Gig Buddies Sydney launched in 2015 and, every year since, they’ve produced half year reports that outline some of the challenges they face when it comes to pairing up people - focussing on their imbalance of volunteers to gig buddies.
From a Central Coast perspective, while the project has been in existence for three months, the Sydney data provides a snapshot of the task at hand.
To better illustrate their point, the team at Gig Buddies Sydney created the following graphic, showcasing where they sit in terms of numbers (correct as of Monday 28 June).
Please note, Gig Buddies Central Coast is classified as ‘other’ on the map above.
As of Monday 28 June Gig Buddies (both Sydney and Central Coast) had a total of 540 volunteers and 219 buddies on their books. Of those numbers there were151 pairs, meaning the project had 68 buddies and 389 volunteers still waiting to be matched.
Conversely, in the report from 2019 - 2020, the Sydney project had a total of 501 volunteers and 175 buddies on their database. Of those numbers, 107 were paired up, resulting in a total 394 volunteers and 68 buddies without a match.
Like Sydney, we’re eager to get more participants paired up, and we’re calling on those who are currently signed up to recommend our services to anyone they know.
Nothing has changed when it comes to our approach: in addition to pairing people based on mutual interests, we also pay attention to the geographic location of both gig buddy and volunteer, while gender and age preferences are also taken into consideration.
As for Gig Buddies Central Coast, we are on the verge of announcing the project’s second pairing while a third match is a current work in progress. Furthermore, post lockdown, we’re looking at ways to improve our reach, launching face-to-face socials and working on additional initiatives to increase participant numbers.
To those still waiting, we’re trying our level best. However, sometimes it comes down to luck and whether there’s a buddy available within the area who not only happens to share the same interests, but also ticks the boxes in terms of gender, age and location preferences.
Food for thought
This week we’re excited to bring you another trio of online offerings.
Starting on Wednesday, Bec and buddy Nalyn invite you to their ‘dance fit Zoom’. Things get going at 4pm - join us as we work up a sweat to hits from Beyonce and Britney.
One day later buddies are invited to sink their teeth into our ‘foodie’ Kahoot! quiz, while on Friday night we’re asking you to dust off your Christmas jumpers as we celebrate xmas in July!
To find out more about our online gigs (and to sign up), load up the links below:
Wednesday 28/7
Thursday 29/7
Friday 30/7
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.
The disability gateway
For those not in the know, the federal government recently launched a new website, enabling people with disability, their families and support networks the ability to source and access services throughout Australia.
The Disability Gateway is split into different sections, such as health, leisure, employment etc, and provides users the chance to browse suitable websites and organisations within that space.
A word from the pros
Throughout lockdown we’re going to continue promoting professional services for any of you doing it tough.
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.
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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