Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch (centre) with the Gig Buddies team.

16 October 2024

 

THE Gig Buddies program matches adults with disability with volunteers, both of whom share similar interests so they can attend social events together.

 

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said the program provides a fantastic opportunity for people with disabilities to connect with a buddy to attend a gig or a social event.

 

“I know that for some people, going out to see live music, to a show, or even to the pub may be a little overwhelming or difficult. Having a buddy along as a support person can make things so much easier, and more fun.”

 

Buddies can include the Gig Buddies program within their NDIS plans. For those without an NDIS plan, buddies can opt for a ‘fee for service’ option, paying the same amount but from their own personal account.

 

Gig Buddies Central Coast co-ordinator, Matthew Collins said Gig Buddies was about expanding peoples’ social circles.

 

“We’re all about helping people with learning disabilities get out of the house and having fun, in whatever form that takes – staying up late, meeting new people, going to see bands, clubbing, or seeing friends. These kinds of activities are part of everyday life for many people, however if you have a learning disability, you may need support to do this," said Mr Collins.

 

“We have found many people with learning disabilities aren’t getting to lead full, active lives because their support workers finish at 10pm and need to leave events by 9pm.

 

“We’re all about expanding social circles, getting people with learning difficulties out of the house and having fun.”

 

Careful vetting and pairing

 

Gig Buddies strives to find volunteers and buddies that share each other’s interests, also taking into consideration age, gender, and location preferences.

 

Strict vetting processes for both buddies and volunteers underpin the Gig Buddies experience. Volunteers are fully vetted in line with NDIS guidelines, and volunteers must submit an NDIS Worker Check and the NDIS Orientation Module. Volunteers also supply two character references and attend volunteer training.

 

“Before paired buddies attend any events, there’s an ‘informal contract’, outlining expectations and providing boundaries," Mr Collins explained.

 

“Issues pertinent to both are discussed, such as what type of gigs they’ll attend, when they’ll go out, how they’ll travel, how they’ll communicate, including an emergency contact of the buddy, while both have the contact details of a Gig Buddies’ staff member saved.”

 

Central Coast volunteer Jack and Buddy Kade are one of numerous examples of positive pairings that are reaping rewards.

 

Says Jack: “Gig Buddies is an uncomplicated way to do something good in the world.

 

"When I started, I was worried that the things I was interested in would be too boring for Kade (he likes to hit the clubs, whereas I am a homebody!). But at the end of the day, it’s about spending quality time with a new friend."

 

Jack and Kade have done everyday activities and exciting things.

 

“I think the best thing Kade and I went to was to Treetops in Ourimbah. It’s a ropes course with different difficulty levels," Jack said.

 

"We started out on the easiest one and worked our way up. Once we got to the intermediate course we realised towards the end that we might’ve bitten off more than we could chew. We made it in the end!

 

"Other times, we’ve just watched the footy at home or gone for a pub meal. That’s what’s great about Gig Buddies, the two of you decide how you want to do things, so it always ends up being an enjoyable time.”

 

Volunteers wanted on the Peninsula; buddies needed in the north

 

Gig Buddies is always on the hunt for more buddies and volunteers.

 

People who are keen to give back, expand their social circle and have good times are encouraged to contact Gig Buddies. Buddies and volunteers must be 18-plus and reside on the Central Coast.

 

Says Mr Collins “We have lots of buddies based on the south of the Central Coast (around the Peninsula) with very few volunteers to call upon. Conversely, we have lots of volunteers on the northern end (Wyong up) of the Coast, but very few buddies.”

 

Enquiries about becoming a buddy, or volunteering can be made on the Gig Buddies Central Coast website.

 

Volunteers and buddies are required to complete an online application form. Alternatively, interested applicants can email Gig Buddies  or call their Central Coast co-ordinator, Matthew on 0402 708 814.

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