12/11/2024
Gavin and Stacey star Larry Lamb has launched our new Chatty Cafés initiative to help combat loneliness and isolation this Christmas as part of our "Don’t be Gnome Alone this Christmas" campaign.
We are transforming our store cafes into Chatty Cafes where senior citizens can come together, eat and drink, and make new friends. It follows our Christmas Community report which surveyed more than 1,000 over 60s and found that one in 10 aren't sure they will speak to anyone between December 15th and January 1st.
Larry, who shared a cuppa with customers at the launch of the scheme at our Basildon store, said: "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 60s 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.”
