The first of our Christmas parties get underway this week.
Things get going tonight when we head to Killara, followed by tomorrow’s trip to Stanmore and Wednesday’s visit to Campbelltown.
From next Monday we then take in Clovelly, Parramatta and Kirrawee - finishing off proceedings one week later with stops at Surry Hills and Narrabeen.
Of the eight festive feasts we’re facilitating, we only have limited tickets available for the following:
Due to popular demand we have extended a number of bookings: so far we’re scheduled to catch up with more than 200 buddies across the eight events.
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.
Leadership and participation
This forthcoming Friday (3/12) marks International Day of People with Disability.
IDPwD is a United Nations observed day aimed at increasing public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
We at Gig Buddies and our parent company, ACL Disability Services fully endorse this year’s theme: Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.
In line with this year’s theme, on Friday we’ll call on the Gig Buddies’ community to head to our Facebook and Instagram pages and share their own personal examples of what “participation in a post Covid-19 world” looks like.
Get arty!
Pens and paper at the ready, our online art class is back!
Join us at the earlier time on Wednesday (4pm) as we create two visual masterpieces. 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:
Wednesday 1 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.
2022 ready
On the subject of visual masterpieces, check out our 2022 calendars.
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.
What should we do next…..?
We’ve had a wonderful response to 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.
Volunteer with us
We continue with our push to recruit more volunteers.
We’re looking for newbies throughout Sydney. And if you’re looking for reasons why you (or someone you know) should volunteer 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!
Doubling up
We’re excited to bring you news of our latest matches.
Say hello to Liam and Reuben (above, L - R) and Daniel and Brain (not pictured).
Six of the best
And last week we prepped another six volunteers.
We have no photographic evidence, but take our word. We now look forward to introducing Bonnie, Caitlin, Peita, Colin, Elise and Rebecca to their buddies.
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.
Comments