Three down, five to go.
Photos from our Christmas gatherings in Killara, Stanmore and Campbelltown are in.
Thank you to everyone who’s joined us so far. It’s been wonderful to connect with so many buddies - and we look forward to doing this same later tonight in Clovelly. The same goes for those who have booked tickets to tomorrow’s event in Parramatta and Wednesday’s gathering in Kirrawee.
To see our entire festive photo gallery, click here.
Not much room at the inn
If you’re yet to book your place at one of our Christmas events, it’s not too late. However, we only have limited tickets left for Wednesday’s Kirrawee event and next Tuesday’s offering in Narrabeen.
Next week’s other event, in Surry Hills, is now fully booked.
To attend the last Gig Buddies Sydney social events for 2021, click on the links listed above.
If you have any questions about our festive feast events, or would like more information, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0422 061 990.
Microphones at the ready 🎤
This week buddies are invited to join us on Zoom for a round of karaoke.
Taking place on Thursday at 4pm, we invite you to sing your hearts out alongside your fellow buddies. Please note, as staff are busy facilitating our festive feasts, the weekly chats will be taking a break - resuming again in 2022.
To find out more about this week’s online offering (and to sign up), load up the link below:
Thursday 9 December
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.
Get them while you can
We’ve had a fantastic response to the release of the Gig Buddies calendar.
The good news is that we’ve ordered more! Featuring some fabulous art pieces, our 2022 calendar is designed entirely by Sydney and Central Coast buddies - click play on the video link above to check out their handiwork.
Gig Buddies’ calendars are available in wall and desktop size, and they make the perfect Christmas stocking filler. To order yours, click here.
Think big
Likewise, suggestions continue to roll in for our ‘think big’ campaign.
As a reminder, we’re a user-led project - and we’re calling on both buddies and volunteers to help shape us moving forward.
During lockdown, buddies were invaluable when it came to sharing their Zoom suggestions. Now things are slowly returning back to normal, we’re looking for guidance on what you think we should do next.
We’re looking for suggestions on how we can improve the service, or any tweaks or changes to the project that you think would be beneficial to everyone involved.
Are we missing something when it comes to engagement or the recruitment of buddies and volunteers? Could volunteer training be improved?
Or, are there any major events coming up that you feel we should be part of? Or, are there any sporting spectacles you feel we need to be in the crowd for?
We encourage you to be bold and to think big. The possibilities are endless…. Nothing is off limits, no idea will be dismissed.
You can share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions via our website by loading up the following link.
New you for 2022
Is it too early to be thinking about new year’s resolutions?
If you’re after something new for 2022, why not try volunteering?
We happen to be looking for newbies throughout Sydney; if you’re looking for reasons why you (or someone you know) should give their time with us, keep reading....
We match adults with disabilities with volunteers, both of whom share a mutual passion(s). Age, gender and location preferences are also taken into consideration - and once paired up, ‘matched buddies’ attend gigs and events of their choosing. These can range from music concerts, sporting matches, bushwalking or catching up for a coffee – the possibilities are endless, and are all determined on someone’s personal interests.
We’re appealing for more volunteers as we have a number participants who we haven't been able to pair up.
If you or someone you know would make an excellent volunteer, it's time to join Gig Buddies. Click here to take the leap!
One more to the team
On the subject of giving back, we’d like to say thanks to our newest prepped volunteer.
It was wonderful to meet Paul last Friday - thank you for logging on and joining us on Zoom. We now look forward to the next step of introducing you to your buddy.
A word from the pros
We continue to enjoy greater freedoms, but we’re going to carry on publishing information for those who may be struggling.
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. Additionally, the team from ideas.org.au have shared their ‘look after your mental health in the COVID-19 crisis’ list of ideas.
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.
