Are you feeling lonely?
Sometimes all it takes is a cup of tea and a blether to help when feeling lonely and isolated. So, if you’re over 60, living in Edinburgh, and would like some company, then we’re here to help.
All about our referrals…
We take referrals for over 60s who would like a visit from a volunteer on a weekly basis.
Our innovative approach to friendships has been in high demand since we started, and we currently have a waiting list in Edinburgh.
We know that waiting is frustrating, and we want to help find a companion for our VIPs (our over 60s) as soon as possible – but we place great importance on matching our VIPs with the right match, so that a long-term and meaningful friendship can develop.
In order to not leave VIPs on the waiting list for too long, we hope you can understand that we have decided to only open for referrals from specific areas – these are places where we know we have volunteers on the way.
We have a small amount of capacity to accept referrals in the following postcodes only:
- EH3 – New Town and West End
- EH6 – Leith
- EH11 – Gorgie and Sighthill
- EH16 – Portobello and Duddingston
- Stockbridge area
Note that we are unable to accept referrals for other postcode areas of the city at this moment in time.
If you would like to make a referral for someone in one of these postcode areas, please contact us on [email protected].
Future Updates:
Would you like to be alerted when we open referrals in your postcode area?
Let us know your contact details HERE.
Please do not hesitate to contact us on [email protected] or 0131 343 0955 if you need support filling in our referral form or have any other queries.
Do you know someone who would make a fantastic volunteer? Put them in touch with us at [email protected].
Do you have a client who is affected by loneliness?
Isolation and loneliness are detrimental to our health and wellbeing. They can contribute to a variety of health issues, such as depression, increased risk of dementia and, ultimately, early death.
As far as possible, we aim to match our VIPs with volunteers who have shared interests. Similarly, we can link people to existing groups, organisations and services in the city.
Do you have a friend/family member who is feeling lonely or isolated?
For people aged 60 and over, social circles can decrease as families move away, spouses die, and friends and neighbours become less active or mobile. But we want to do something about that.
So, at Vintage Vibes we use friendly volunteers to reach out to over 60s across Edinburgh who may be feeling lonely. Our volunteers offer companionship, reliable support and the opportunity to be more socially connected.
Do you provide (unpaid) care for someone?
Unpaid carers can be anyone who provides care for someone else, including older relatives or friends. Caring for an older person can be a rewarding but challenging job.
Unpaid carers are eligible for much-needed practical and emotional support, as well as opportunities for respite from caring duties. Check out these organisations for localised support: VOCAL, Care for Carers, Capital Carers, and Space @ The Broomhouse Hub.
