In response to the extended lockdown and ongoing Covid situation, Carol - Gig Buddies CEO - has released the following statement:
For those of you who would like to share your online suggestions, we’ve created a new feature on our website.
Firstly, load up the following link and scroll to the bottom of the page to find the “I've got a great idea for an event!” subheading. By clicking here you’ll be able to submit your ideas.
Gig Buddies and the NDIS
A friendly reminder for our buddies that have NDIS service agreements with us.
If there are any changes to your NDIS plan, it’s very important you let us know so we can update your Gig Buddies Service Agreement. Changes could include: an unscheduled plan review, a change in plan managers or plan management method, or the dates of your NDIS plan may have changed.
Any changes to your NDIS plan will automatically cancel your Gig Buddies Service Agreement, unless we can update it with the correct information. Please note: we do not get notified of any changes to a person’s NDIS plan; if an agreement is not up to date, this means that the buddy and their volunteer will not be covered by our public liability and volunteer insurance when they are out together.
While catching up with a volunteer may not be currently possible due to lockdown, we are providing buddies the opportunity to engage via the online activities we continue to provide.
As a reminder, we offer five such events each week. Please remember, our online social gatherings are for signed up buddies only. Even during the lockdown period, we require buddies to have submitted and/or updated their NDIS details with us to ensure their Service Agreement is valid.
If a buddy does not have a valid Service Agreement with Gig Buddies, they will not be able to participate in our online events. We do not take this decision lightly, however we want to ensure equality amongst our participants. Additionally, we want to avoid the prospect of the project being subsidised by paying buddies.
If there have been any changes to your plan or if you’re unsure about your current service agreement, please contact Chelsea, our NDIS Coordinator, either via email: chelsea@assistcom.org or phone: 0412 145 819 (Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 5pm).
We’re all ears
Indeed, if you have any questions about Gig Buddies and the NDIS or would like to reply to Carol’s statement, why not join us on Wednesday night for our Q&A session?
Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask about what we’re doing during the lockdown period and how we’re adapting and engaging with participants.
Starting at 8pm and taking place on Zoom, this is an opportunity for buddies, volunteers, support workers and family members to also pass on feedback, make suggestions or propose improvements.
This week we’re also inviting buddies to join us online for an art session and, to round off the week, we’ll be hosting our first ever pyjama party.
To find out more about our online gigs (and to sign up), load up the links below:
Wednesday 4/8
Thursday 5/8
Friday 6/8
All online games will take place via Zoom. For information on how to use Zoom, load up the following easy read guide written by Learning Disability Wales. Alternatively, click here to check out our 'how to use Zoom' video.
If you have any questions or would like more information, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or call/SMS us on 0402 708 814.
1 up
Say hello to our newest match.
We’re delighted to welcome Dina and Heather (above, L - R) to the family, and we look forward to catching up with them in person.
A word from the pros
Throughout lockdown we’re going to continue promoting professional services for any of you doing it tough.
Mental Health First Aid Australia have issued the following guidelines on assisting someone distressed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and they’re also providing mental health first aid in the time of ‘social distancing.
reachout.com have also released their 10 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus guide, while for those of you now working from home, Black Dog Institute have put together the following checklist to support your mental health.
We’re here to chat
From our perspective, while we’re not trained professionals, we are available for a chat.
For anyone experiencing increased social isolation, send a text or call us at 0422 061 990 (Gig Buddies Sydney) or 0402 708 814 (Gig Buddies Central Coast).
Alternatively, feel free to get in touch via Facebook Messenger or connect courtesy of email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org
Matthew, Carol, Tony, Bec and Chelsea
Would you like more information about Gig BuddiesSydney? You’re only a click away. Connect with us via the links below.
Fancy revelling in legendary status? If so, please support us in our cause to get more people out to live events in Sydney.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible and all are gratefully received.
The Gig Buddies Sydney project is an initiative of ACL Disability Services.
