Last week we detailed the journey of the volunteer: from signing up via our online application page, attending training and the vetting process, to meeting their new buddy for the first time.
If you’re new to the Gig Buddies concept and are interested in volunteering with us, click here to read last week’s article.
From a buddy perspective, the process is similar.
Firstly, buddies - adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism - submit an online application form. Details such as personal information (address and contact details), hobbies and any assistance required when out with a volunteer is disclosed.
Once submitted, an interview with a Gig Buddies staff member takes place. The idea of such chats, usually conducted via Zoom, is to ‘flesh out the application’. We ask additional questions, all with the intention of finding the right volunteer.
Following the conversation we next look through our volunteer database, attempting to find a suitable match. As a reminder, we pair participants based on mutual interest(s), while age, gender and location preferences are also taken into consideration.
With a pairing in mind, the matched volunteer then attends training and completes the required clearance checks. At this stage we will also look to put together an NDIS service agreement for the buddy. For more information about the amount Gig Buddies Central Coast charges click here.
We then arrange a pairing meeting between buddy and volunteer. Facilitated by a Gig Buddies staff member, contact details are exchanged and issues such as ‘where will we meet?’, ‘how will we get to events?’ and ‘who else will potentially help with organising?’ will be discussed.
Finally, ready to go out with your new buddy, Gig Buddies staff will offer to join you on your first gig. This is optional, however, and we take into consideration the comfort levels of both the buddy and volunteer.
If you would like to know more about the sign up process, including details on the pairing journey, click on the video above.
Would you like to get involved?
If you’re an adult with a mild to moderate learning disability and/or autism who resides on the Central Coast and would like to meet more people, click here to become part of Gig Buddies.
May the 4th be with you
As mentioned in previous weeks, we offer online socials - bringing the Gig Buddies community (both Sydney and Central Coast) together.
For this week’s online offering we invite buddies to join us on Zoom for ‘talk the talk’.
In honour of this week’s May 4th we’re running with a Star Wars theme.
Come join your fellow buddies at 4pm on Friday and tell us about your love for Star Wars. You can talk about your number one character, a particular movie from the franchise or a favourite scene - the options are endless. We actively encourage attendees to bring along videos, photos, costumes, figurines or anything that brings a smile.
To register for the event, click on the item below:
Friday 7 May
- 4pm: Gig Buddies ‘talk the talk’
We’re a week ahead of you
For those who may have forgotten, here’s a little reminder: this Sunday (9/5) is Mother’s Day.
To mark the occasion we’re hosting a ‘bring your mum to Zoom’ online event, scheduled to take place next Monday (10/5) at 7:30pm.
We’re inviting buddies to join us on Zoom as we want to celebrate the role mum’s play. Come introduce your mum to the Gig Buddies group and tell us what she means to you (if mum can’t make it come and share a story about ‘mother dearest’).
To register for the event, click on the item below:
Monday 10 May
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.
Let’s connect
If you’d like to know more about the Gig Buddies service, feel free to drop us an email: info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or you can get in touch by SMS/phone call on 0402 708 814.
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.