Soul Fly Buddies Blog - Alex

"I’d say you should go...."

Each and every month we share the news and views from those who make up our user-led team, Soul Fly Buddies.

For the month of March we hand the mic to Alex, who opens up about his involvement with the project.

"Greetings…this is Soul Fly Buddies member Alex here again, with an update to one of my previous segments about ‘keep trying/not giving up’, all around the issue of going to a gig alone. It might be out of your comfort zone, but at least give it a try…

This time round I’d like to talk about something similar as well as personally significant (given how I’ve been with the Gig Buddies project almost as long as it started ten years ago): as stated last year, I’ve had my fair share of great volunteers, who I’ve been to great gigs with. But there have been times, in between volunteers where although I would have preferred to have someone to go with, I had to go alone. I have attended more than 20 events alone (or ‘unbuddied’), and it’s increased my confidence.

Compared to going to an event (such as a live music/sports event) where you know that you’re going without someone, this event that you’re going to is a Gig Buddies social, so you have the sense that you will be surrounded by at least someone you know, (even if it’s just the Gig Buddies’ staff who are facilitating the event).

There could also be other buddies/volunteers, (who might/might not be in a similar situation to you), so you feel a bit more confident in attending (although this is just my opinion).

Whether you’re still waiting, paired, or your buddy/volunteer is unable to make it, and there is ever a situation where there’s the fear of missing a Gig Buddies event that’s of interest, I’d say you should go! That way you’re still being involved within the project, and it’s also a great excuse to increase your social skills, gain other helpful experiences, as well as skills along the way.

If you already are doing this then I encourage it.

And if you are going alone and you’re feeling lost or out of place, just remember you can always at least try to ask someone at the Gig Buddies social for help, or maybe ask if it’s ok to talk about how you’re feeling.

Thank you for reading,"

- Alex, Soul Fly Buddies