Saying Goodbye to Darren…
Today is an exciting day, and a sad one, as lovely Darren – our fantastic Vintage Vibes Friendly Spaces Volunteer – has just been offered a new job and is saying goodbye after over 2 years of volunteering with Vintage Vibes! Darren, we will miss you and you are welcome to come say hello always!
Darren has written about his experience volunteering with Vintage Vibes…
Vintage Vibes Blog: Darrens Friendly Space.
When I first joined Vintage Vibes, I didn’t fully realise just how much of an impact it would have on me. What started as a volunteering role quickly became something far more meaningful, both personally and professionally.
Before joining, I was feeling a bit lost in terms of my career direction. I had completed my master’s degree in digital marketing during lockdown, which in itself was a strange and isolating experience. Coming out of that, I felt a little apprehensive, as I wasn’t entirely sure where I fitted or what path I wanted to take next. Vintage Vibes gave me a sense of direction again, and I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity.
When I first started at Vintage Vibes, I helped with the VIP Christmas dinner at LifeCare, where we were originally based. At the time, I thought I would likely move into more event based work, and I was happy to get stuck in and support wherever I could. But things went in a different direction, and that’s when I met Georgia, our Director, who is one of the most kind and genuine people you could meet. That moment shaped my experience going forward to where I am now, and I wouldn’t change any part of it.
From the beginning, what stood out to me most was the people. I’ve had the chance to get to know such a great team of genuinely kind, driven individuals. Everyone brings their own energy, but what connects them is a shared passion for tackling loneliness in Edinburgh. That passion really rubs off on you from day one, and it doesn’t take long before you find yourself fully invested in the work because you want to be here, and it’s a great way to pick up new skills and get to find where your strengths are.
One of the biggest things for me was the level of trust I was given. I was trusted to take forward the Friendly Spaces project in a way that I felt worked best, with support and input whenever I needed it. That balance of independence and guidance helped me grow in confidence and take real ownership of the work which I truly respected,
I’ve seen Friendly Spaces grow from an idea into a network of cafes across Edinburgh, all of which have been incredibly supportive and enthusiastic about what we’re trying to achieve. I truly believe it will continue to expand across the city, making it more accessible for our VIPs and showing just how meaningful these spaces can be for people to grab a coffee and relax.
Vintage Vibes made me feel that my abilities were genuinely recognised and valued, to the point where I found myself looking forward to coming into the office and starting something new. Whether it was creating Facebook posts, writing blogs, or reaching out to local cafes, no two days were ever the same. That variety keeps your energy up and helps you stay connected to the bigger picture of what you’re working towards as a team.
I’ve even noticed a change in myself. Now, when I see an older person, I often find myself saying hello and asking how their day is. It’s a small thing, but it reflects something bigger. We all want human connection, and I try to remember that even those small gestures can make someone’s day brighter.
I’ve really enjoyed helping to create more welcoming spaces for older people. Seeing how something as simple as a friendly environment and a conversation over coffee can make a real difference has completely changed how I view community support. It’s practical, human, and you can see the impact almost immediately through the feedback from VIPs and the wider community. Being part of that has brought me a real sense of purpose, and kept me grounded so I can continue to develop other parts of my life.
What I’ve gained from this experience goes beyond skills, although there’s been plenty of that too. I’ve developed confidence in communicating with different businesses, improved how I organise and manage projects, and learned how to turn ideas into something tangible that people can benefit from. More importantly, I’ve gained perspective. You begin to understand how loneliness affects people, and how small, consistent efforts can genuinely improve someone’s quality of life.
I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to be part of Vintage Vibes; to get to know so many incredible people and for sharing so many happy moments together. Special shout out to Georgia, Athy, Emma and Andrew. Thank you for all the support and friendship.
Would you like to volunteer in our Vintage Vibes office? Contact hello@vintagevibes.org.uk