but we have a big challenge ahead to meet demand and fund our vital services. We hope this visit will spread the word that anyone with a little time to spare can volunteer or support the lives of older people, not just at Christmas, but every day.”
The First Minister kindly joined in the festive fun and wrote a Christmas card, joining a host of MSPs who wrote cards at Scottish Parliament last week and hundreds of members of the public who are getting involved in the campaign.
Individuals can show their support by visiting Vintage Vibes’ website, where they too can receive a profile of a local, lonely older person to send a Christmas card to until 6th December – from Elaine, who loves to sing and enjoys musicals, to animal loving Betty, who loves to watching and listening to the birds in the garden.
After that time, gifts can be donated to help Vintage Vibes have an impact all year round, from meals out or a coffee and cake, to tickets to a show.
Vintage Vibes VIP, Marleen said:‘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.’
To show you care and give the gift of friendship to an older person this year, visit vintagevibes.org.uk today.
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.
Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes held a week of celebrations, marking 9 years of tackling the loneliness crisis in the city.
The week of celebratory activity started on Older Peoples’ Day (on 1st October) with Kaukab Stewart MSP, Minister for Equalities, joining the charity project’s VIP Voices group, where people over 60 who are lonely and isolated are invited to meet every two months and share their views on current topics affecting older people.
The topics for discussion with the Minister covered the value of older people in society, over 60s contributing to communities through volunteering, and how to make local heritage and culture venues barrier free for the older population.
Kaukab Stewart MSP, Minister for Equalities said: “I want to congratulate Vintage Vibes for the great work it has been doing over the last nine years to bring generations together and provide companionship and support to older people.
“The Scottish Government has delivered a range of policy measures over the last five years aimed at reducing inequality and promoting health and wellbeing and reducing social isolation for all older people across Scotland.
“We aim to enable better access to a range of services for older people as and when they need them and we want to ensure people are financially secure and supported as they age. We will ensure that older people’s views and aspirations are taken into account as we undertake a refresh of our strategy for older people.”
The VIP Voices group and fellow VIPs (over 60s supported by Vintage Vibes) also came together to celebrate 9 years of friendships and connections at The Broomhouse Hub with a pizza party filled with fun, games, singing, chat and laughter.
Alongside this, the Vintage Vibes team hand-delivered cakes to those who are housebound and unable to attend the birthday celebrations, to ensure every member felt included and shared in the fun.
Vintage Vibes VIP, Shelia said: “Vintage Vibes lifts my spirits enormously. I get on so well with my friendship volunteer, Nicky and we just laugh and laugh when we’re together.
“I love everything about Vintage Vibes, it’s so much fun and I get to be involved in so many things – it’s just lovely.”
Vintage Vibes brings people together through friendship matches, groups, meet-ups and events to tackle social isolation and loneliness in the over the 60s across Edinburgh. Since its creation in 2015, the charity project has now helped over 1200 older people in the city to establish one-to-one friendships and delivered over 30,000 hours of volunteering.
Events, and groups are also available including film, theatre and singing or simply meeting for a chat over a coffee, bringing older people together for friendship, improve their wellbeing and have some much-needed fun.
Alongside this, the charity project has a passion for tackling ageism, changing perceptions and reducing stigma around isolation and ageing.
Gemma Wright, Communications and Fundraising Lead at Vintage Vibes said:“We are incredibly grateful to our fabulous VIPs (older people we support), volunteers and supporters for helping to us to build this amazing, supportive, empowering community.
“Over the past 9 years, Vintage Vibes has changed the lives of so many older people feeling alone for the better.
“We’d like to thank Kaukab Stewart MSP for taking the time to listen to the insightful thoughts, views and ideas of our VIPs and hope that together we can create a brighter future for the circa 11,000 older people in Edinburgh who are often or always alone.
“As we celebrate 9 fabulous years at our pizza party, we are joined by our wonderful VIPs and volunteers. It is always so special to see everyone laughing, chatting and having fun to mark the difference Vintage Vibes makes to so many.
“For those who sadly couldn’t attend due to ill health, we delivered cakes and flowers to their homes and popped in for a chat. We exist to prevent the development of chronic loneliness and bring fun, fulfilment and friendship to older people who are feeling lonely and isolated through our network of amazing friendship volunteers and the support of local people, businesses and funding partnerships.
“We would like to thank all involved for your ongoing support and helping us to ensure everyone is included and feels valued.”
Having successfully delivered over 30,000 hours of volunteering, Vintage Vibes’ 2024 annual survey showed that 97% of their VIPs felt that being involved in the project left them feeling happier and gave them a better quality of life and 91% saying it had improved their mental health.
Vintage Vibes is now seeking amazing new Edinburgh-based volunteers to expand the project and offer support to even more older people across the city.
100 brilliant bakers will each bring a homemade cake to share.
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND 
Practical Bits and Bobs 
Yes, there is free parking and good bus connections
