Question 1

What is Gig Buddies?

Accepted Answer

Gig Buddies is a befriending program that tackles social isolation for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism.
 
We match adults with disability with volunteers, both of whom share similar interests, so that they can go to events together regularly.

Question 2

What about the NDIS?

Accepted Answer

Assisted Community Living Limited T/A ACL Disability Services & Gig Buddies, is a registered provider with the NDIS.
 
All participants (adults with mild to moderate learning disability and/or autism) who sign up are required to include Gig Buddies (Sydney or Central Coast) within their NDIS plan.
 
We charge participants an administration fee which is the equivalent of *three hours per month, either from Capacity Building or Core Support.
 
*3 hours per month is not the number of hours spent with the volunteer.
 
For more information about fees and line items, click here

Question 3

Is Gig Buddies a Not-For-Profit project?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Gig Buddies is a not-for-profit project.

All monthly NDIS charges go towards running the project.

Most of our group social events are free, and we only charge if there is a cost involved such as entry tickets, venue hire, transport. If a company donates or gives us discounted tickets, we pass on the savings to the participants and volunteers. (When buddies go to events with their volunteers outside of our group events, they pay for their own tickets.)

The project is run by the registered charity Assisted Community Living Limited (trading as ACL Disability Services).

ACL Disability Services is a not-for-profit organisation that was set up over 50 years ago to support adults with mild to moderate learning disability.

Question 4

Who is the Gig Buddies program for?

Accepted Answer

Gig Buddies supports adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism.

Question 5

How old do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

Gig Buddies is for people 18 years old or older.

Question 6

Is it all about music?

Accepted Answer

No. Everyone is different and, when you sign up, you can tell us what your ‘gig’ is. This could be mixing it in a mosh pit, watching a favourite sports team, bush walking, going to the theatre or checking out local art galleries.
 
Whatever your interests are, we will try to find you a buddy who wants to do the same things as you.

Question 7

Who operates the Gig Buddies project?

Accepted Answer

The Gig Buddies project is an initiative of Assisted Community Living Limited T/A ACL Disability Services, an organisation with over 50 years’ experience assisting adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and autism. ACL Disability Services are based in McMahons Point, Sydney.
 
The Gig Buddies initiative started in Brighton, England. The project was first launched in Australia Sydney in 2015
 
ACL Disability Services and the Gig Buddies project are registered in Australia as NDIS providers (Registration Number 4050003928) and registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (Registration ID: 4-3LLK-1912)

Question 8

Where in Australia is the project?

Accepted Answer

The project is currently in Sydney and the Central Coast NSW.
 
The Gig Buddies Sydney project covers these Sydney areas;
1 - North West Sydney
2 - Northern Suburbs
3 - Northern Beaches
4 - North Shore
5 - Sydney CBD
6 - Eastern Suburbs
7 - Inner West
8 - South Sydney
9 - Western Sydney
10 - South West Sydney
11 - Greater Western Sydney
 
If you are outside of these areas please contact us, as we may have volunteers or participants in your area.

Question 9

How do buddies find out about the project?

Accepted Answer

Word of mouth, social media, presentations, TV or radio appearances and magazine articles are some of the ways buddies have found out about the project.

Question 10

Do volunteers receive training?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all volunteers go through our training program.

Volunteers must also complete an NDIS Worker Orientation Module, an NDIS Worker Screening Check and have two reference checks.

Question 11

What is included in the volunteering training?

Accepted Answer

During gig buddies training volunteers will learn about the following:
 
project history and why we need projects like Gig Buddies
inclusion and the social model of disability
about learning disabilities
their role as a volunteer
boundaries
safeguarding
confidentiality
"what to do" in certain scenarios
the relationship between buddy and volunteer and more.
 
We are confident that after training, volunteers will feel comfortable supporting and befriending an adult with a learning disability and/or autism when out and about.
 
The Gig Buddies team will always be on hand to provide support to both volunteers and participants.

*Volunteers also complete the NDIS Worker Orientation Module which is required for all paid and unpaid (volunteer) staff

Question 12

Are volunteers checked?

Accepted Answer

Yes, volunteers must complete an NDIS Worker Screening Check. 
This is a National screening system that has replaced police checks for disability workers.
 
Click here for more info

Question 13

Do volunteers have to pay for their NDIS Worker Screening Check (police checks)?

Accepted Answer

The NDIS Worker Screening Check is free for volunteers.
 
Click here for more info

Question 14

How do I sign up to be a volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Volunteers are required to submit an online application form.
 
Click here to apply if you would like to volunteer

a link to the application form is at the bottom of the volunteer page

Question 15

How do I sign up to be a buddy (participant)?

Accepted Answer

Head to the participant page where you’ll find more information and the gig buddy application form.
 
Click here to apply if you have a mild to moderate learning disability and/or autism and would like a volunteer to go to events with you.
 
If you need help, you can call or email Gig Buddies (02 9419 6951) or info@gigbuddiessydney.org.

Question 16

Can you provide a volunteer for a one-off gig?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, no.
 
Gig Buddies is all about building longterm friendships and expanding an individual’s social circle. Our matched buddies and volunteers are encouraged to catch up for a gig or an event at least once a month for a year.
 
Please note, the Gig Buddies project also hosts their own social events that are open to all signed up participants and volunteers. Attendees do not have to be paired with a buddy to come to these events, but they must register (and pay for tickets, if required).

Question 17

Tell me more about the expectation of the volunteer…..

Accepted Answer

Once paired up we request that volunteers commit to the program for 12 months (or more), and catch up at least once per month.
 
Everyone who joins the Gig Buddies project has different expectations; availability and personal commitments are taken into consideration and we try to make a buddy pairing work for all parties.
 
We appreciate that ‘life can get in the way’ and that no one keeps a quota of how often they catch up with others. 
3 - 6 hours a month is a recommended estimate; while consistency is key (agreeing to catch up every third Saturday of the month, for example) we appreciate that every buddy and volunteer is different in terms of availability and personal commitments.

Question 18

It sounds like a free support worker….

Accepted Answer

Gig Buddies is a volunteer based buddying program, not a substitute for paid support.
 
Gig Buddies is about friends catching up regularly and having fun. We emphasise that the volunteer benefits just as much as the person with a disability.

A volunteer is there to assist their buddy to access the community and have fun.

Question 19

I’ve submitted my application. What happens now?

Accepted Answer

Thank you! We appreciate you taking the time to submit an application form. We’ll now begin the pairing process - as described in the video below:

Question 20

How long before I get a gig buddy?

Accepted Answer

Gig Buddies prides itself on being a high quality service where we take time to get to know everyone. We match buddies based on mutual interests while age, gender and location preferences are also considered.
 
Unfortunately we never stipulate a timeframe when it comes to making a match. Additionally, we never guarantee that we will find everyone a buddy.

Question 21

What if I am waiting a long time?

Accepted Answer

Once you've signed up, you are part of the Gig Buddies community and you’re welcome to attend our Gig Buddies hosted social events - whether you’re paired up or not. 
 
Social events are a great way to meet other buddies, to increase social circles and to enjoy new experiences.

Question 22

Tell me about the group social events you organise…..

Accepted Answer

The Gig Buddies project organise regular group socials.

These are for all paired or un-paired participants and volunteers.

The group events are run by Gig Buddies staff.

Volunteers are welcome to come to these events with or without their buddy.

Participants can come to these events with or without their volunteer.

The group social events are a great way to meet other participants and volunteers.

You must let staff know if you are coming. You can do this by getting a ticket from our online shop.

Most group events are free. We only charge if there are tickets or entry fees needed. We do not profit from these events.
 
All information about our upcoming social events is shared on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and via our weekly newsletter - enter your email address at the bottom of the page "get weekly e-news" to sign up.

Question 23

Who decides on the match?

Accepted Answer

The Gig Buddies team speaks with everyone who submits an application. This enables us to make an informed decision about who to match with who. Personal interests, age, gender and locality are just some of the factors we take into consideration when matching buddies with volunteers.
 
We want both participants and volunteers to enjoy catching up together once or twice a month, so we take care to find a suitable buddy.

Question 24

You’ve found me a buddy, what happens next?"

Accepted Answer

Before being paired with their buddy a volunteer must complete the following:
NDIS Worker Screening Check
NDIS Worker Orientation Module (same as a new staff member would)
Provide two personal references
Gig Buddies Volunteer Training

A Gig Buddies’ staff member will then introduce the buddies.
During this meeting contact details will be exchanged and Buddies will also decide on the type of events they’ll attend, how they’ll communicate, how they’ll travel etc.
 
After the buddy and volunteer have been introduced, a Gig Buddies’ staff member can also join them at their first gig.

Question 25

How much does it cost to go out to a gig?

Accepted Answer

Both the buddy and volunteer pay for their own tickets and travel costs. 
Some gig buddies' participants qualify for a NSW Companion Card, which allows the *participant's volunteer (companion) to attend select events free of charge. 
Each pairing is different. Let us know if you don't want to spend money on gigs or set a spending limit.

*the participant pays full (or concession) price. For more information visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/living-in-nsw/companion-card

Question 26

Are there any out-of-pocket expenses for volunteers?

Accepted Answer

Like you would in your other friendships, participants and volunteers pay for their own tickets, food, drinks etc.
 
Many participants have a NSW Companion Card which allows their companion (volunteer buddy) to attend some events and activities for free.
 
Paired buddies can choose cheap or free events dependent on their budget.

Participants and volunteers can set a limit to how much they want to spend.
 
This will be discussed during the pairing meeting, and buddies and volunteers can talk to Gig Buddies’ staff at any time if money is an issue.
 
The Gig Buddies team takes care to pair you with someone who wants to do and go to the same things as you.

Question 27

How do buddies organise gigs?

Accepted Answer

Buddies communicate in a manner of different ways: text/SMS, phone calls, emails, social media or via a support worker/family member. Every pairing is different when it comes to connecting with each other and arranging events.

Question 28

Who decides what events buddies go to together?

Accepted Answer

The gigs are decided by the buddy and volunteer.
 
By "gig" we mean it could be watching live music, theatre or sport, meeting up for a chat and coffee, going to the movies, or going for a walk. The possibilities are endless!

Question 29

What if the pairing doesn’t work out, or I can no longer volunteer?"

Accepted Answer

That’s totally fine. If it doesn’t work out, or your circumstances change, we’ll offer support to see if there’s something we can do  - and that may include finding a new buddy.

Question 30

How do I know what’s going on with Gig Buddies project?

Accepted Answer

We send out a weekly e-newsletter that has all our latest news and details about our up and coming social events. Buddies and volunteers can also follow us via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
 
To sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, enter your email at the bottom of the page at "join our mailing list" (see "join our mailing list”)

Question 31

I can’t commit to volunteering, can I help in other ways?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, we’re always looking to improve and grow the project. To both individuals and corporate organisations, our door is always open and we’re always keen on a conversation about gifts in kind. 
Our Work With Us page has more information.
You could provide discounted or free tickets/services on our "Buddy Benefits" page
 
As a not for profit we’re always grateful for any financial contributions. Our donation page can be found here.

If you can't commit to an ongoing buddying role, we have a Group Social Support (GSS) volunteer role where volunteers can help out at Gig Buddies Group Social Events. 
This position still requires the same volunteer training and compliance as the "buddy" position.

Question 32

Are you a user-led organisation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All participants are invited to be connect with the Gig Buddies advisory team, Soul Fly Buddies, who advises on the initiative and links with management at ACL Disability Services.
Check them out at their web page here.

Question 33

How can family members, carers and support workers help?"

Accepted Answer

One of our biggest challenges is that it’s sometimes difficult to make sure there’s good communication between volunteers and buddies. When buddies meet for the first time contact details are exchanged; from time to time we call on family members and/or support staff to assist with any logistics when it comes to communicating or planning around attending a gig.

Question 34

Are you only operating in Sydney and the Central Coast (NSW) in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but we know the Gig Buddies program would work in other towns and cities within Australia. Click here to find out how Gig Buddies can be rolled out to other parts of the country.

*Outside of Australia Gig Buddies is also in:

Auckland, New Zealand/Aotearoa
Bedford
Belfast
Bradford (people with learning disabilities)
Bradford (older people)
Bristol
Croydon
Dublin
Glasgow
Gloucestershire
Hull and East Riding
Ireland
West and Central London
Mid Lothian and West Lothian
North Yorkshire
Nottinghamshire (Sports Buddies)
Oxford
Portsmouth
Wales

Question 35

What if something goes wrong while I'm out with my buddy?

Accepted Answer

The Gig Buddies project will uphold the right of its participants to live in a safe environment and receive appropriate care services based on best practice principles.
 
All Gig Buddies’ volunteers are expected to report all incidents (accidents, injury, assaults etc) to a Gig Buddies’ staff member. In the event of injury to a participant, volunteers will take all appropriate actions to remove the participant from harm.
 
Gig Buddies’ volunteers must also report any ‘near misses’ (being a potential incident that did not arise). Documenting this information will be used for the purpose of minimising future risk of incidents of the same nature.
 
The Gig Buddies team will review all reported incidents and take appropriate actions to correct the situation to ensure that participants are not exposed to any actual or potential danger. This includes (but is not limited to) critical incidents as a result of a participant’s behaviour, a near miss accident, a service practice failure, or equipment failure.

Volunteers and participants are covered by ACL Disability Services' public liability insurance while out together.

Question 36

How long do pairings last?

Accepted Answer

We ask that volunteers commit to being a volunteer buddy for at least 1 year. This gives the buddies a chance to get to know each other.

After 1 year many volunteers continue, but some may choose to volunteer somewhere else or not continue. We have some buddies who have been together for over 5 years!

Sometimes volunteers' circumstances change and they are unable to volunteer for us as long as they would like. Some of the reasons for this are; new job, moving house, getting married and having children.

Most volunteers give us plenty of notice so we can hopefully find a new buddy and begin the re-pairing process (training, NDIS Worker Checks etc) so you can continue having an awesome time.

Frequently asked questions - FAQs (click on a question for the answer)