Gig Buddies - Stay Up Late

About

This is an independent service, which is not run by the NHS or WSCC.

This service is not checked by WSCC and including it on the Local Offer website does not mean that it is a recommended service.

Before using this service, we recommend you make your own checks. Your checks should include being happy that: the service will meet your needs; staff are properly qualified; policies are in place to keep everyone safe and you know how much the service will cost.

Use this guidance for advice about what to ask to help you make sure that children and young people are happy and protected in clubs, groups and activities. Find out more on our terms and disclaimer.

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Gig Buddies is a volunteer befriending scheme that matches adults with learning disabilities and/or autism with a volunteer friend who enjoys the same cultural activities as they do. This could be going to see live bands but could also be anything from watching football matches to visiting museums. Whatever your 'gig' is we'll aim to find a volunteer.
All volunteers are vetted and trained and receive ongoing support.

What we do

• Volunteer befriending scheme
• We match people through a shared love of the same music or cultural activity. We ask volunteers to commit to 1 gig per month.
• Potential participants can self-refer through our simple application form. There's also a simple application process for volunteers.
• All volunteers are trained, have full DBS checks and receive on-going support. We meet all participants and volunteers before they are matched, and support the matching process.
• The project is built on peer-support, recognising that you can't buy your friends. Additionally we have an advisory group made up people with learning disabilities who oversee the running of the project.

Age range

18-upwards

Wheelchair accessible

Yes

Free to use

Yes