Gig Buddies helps people with learning disabilities to lead active social lives – and to have control over when and where they enjoy social activities.
Many people with a learning disability find it difficult to attend events and social activities, especially at night, because of lack of support and no one to go with who enjoys the same things as they do.
Gig Buddies fixes this by that pairing up adults with a learning disability and/or autism with a volunteer buddy who shares the same interests so they can enjoy social activities together.
Gig Buddies is about fun, friendship, and enjoying new experiences. But it also addresses serious issues such as loneliness and social isolation, whilst improving people’s confidence, independence and wellbeing.
More info… loneliness stats etc / opening up the arts, etc
“One of the things I love about Gig Buddies is that there isn’t a time limit for when you want to go somewhere. In the past I’ve been out with Gig Buddies later than half past midnight. Later this month my Gig Buddy Mark and I are going to a wrestling event that starts at 9pm and finishes at 5am the next morning – that’s no joke!
“Gig Buddies is also great for people who want to do different things – from cinema, and theatre, to drag nights. It’s a lot of fun. Gig Buddies is where the fun never ends!”
– Richie Horrigan, Gig Buddy participant (include photo)
Barriers that prevents people from going out…
- Need support…
- Community safety…
- Confidence/motivation…
- No-one to go with…
- What’s on?…
- Transport…
How a Gig Buddy helps this
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Call to action – volunteer, etc
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