Calling all Coasties, we’re asking you to save the date for the following two Gig Buddies’ events.
Gig Buddies Central Coast summer picnic: Sunday 5 December, 11am - 1pm
Gig Buddies Central Coast festive gathering: Tuesday 14 December, 7-9pm
To make up for lost time, we’re squeezing in two events before the end of the year.
Location information and reservation details for our December social events will be released in next week’s newsletter.
Ship ahoy
In the meantime, we invite all Central Coast buddies to join us on Sunday 21 November as we board the ferry for a picnic in Palm Beach.
Come meet your Sydney contemporaries as we cross the Hawkesbury for a picnic on the beach.
To join us on the Northern Beaches click on the event listed below to reserve your place. The link includes details about ferry times, what to bring and meeting places.
If you have any questions or would like more information about our picnic on Palm Beach, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or call/SMS us on 0402 708 814.
Buddies wanted
We continue to put the call out for more people to join Gig Buddies on the Central Coast.
Gig Buddies tackles social isolation, and we have volunteers based throughout the region who are waiting and ready to go! The benefits of joining our growing community include:
✅ Meet new people
✅ Try new things
✅ Expand your circle of friends
✅ Go out with someone who’s not a family member or support worker!
We match adults with disabilities with volunteers, both of whom share a mutual passion(s). Age, gender and location preferences are also taken into consideration - and once paired up, ‘matched buddies’ attend gigs and events of their choosing. These can range from music concerts, sporting matches, bushwalking or catching up for a coffee – the possibilities are endless, and are all determined on someone’s personal interests.
With lockdown restrictions beginning to ease, now is the perfect time to join the fun!
If you, or someone you know, ticks the boxes above, we would love to hear from you.
Feel free to send a text or call us on 0402 708 814. Alternatively, head to our website, www.gigbuddiescentralcoast.org, get in touch via Facebook Messenger or head directly to our sign-up page here.
Let’s get POPpy!
What makes a good pop song? Catchy lyrics? Great melody? Amusing video? All of the above? Well, we won't be asking any of these tough questions on Thursday night, we'll just be playing all your favourite pop tunes from the past four decades.
Get ready to sing and dance with Bec, Tony and who ever else decides to get in on the act. Come and get POPpy with us!
In addition to Thursday’s event, we also invite buddies to connect with us on Tuesday (9/11) for our weekly chat. This takes place at 4pm. To attend get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
And to find out more about this week’s online offering (and to sign up), load up the link below:
Thursday 11 November
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.
Winners are grinners
Thanks to everyone who entered our Art-ober competition. As expected, there were so many fantastic entries, making it impossible for everyone to agree on a winner. So, as promised, we put all entries into a hat, and picked out three winners randomly.
Congratulations to Ranya who wins a $25 voucher for coming third; Marlowe is our runner up and lands herself $50; while Beth takes home first prize, a $100 gift card.
We’ll be in touch with our top three to talk prizes.
Thanks again to all our wonderful arty buddies who have given us some great images to add to the Gig Buddies 2022 calendar.
Vax to the max
Two weeks ago we shared news about how the NSW Government has mandated COVID-19 vaccination for all disability workers, including volunteers.
We appreciate it’s a busy time of the year, and that some volunteers may still be waiting for their second jab. However, we encourage all paired up (or soon to be paired up) volunteers to send us proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Volunteers can share their vaccination certificate by texting us a screenshot (0422 061 990 - Gig Buddies Sydney or 0402 708 814 - Gig Buddies Central Coast). Via Facebook Messenger or email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org.
Additionally, should you have questions about mandatory vaccinations for Gig Buddies’ volunteers, please get in touch by contacting us via one of the methods listed above.
A word from the pros
We continue to enjoy greater freedoms, but we’re going to carry on publishing information for those 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.
We’re here to chat
From our perspective, while we’re not trained professionals, we are available for a chat.
For anyone experiencing increased social isolation, send a text or call us at 0402 708 814 (Gig Buddies Central Coast) or 0422 061 990 (Gig Buddies Sydney).
Alternatively, feel free to get in touch via Facebook Messenger or connect courtesy of email: info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or info@gigbuddiessydney.org
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.
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