We are excited to announce that Gig Buddies is launching in the counties of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. Thanks to funding from the West Glamorgan Regional Integrated Fund, the project started in July and is funded until March 2026.
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Learning Disability Wales is hosting the innovative befriending project, working in close partnership with more than 20 organisations across the learning disability and arts sectors. We will be accepting referrals from participants and volunteers from 1 September.
Gig Buddies Cymru pairs up adults with a learning disability and/or autism with a volunteer buddy who shares the same interests and hobbies, so they can attend social activities together. It addresses loneliness and isolation, helps to increase independence and confidence, and normalises people with a learning disability attending mainstream events, particularly at night where there is a lack of traditional support.
There has been great interest for Gig Buddies in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, and it truly has been a co-productive partnership developing the project and achieving funding. Learning Disability Wales brought together over 20 organisations from a diverse range of sectors, including self-advocacy, social services, parent/carers, supported housing, music and arts venues, university, council for voluntary service and other third sector organisations.
Work has already begun in the counties, including building relationships and attending events. We aim to match 25 people with a learning disability and/or autism with a volunteer from their local community. Gig Buddy pairs attend on average 1 activity every month, plus a meet-up in-between to plan their next event.
A ‘gig’ is whatever they want to do together – from concerts and musicals, to sport matches, theme parks, cafes, or just a nice walk in the park. Gig Buddies will also have opportunities to attend regular social events, where they can meet and make friends with other Gig Buddies.
Gig Buddy volunteers needed
We expect demand from participants to be great, so we will be focussing first on recruiting volunteers. This will include stalls at a wide variety of events. If you know of an event that we should be at, please get in touch.
Gig Buddy volunteers do not need to have experience of disability. We give all new volunteers free training, a DBS check, and ongoing support.
We are planning on launching the project at different events across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot. Watch this space.
Danielle Wagstaff is the new coordinator for Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot. Danielle lives in Port Talbot and brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked as Gig Buddies Cymru’s project support coordinator. Kai Jones, who was instrumental in bringing Gig Buddies to Wales in 2018, will be focussing on development work in the counties.
Danielle said: “It is such an exciting time to be launching Gig Buddies in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. I have lived and worked in these areas for my whole life, and I know how ready people are for this project. I hope to make connections with organisations and businesses across the area so people can experience new activities with their Gig Buddies. I am passionate about people being able to take part in activities when they want to – this includes being able to stay up late!”
Making new friends
Natalie, from Port Talbot, is looking forward to joining the project and getting a Gig Buddy. Natalie said: “It will be brilliant to help my confidence and make new friends. I love loud music, anything rock, but mostly loud!”
Jo, Chris and Ishbel, Trustees of Swansea Parent Carer Forum said: “We have many members who are thrilled that this fantastic project is now an opportunity for their sons and daughters living in Swansea. We welcome Gig Buddies to our event at Swansea Arena on 24 September, where our members can find out more.”
Jade Flynn from Mirus Supported Living said: “I think Gig Buddies is a valued addition to our communities in Neath, Port Talbot and Swansea. It will enable people to live fulfilled and valued lives, giving them the opportunity to participate in activities that they may never have been able to attend and get to experience what staying up late is like. It will increase people’s social circle, along with increasing confidence and most of all providing enjoyment.”
Scott Mackay, Venue Manager at Elysium, said: “I first became aware of the fantastic work Gig Buddies do via social media, seeing a range of photos of participants having the time of their life at gigs in Cardiff and beyond. As soon as I saw this, I wanted our venue to be involved. Gig Buddies fits in with our ethos of accessibility and inclusivity – we’re committed to being a welcoming venue and anything we can do to enable more people to be able to attend is worth supporting. We can’t wait to see our first Gig Buddies members attend an event here and look forward to the continued success and expansion of the scheme!”
Sally-Anne, Local Area Coordinator, said: “I am thrilled that Gig Buddies is coming to Swansea, as the city has a large community of people who will greatly benefit from the organisation. I’m excited to see how people’s lives are enriched by the simple expanding of their choices and experiences.”
If you want to volunteer as a Gig Buddy, connect with us, or be kept informed of Gig Buddies news, please contact us at gigbuddies@ldw.org.uk or phone 029 2068 1160.
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