As buddies may have guessed, all forthcoming Gig Buddies face-to-face social events have been postponed.
Please note, our July events are postponed - not cancelled. They will take place, all at a later date and at a time when things return to normal.
What are the plans moving forward?
Around about this time last year we started to think of suitable outdoor gatherings, where buddies could meet up with one another in a responsible and socially-distanced manner. Subsequently, the Gig Buddies bush walks were created - and these proved to be very popular.
We will, once permitted to do so, look to organise similar events.
Viva Vivid Sydney
We’re not the only ones who have been impacted by the new restrictions.
Buddies may have read that Vivid Sydney will now take place between Friday 17 September - Saturday 9 October.
For those of you who have purchased discounted tickets to the four shows we’re to attend, we’re awaiting an update from event organisers. We’ll be in touch once we have heard from the team at Sydney Opera House.
What about the here and now?
Our online events continue to go from strength to strength, and this week we’re bringing you another three.
This week we invite buddies to join us for comedy, 90s karaoke and - to mark the opening of the Tokyo Olympics - we’re brining our very own ‘alternative’ version of the Games.
For our comedy hour we’re encouraging buddies to share with us their three best jokes. One day later, and not to be outdone by the opening of the Tokyo Olympics, we’re bringing our own ‘alternative’ version of the Games.
We’ll be hosting five events on the night. The Gig Buddies modern pentathlon consists of: ‘heads or tails’, the ‘Olympics Kahoot! quiz’, ‘pencil on your face’, ‘treasure hunt’, and the ‘hard boiled egg and teaspoon sit down’.
Finally, on Friday night we’ll walk down memory lane and sing-a-long to some of the best songs the 90s had to offer.
We won’t be taking requests for this one. Instead we’ll belt out songs from the likes of Chumbawamba, Spice Girls, Britney, Lou Bega, Aqua, Ricky Martin, Hanson, Backstreet Boys, Whitney Houston, All Saints, MC Hammer, Mark Morrison and S Club 7.
To find out more about our online gigs (and to sign up), load up the links below:
Wednesday 21/7
Thursday 22/7
Friday 23/7
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.
Three, it's the magic number
Despite the restrictions we currently live with, we managed to pair up another trio of buddies this week.
Say hello to our newest matches: Erica and Becky (top left, L - R), Mel and Liz (middle, L - R) and Donna and Christine (bottom, L - R). We look forward to hearing about your forthcoming adventures - and to catching up with you in person.
Changes to your NDIS plan? Let us know!
Just a friendly reminder for our buddies that have NDIS plans.
If you change plan managers, have an unscheduled plan review, or the dates of your plan change for any reason, it’s very important you let us know.
Any changes to an NDIS participants’ plan dates will automatically make your Gig Buddies service agreement void.
We need to be informed of any changes so we can update your service agreement and ensure you’re still covered by our public liability insurance when out with your volunteer.
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).
Tips from the experts
With the current lockdown period confirmed until the end of the month, we would like to share some resources and tips on how you or your buddy (or anyone else you may know) can help take care of themselves and each other.
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.
