Gregarious group leader gives up chinwags to help older people

As chair of the Edinburgh-based Gregarious Chinwags, Jean Duncan loves nothing better than a good blether.

But now she has agreed to “haud her wheesht” to help older people at risk of loneliness and isolation.

Jean, 70, will be taking part in Age Scotland’s The Big Wheesht, a “sponsored silence with a difference” on Thursday 24th September. She aims to raise money for the charity's free national friendship line, which offers a listening ear and friendly chat to anyone feeling alone.

Although she admits that staying quiet doesn’t come easily to her, Jean has seen first-hand the impact of loneliness in the city. She set up the Gregarious Chinwag group as a get-together for people in the Gilmerton and Inch area of south east Edinburgh who were feeling isolated.

The group originally met in their local Greggs store, which supported them by donating coffee and cakes. Thanks to the support of Gilmerton Miners, they were able to expand and use their social club twice weekly for afternoon teas, pilates sessions, and talks from various organisations.

Although meetings are on hold as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, Jean has been supporting members to keep in touch with each other. The committee were keen to support the Big Wheesht, and agreed to sponsor their talkative and enthusiastic chair to stay silent for four hours.

Jean’s partner Elaine Scott will be witnessing her silence between 10am and 2pm on Thursday and sending video proof to committee members.

Jean said: “Age Scotland, and especially their free Helpline, were a great support to me when I needed it the most. Therefore, I wanted to pay something back. I know how difficult it is when you are feeling lonely and isolated.”

Elaine, who is also co-chair of the committee, added: “We decided to support Jean in taking part in The Big Wheesht as she does so much for older people and the local community. Not to mention the fact that she never stops talking, so we’re all interested to see if Jean can actually achieve this challenge!”

The committee are also considering setting up a live webcam to make sure Jean sticks to the rules of not speaking or using social media, hoping to encourage their community, friends and family to help raise at least £5 per hour.

Age Scotland’s Director of Charity Services, Michelle Supple, said: “We’re so grateful to Jean and The Gregarious Chinwag group for their commitment to our Big Wheesht challenge.

“Just £10 raised will pay for two friendship calls to older people and could make all the difference to someone's life – a friendly chat with one of our advisers can help turn a bad day around for someone feeling low.

“Isolation and chronic loneliness affect tens of thousands of older people across the country. Recent Age Scotland figures showed that more than 200,000 older people can go up to half a week without talking to anyone.

“The situation has grown significantly worse during the coronavirus pandemic, with older people who were shielding feeling increasingly cut off from family, friends and their community.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to Jean, Elaine and the entire Gregarious Chinwag group from all of us at Age Scotland – your efforts will help ensure we can provide information, advice and friendship to each older person who needs it.

“The past few months have been incredibly difficult for many local community groups and their members, who are used to meeting up and socialising on a regular basis. We hope Jean’s challenge will help boost morale and that it won’t be too long until the group’s chinwags can take place in person again!”

Find our more about the Gregarious Chinwag group or support Jean's fundraising.
Check out The Big Wheesht and find out how you can get involved.