It’s that time again, when we reflect on 2021 and look towards to the year ahead.
Despite going back into lockdown, we achieved our target of having 100 new pairings - taking us to a combined total of 388 Sydney and Central Coast matches.
As for the year ahead, we’re putting a focus on maintaining existing pairings, along with implementing a number of new strategic approaches - more of which will be revealed in 2022.
Meet new friends
While we’re all about pairing up buddies, we’re also about increasing social circles and enabling participants the opportunity to meet more people and experience new events. We inform everyone who signs up that they’re part of the Gig Buddies community and, as such, they’re welcome to attend our social gigs.
On that note, we facilitated a grand total of 134 events in 2021 - connecting with more than 2,700 of you either via Zoom or courtesy of our in-person catch ups. On average, we welcomed 20 people per gig.
Thank you to everyone who either logged on or attended one of our face-to-face events.
That’s a wrap
On the subject of events, thank you to everyone who joined us at ‘The Elly’ last Tuesday for our Christmas gathering.
It was great to bring our growing community together. This past month we caught up with buddies in Toowoon Bay and East Gosford - and we look forward to facilitating more gigs in 2022.
To see more photos from our night out at The Elanora, click here.
Have I got news for you?
We invite buddies to join us for the final online social for 2021 - our end of year quiz and Christmas party.
From James Bond to the Aria Awards, Ash Barty to the Melbourne Cup - we’ll be asking a number of questions about what made the news in 2021. We’ll then round out the evening with a Christmas sing-song.
To join us on Thursday click on the link listed below.
Thursday 23/12
All online games will take place via Zoom. For information on how to use Zoom, load up the following easy read guide written by Learning Disability Wales. Alternatively, click here to check out our 'how to use Zoom' video.
If you have any questions or would like more information, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or call/SMS us on 0402 708 814.
A word from the pros
Christmas can be a tough time for some, especially with the threat of Covid still lingering. Therefore, we’re going to carry on publishing information for anyone who may be struggling.
Mental Health First Aid Australia have issued the following guidelines on assisting someone distressed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and they’re also providing mental health first aid in the time of ‘social distancing. Additionally, the team from ideas.org.au have shared their ‘look after your mental health in the COVID-19 crisis’ list of ideas.
reachout.com have also released their 10 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus guide, while for those of you now working from home, Black Dog Institute have put together the following checklist to support your mental health.
School’s out
That’s it in terms of the blog for the year. Thanks to everyone who’s either read our Sydney or Central Coast weekly newsletters, or has connected with us via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
We’re on shut down from this Friday (24/12), reopening on Monday 10 January. During that timeframe we’ll be downing tools and recharging the batteries - all in preparation for the start of our summer socials.
Extra, extra! Read all about it….
Be sure to check your inbox on January 10 as we may have some news to share about our January events.
And finally….
We want to say Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a huge THANK YOU to everyone who’s connected with us in 2021.
It was another challenging year, but we feel our community continues to go from strength to strength - both north and south of the Hawkesbury River.
We look forward to doing it all again with you in 2022.
Matthew Collins
Gig Buddies Central Coast coordinator
Would you like more information about Gig Buddies Central Coast? You’re only a click away. Connect with us via the links below.
Fancy revelling in legendary status? If so, please support us in our cause to get more people out to live events in Sydney.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible and all are gratefully received.
Gig Buddies Central Coast is an initiative of ACL Disability Services.
Comentários