Asda Scotland relaunches Happy to Chat initiative
Asda Scotland delivery drivers wear ‘Happy to Chat about the game’ badges to help tackle loneliness during summer of sport
Article Source: Asda
Last Updated: 19 June 2024 14:06
Ahead of the busy sports calendar this summer, Asda has relaunched it’s ‘Happy to Chat’ initiative, which offers its delivery drivers in Scotland the option to add a ‘Happy to Chat about the game’ badge to their uniform to let customers know they’re happy to have a quick chat with them whilst their shopping is being delivered.
The ‘Happy to Chat’ initiative first launched as a trial in conjunction with the Royal Voluntary Service, after it was recognised that the drivers formed a lifeline for some people throughout the covid pandemic, with almost a quarter (23%) of customers admitting they were only interacting with people once a week - many of whom were delivery drivers.
The retailer’s Community Tracker, which looks at how customers, community groups and colleagues want to support their local communities, revealed that 60% of people surveyed think more needs to be done to combat loneliness and social isolation, with the elderly called out as the group most in need of support.
To encourage conversation and interaction amongst its older customer base, the Happy to Chat scheme has re-launched as part of Asda’s wider campaign across the Summer, which aims to unite all ages, especially those who love sport whether it’s football, tennis or cricket.
Asda store and grocery home shopping colleagues will have the option to wear 'Happy to Chat about the game' badges, prompting any customers who fancy a natter to chat to colleagues about the score or the upcoming game while getting their groceries.
John Gregory, Delivery Driver at Asda Tain, has worked at the store since it opened in 2012 and has proudly been wearing the badge during his shifts. John said: “When we initially launched the Happy to Chat badges to combat isolation during the pandemic we had such a positive response, especially from our older customers. I’m really pleased we have a twist on the badges so we can kick off a conversation whether that’s about the game or just to ask them how they are. I know from experience that even just having a few minutes chat with someone whilst you’re delivering their shopping can have a such a positive impact on their day.”
David Hills, Asda’s Chief Customer Officer said: “We first trialled the Happy to Chat badges as part of the Covid pandemic in 2000 and quickly made them a permanent fixture for our drivers’ to wear. This summer, we want to ensure we are keeping the conversations going with our older customers, especially as one of our drivers maybe the only person they interact with that day. This badge is a symbol of our colleagues continued friendly and approachable service which can make such a difference to those that don’t have much contact with others. We want to make sure that whether it’s in our stores, at the doorstep or in the community – we’re here for customers this summer.”
In addition to the badges, Asda stores in Scotland will be hosting Nanzones throughout June, either in their stores or local communities to celebrate the summer of sport. With many fan spaces not catering for the older generation, Asda are working with the community groups to bring them together to feel welcome and comfortable with otherwise many ending up following the games alone at home.
Each Nanzone will give local elderly people the chance to unite over food, drink and fandom and are organised locally by Asda’s Community Champions. The events will be completely free to attend and the community space will be decked out with decorations and refreshments and even half time bingo.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year
Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh
Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!
READ MORE
Top Scottish chefs take on ultimate kitchen cook off at food hall Bonnie & Wild
Some of Scotland’s best chefs are sharpening their knives for the ultimate kitchen cook-off at Scottish food hall Bonnie & Wild.
READ MORE
New spring season for a new look Capital Theatres
Capital Theatres’ spring season brings with it a new look, new shows and new extraordinary experiences.
READ MORE
Travel back in time to The World of King James VI and I
A special, one-off exhibition opens at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh this Saturday (26 April), charting the remarkable reign of King James VI and I.
READ MORE
Music Venue Trust launch Annual Report in Scottish Parliament
Music Venue Trust (MVT), which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues (GMVs) launched its 2024 Annual Report in Scottish Parliament with a special event last night.
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
Appeal to Restore Scottish Veterans Memorial
Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) have launched a major public appeal to restore the charity’s century-old Memorial at Eastern Cemetery in Leith, Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Bluey brought to real life in Smash Hit Show
Following a hugely successful UK tour, Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are back by popular demand in the Olivier Award nominated live stage show Bluey’s Big Play and it's coming to Edinburgh Playhouse!
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Discover a Summer of Outdoor Adventure with Dynamic Earth
This summer, Dynamic Earth - Edinburgh’s only Science Centre and Planetarium - is welcoming back children to its ever-popular Summer Outdoor Club.
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
Mussel and Steak Bar will revert back to 2005 menu pricing for week long birthday celebrations
To celebrate its 20th birthday, the world famous The Mussel & Steak Bar will be offering a 20% discount from Monday 5th May - Thursday 8th May.
READ MORE
Lost Victorian relic found in attic during Edinburgh renovation
During renovation work at CoDE The Court, a rare 19th-century Crossley ‘Otto Silent’ engine, one of only three in existence, was discovered tucked away in the attic.
READ MORE
Applications open for University of Edinburgh AI enhanced Accelerator Programme 2025
An initiative which helps innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI)-focused scaleup companies to maximise their full commercial potential is now open for 2025 applications.
READ MORE
Six by Nico transforms your meal into a mission, and every guest into an explorer
Building on the success of its immersive experiences, Six by Nico is set to take diners on an adventure across the Six Wonders of the World!
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MORE
Free beer as BrewDog is giving away 5,000 cans at Edinburgh Waverley this Thursday
Britain’s biggest independent brewer, BrewDog, is giving away 5,000 warm cans of Wingman at Edinburgh Waverley station on Thursday 17th April.
READ MORE
Edinburgh welcomes the European Arts Festivals Summit 2025
This April, Edinburgh - the world’s foremost festival city, will welcome the Arts Festivals Summit 2025, the premier annual gathering of Europe’s most visionary festival makers.
READ MORE
Edinburgh blockbuster burger joint back for another bite at Deliveroo Restaurant Awards
Foodie favourite, Luxford Burgers, has made the shortlist in the Best Burger and American category at Deliveroo Restaurant Awards and hopes to be crowned culinary champions for a second year.
READ MORE
Rosas Thai and Uber Eats team up to launch Songkran Supper Clubs in Edinburgh
Rosa's Thai and Uber Eats have launched the Songkran Supper Club – a limited-edition food experience inspired by Thai New Year, designed to spark meaningful conversations across generations.
READ MORE
Number One Restaurant announces exclusive wine dinner with world renowned Maison Trimbach
On 16th June, Chef de Cuisine Mathew Sherry and the team at Number One in The Balmoral, Edinburgh will welcome Jean Trimbach, of world-renowned Maison Trimbach winery for an exclusive dinner.
READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORE
Scottish Surfing Prodigy Ben Larg Joins Lost Shore Surf Resort as Ambassador
April 2025 - Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surfing destination, has announced Scotland’s first professional surfer, Ben Larg (20 years) as its official ambassador.
READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week
Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORE
Hop Into an EGGceptional Easter at Gravity Active
This Easter, get ready to bounce into an unforgettable adventure at Gravity Active.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird announces Easter weekend opening hours and holiday fun for families
Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its opening hours for the upcoming Easter bank holiday weekend and is inviting families to enjoy a packed programme of fun, food and entertainment!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Whisky Club joins forces with Indian Consulate to host Whisky Tasting Takeover
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has teamed up with the Consulate General of India in Edinburgh to offer a night of fine Indian single malt whisky tasting.
READ MORE
Bikepacking book launch comes to Edinburgh
One of mountaineering’s leading figures, Mike Raine, is launching his new book at Alpkit Edinburgh on 17th April to share his best ‘tales from the trails’.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links