GibSams have launched GibSilver, a new support service aimed at offering companionship,  conversation, and a listening ear to those aged 55 and over in Gibraltar. 

A statement from GibSams follows below:

Peter J Isola Foundation and Kusuma Trust Gibraltar join with HM Government of Gibraltar to fund the project. 

GibSams is proud to announce the launch of GibSilver, a new support service aimed at offering companionship,  conversation, and a listening ear to those aged 55 and over in Gibraltar. The service officially launched on Thursday 3rd  April 2025, alongside a campaign to recruit volunteers who wish to support older members of our community.  

GibSilver is the latest initiative from GibSams, the Gibraltar-based charity that has been delivering free, confidential  listening services and mental health awareness programmes since 2017. This new service represents an extension of  GibSams’ commitment to supporting the emotional wellbeing of our community, made possible by generous funding from  HM Government of Gibraltar’s COVID-19 Fund, the Peter J Isola Foundation, and Kusuma Trust Gibraltar.  

The PJ Isola Foundation and Kusuma Trust Gibraltar will each be providing £40,000 over the next two years which will  enable the launch of the service and its delivery for at least the next 24 months. Their support will enable GibSams to introduce this much-needed service to our community.  

GibSilver’s trained volunteer team will provide:  

- A daily helpline for over-55s who want someone to talk to.  

- A befriending service that matches trained volunteers with callers for weekly one-to-one conversations.  - Support, reassurance, and, where needed, guidance towards other services or resources.  

Callers will be able to pick up the phone and speak to one of our friendly GibSilver volunteers. Whether you’d like to  exchange a quick “hello” with someone, fancy a chat about how your day has gone, or need a trusted listening ear to  share your thoughts and feelings with, we’re here to talk. 

Call for Volunteers  

As part of the launch, GibSams is calling for compassionate individuals to join the GibSilver volunteer team. Volunteers  will receive training and ongoing support to help them build meaningful connections with those who need it. As well as  providing a daily helpline, a separate befriending service will be launched, matching volunteers with callers for weekly  personalised calls. 

Volunteering for GibSilver will allow you to join a compassionate team dedicated to supporting older people and helping  them feel less lonely.  

Brenda Cuby, CEO of GibSams, said:  

“GibSilver is about more than just answering the phone. It’s about offering a lifeline to people in our community who may  be feeling isolated, lonely, or in need of a caring conversation. We’re incredibly grateful to HMGoG, the Peter J Isola  Foundation and Kusuma Trust Gibraltar for recognising the value of this work and for providing significant funding to  make this project a reality, and we’re now looking for volunteers who want to be part of something meaningful. A small  amount of time can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Our aim is to help everyone in our community understand  that whenever feelings of isolation, worry, or loneliness strike, there is always someone you can call – either  GibSams or GibSilver.” 

To apply to become a volunteer listener or befriender, please apply online at https://gibsams.gi/how-we-can-help/gibsilver