Gig Buddies Cymru is a befriending scheme that matches people with a learning disability in Wales* with a volunteer who shares the same interests, so they can go to gigs and other events together.
*In South Wales we cover Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath, Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, and Vale of Glamorgan. In North Wales we cover all six counties – Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and Wrexham.
I’m interested in volunteering as a Gig Buddy. What do I need to know?
Imagine if you had to leave every night out at 9pm! This is reality for many people with learning disabilities.
As a Gig Buddy you can use your love of music, the arts, sport, culture and fun to help somebody else in your community to socialise and enjoy new experiences.
People with a learning disability often need support to help them live the life they want to live. But what do you do when your support isn’t available – especially past 9pm – or doesn’t share the same interests as you?
At Gig Buddies we match people with a learning disability and/or autism with volunteers who share the same interests – so they can enjoy social activities together.
A few of your hours every month could change someone’s life.
What do I get if I become a Gig Buddy volunteer?
We give you free training and ongoing advice and support to help you be a great Gig Buddy. Most importantly you will get a new friend!
How do I apply to become a Gig Buddy?
If you live in, or close to, one of the areas we cover (*), then all you need to do is get in touch and we’ll send you an application form and more information. (*See the top of this page for the areas that we cover)
Email gigbuddies@ldw.org.uk, or phone 029 2068 1160.
I want a Gig Buddy. What do I need to know?
Would you like to get out more and do the things you love?
A Gig Buddy can help you go to gigs and events that you may find difficult attending.
A ‘gig’ can be a concert or a festival. But it can also be a rugby match, a trip to a museum or theme park, or a visit to the beach.
Your Gig Buddy could be a Football Buddy, a Bowling Buddy, a Rambling Buddy, a Quiz Buddy, a Roller Skating Buddy, a Surfing Buddy…… It’s up to you to tell us what type of Gig Buddy you want!
I’m interested. So what does a Gig Buddy do?
A Gig Buddy is a volunteer who shares the same interests in music and hobbies as you. They can support you to go to gigs and events that are sometimes hard to get to.
A Gig Buddy can help you:
- Go to 1 gig or event every month.
- Meet up every month to plan your next gig.
- Attend regular social events with other Gig Buddies.
- Meet on the internet for activities and events – this is helpful when there is a lockdown.
Getting a Gig Buddy is free – it doesn’t cost you anything.
All Gig Buddy volunteers get a day of free training before they are matched with their Gig Buddy.
We make sure Gig Buddy volunteers have a police check to make sure they are safe and good people.
I like the sound of this! How do I get a Gig Buddy?
Are you 18 or over and live in one of these areas:
- South Wales: Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath, Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Vale of Glamorgan
- North Wales: Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and Wrexham.
If you do, then please contact us and we will send you an application form and more information.
Email gigbuddies@ldw.org.uk, or phone 029 2068 1160.
I have some more questions. How do I contact the Gig Buddies Cymru team?
You can email us at gigbuddies@ldw.org.uk or phone us on 029 2068 1160.
Our Gig Buddies team is:
- South Wales project coordinators: Kai Jones, Kylie Smith
- North Wales project coordinator: Sian Lloyd-Davies
- North Wales volunteer coordinator: John Butterly
- Administrator and communications coordinator: Danielle Wagstaff
- Social media volunteer: Victoria Waller
- Innovations Manager: Karen Warner
You can also follow Gig Buddies Cymru / Ffrindiau Gigiau Cymru on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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