Meet Gig Buddies

Tell us about Gig Buddies. What is your mission?

Gig Buddies is an inclusive not-for-profit befriending project that matches adults with a learning disability and/or autism to volunteer with gig buddies who share similar interests, so they can regularly attend gigs and events together.

The project provides unique social opportunities for adults with disability to make friends and experience mainstream events and activities with a friend who has aligned interests.

The mission of Gig Buddies is to encourage, develop and support meaningful friendships, create community connections, tackle social isolation, and make live music, events and activities more accessible for adults with disability.

What are your programs and initiatives, and why do you run them?

The Gig Buddies project is a user-led, volunteer-based initiative that facilitates friendships between volunteers and participants with disability who share similar interests. Buddying up with a volunteer provides a unique opportunity for adults with disability to connect with people outside their immediate family and support networks, expand their social circles, and reduce social isolation.

To complement the buddying aspect of the project, and further encourage community connections, Gig Buddies hosts monthly group social events and activities for participants and volunteers to enjoy, with or without their buddy. These socials take place at mainstream venues and events throughout Sydney, Greater Western Sydney and the Central Coast.

The project supports a positive approach to disability and inclusion, creating opportunities for friendship, social inclusion and increased independence.

Engagement in the project can encourage positive mental health outcomes, empower and build confidence, and support life-skill development for both participants and volunteers.

How do you involve volunteers in your programs?

Volunteers catch up with their carefully matched gig buddy once or more per month and commit to doing so regularly for at least 12 months. Buddies are paired based on shared interests, age and locations, enabling them to attend events and activities they both enjoy.

Volunteers who don’t have a gig buddy can also support the project by assisting staff at the Gig Buddies hosted group social events and activities.

Before buddying or assisting at socials, volunteers must attend Gig Buddies’ volunteer training, and complete relevant NDIS training and worker checks.

Volunteers are guided through volunteer compliance requirements and the matching process, and are supported throughout their role with regular communications, gig suggestions, surveys and check-ins.

How do your volunteers make a difference in the community?

Gig Buddies volunteers help make events and activities more accessible for adults with disability and can empower their buddies to become more independent and socially confident.

Many volunteers become social allies for their buddy and people with disability, advocating for community inclusion and accessibility, and educating the public about invisible disabilities. Accessibility is not just about the built environment; it is also about attitudes, understanding and connection.

Do you have any stories from your volunteers?

Yes. So many! Since 2015, the Gig Buddies project has paired over 700 volunteers with a person with a learning disability and/or autism.

Stories of true friendship and inclusion include multiple volunteers being invited to their buddy’s birthday parties and Christmas dinners (and vice versa), participants attending their volunteer’s wedding, many “firsts gigs”, and countless forever friendships.

What resources and services have supported your volunteer involvement?

The Gig Buddies project has always embraced technology, as much as the budget allows, while also relying on word of mouth and social media to spread the word and grow the Gig Buddies community. Affiliations with councils, disability organisations, venues, event promoters, artists, allied health professionals and organisations like The Centre for Volunteering provide valuable resources and opportunities for facilitators, volunteers and participants to build an inclusive and thriving community of “gig buddies”.

Why did your organisation become a member of The Centre for Volunteering?

The Centre for Volunteering has always been a fantastic source of up-to-date information, resources, relevant news and educational material.

What have you learnt about the value of volunteering and volunteer management?

Having a great concept and volunteering opportunity is not enough; it is essential to continuously build and develop connections and community. As a befriending program, where no two buddies’ support needs or personalities are alike, the importance of consistent communication and support are paramount to assisting and nurturing Gig Buddies friendships.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?

Volunteering connects people and gives us an opportunity to give back to our community. As a Gig Buddy volunteer, you will meet new people, feel more connected to community, make a significant difference in a person’s life, and have a lot of fun.