Assisting a Gig Buddies volunteer: what to do if you are a support worker
As we do the rounds and get to meet more and more participants, we’ve put together a fact sheet for support workers or family members, offering some suggestions on how they can help prep for the nights out with their gig buddies volunteer.
Help the person you support by researching things they’d like to do with their buddy. We’ll never tire of emphasising the importance that the person you support is in charge: the decision on what they do, who they see or where they go is solely theirs.
With any research out the way, what gig they hit up as well as working out any logistics (travel, pick up/meet up times etc) is a two-way task between the person you support and their buddy.
Therefore, the two buddies should be in regular contact. In addition to the gig itself, catching up – be it over coffee or via text, facebook or email - prior to any event is a necessity.
If the person you support hasn’t heard from their gig buddy within a month, support them to make contact. If their buddy remains elusive contact the Gig Buddies Sydney staff.
If there are problems between the pair, encourage the person you support to call us at the office. Occasionally buddies just don’t click – we’re more than happy to re-match participants if this is the case!
In most cases volunteers often book tickets for up-and-coming events with the participant paying them back on the night. They may need your assistance in arranging money for this.
When it comes to the big night the person you support may require help to get ready. Micah (above, at our launch party in February) and a seasoned party-goer needs no assistance in getting ready, but not everyone has been to an event before.
One of the biggest challenges we find is that it’s sometimes difficult to make sure there’s regular communication between volunteers and participants. This is where support workers come in: assist in making sure dates are written in diaries and communication streams are open.
If you have any concerns or questions, we're only a phone call or email away.
Matthew Collins
Gig Buddies Sydney Social Media Coordinator