We're always looking for fun and innovative ways for buddies to get involved in our community. That's why we're delighted to introduce our latest effort - The LOLympics.
For those of you not in the know, we offer all paired buddies the opportunity to enter our 'photo of the month' competition. The aim is for participants to share their snaps and inspire others. This has proven to be successful - and we incentivise people to upload their pictures by offering a prize to the winning pair.
Due to lockdown, catching up and doing things as a pair is nearly impossible. Therefore, for the month of August, we've decided to make things a little different.
We're calling on all participants to share a photo or video of them partaking in their favourite Olympic Sport. With over 65 events to choose from (click here to see a complete list), we're encouraging buddies to get creative - and just like the real Olympics, we have prizes for the best three submissions.
To get you thinking, we at Gig Buddies HQ have been getting in the Olympic Spirit.
And if you’re inclined to film your efforts, here's a clip we made earlier:
Our LOLympics competition closes at midnight, Tuesday 31 August. Buddies can upload their photos or videos by loading up the this link.
The link above includes all the information on how to submit your efforts. The winning entry will be rewarded with a $100 gift voucher, while $50 goes to the runner up and third place will bag $25.
If you have any questions about our LOLympics competition send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org, get in touch on Facebook Messenger or contact us via text or on the phone on 0422 061 990.
Art, books and cocktails
We’re also encouraging buddies to join us online this week for the following three events.
While our recent outing to the Art Gallery of NSW was cancelled, we’ve decided to offer the next best thing: the Gig Buddies online trip to the Archibald.
Join Carol and Tony, our art enthusiasts, as we take a virtual journey looking through this year's Archibald Prize finalists. This takes place on Wednesday.
One day later and we’re bringing you another Kahoot! quiz - this time on the subject of ‘the written word’. Expect 40 questions on books, words and the English language.
And, to round out the week, we’re throwing the first ever Gig Buddies cocktail party.
Like true bartenders, we’re encouraging attendees to get creative with their shakers. For a list of non-alcoholic beverages, click here. And for those who like their drinks a little stronger, this link will provide a list of alcoholic cocktails.
Kick back, listen to some tunes, sip a cocktail or mocktail.
To find out more about our online gigs (and to sign up), load up the links below:
Wednesday 11/8
Thursday 12/8
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.
A heads up
In next week’s newsletter we’ll be inviting buddies to join us on Zoom for a baking event.
‘Cookies with Tahli and Tony’ will take place at 4pm on Wednesday 18 August. To take part you’ll need to add the following list of ingredients to your shopping list.
Sign up information for ‘cookies with Tahli and Tony’ will be published next Monday.
Seek and ye shall find
Thanks to everyone who joined us online for last Thursday’s (4/8) Q&A session.
During the hour we were asked about our present and post lockdown plans for social events - both online and face-to-face.
As indicated by the word cloud above, more quizzes, movie nights and music events were just some of the suggestions put forward for online gatherings. With regards to outdoor catch ups, attendees enquired about the Gig Buddies Christmas party and Hallowe’en.
Following Thursday’s Q&A we’ve put together an easy read guide - accessible here.
And for those of you who may have ideas, suggestions or feedback, you can share your thoughts by clicking here (scroll to the bottom of the page to find the “I've got a great idea for an event!” subheading).
Online learning
We’ve prepped another batch of volunteers via Zoom.
Thanks to Fiona (top L), Alvin (top R), Nicole (bottom L) and Christina (bottom R) for logging on last week. We’re looking forward to getting you all paired up with your respective buddies.
Double buddies
And last week we made another two matches.
Step forward Eamon and Shaun (top, L - R) and Romith and Bevan (bottom, L - R). We look forward to catching up with you, both online and face-to-face.
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.
