We’re delighted to welcome the project’s newest match.
Say hello to Lobsang and Rachel (above, L - R) - the project’s first in-person pairing.
We look forward to hearing about their forthcoming adventures involving art, craft and the cinema.
Come meet the gang
Tickets are still available for our two summer events.
Gig Buddies is all about expanding social circles - and we invite our entire community to join us. Whether you’re matched up or are still waiting, everyone’s welcome.
On Sunday 5 December we head north to Toowoon Bay for a picnic gathering, while one week later (Tuesday 14 December) we sample the food and drink at ‘The Elly’ in East Gosford.
Both events are free to attend. To register (and to find out more information about each gathering), load up the links below:
- Gig Buddies Central Coast summer picnic @ Toowoon Bay: Sunday 5 December - Gig Buddies Central Coast festive feast @ The Elanora Hotel: Tuesday 14 December
It's been a funny old year. Following the launch of the project in April we soon got held up by Covid, preventing us from hosting face-to-face events.
While we may have met some of you via the Gig Buddies Zoom shindigs, we want to bring our growing community together - and finish 2021 in style.
If you have any questions or would like more information about our December gatherings, send us an email: info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org, get in touch with us via Facebook Messenger or call/SMS us on 0402 708 814.
Boating buddies
On the subject of our socials, thank you to all the Coasties who boarded yesterday’s ferry from Ettalong to Palm Beach.
We caught up with our Sydney contemporaries, crossing the Hawkesbury for a bite to eat at Club Palm Beach RSL.
While umbrellas were the must-have accessory, it didn’t rain on our parade - and it was wonderful to introduce Coasties to those from the Sydney project.
To see a photo gallery from yesterday’s gathering, click here.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie
To celebrate Ausmusic Month we’re throwing an online party.
Join us on Zoom this Thursday as we rock out to the best music made right here in our own backyard.
From John Farnham to Tones and I, we’ll be covering the decades - playing Australian hits only.
In addition to Thursday’s event, we also invite buddies to connect with us tomorrow (Tuesday 23/11) for our weekly chat. This takes place at 4pm. To attend get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
And to find out more about this week’s online offering (and to sign up), load up the link below:
Thursday 25 November
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.
'Be bold and think big’
Fanciful: adjective
over-imaginative and unrealistic.
highly ornamental or imaginative in design.
We love fanciful. And we love hearing your ideas.
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 a user-led project - and we’re calling on both buddies and volunteers to help shape us moving forward.
We want to hear from you. Hit us with your fanciful ideas.
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.
Buddies needed
We continue to put the call out for more people to join Gig Buddies on the Central Coast.
Gig Buddies tackles social isolation, and we have volunteers based throughout the region who are waiting and ready to go! The benefits of joining our growing community include:
✅ Meet new people
✅ Try new things
✅ Expand your circle of friends
✅ Go out with someone who’s not a family member or support worker!
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.
With lockdown restrictions beginning to ease, now is the perfect time to join the fun!
If you, or someone you know, ticks the boxes above, we would love to hear from you.
Feel free to send a text or call us on 0402 708 814. Alternatively, head to our website, www.gigbuddiescentralcoast.org, get in touch via Facebook Messenger or head directly to our sign-up page here.
Vax to the max
We recently shared news about how the NSW Government has mandated COVID-19 vaccination for all disability workers, including volunteers.
We appreciate it’s a busy time of the year, and that some volunteers may still be waiting for their second jab. However, we encourage all paired up (or soon to be paired up) volunteers to send us proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Volunteers can share their vaccination certificate by texting us a screenshot (0422 061 990 - Gig Buddies Sydney or 0402 708 814 - Gig Buddies Central Coast). Via Facebook Messenger or email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org.
Additionally, should you have questions about mandatory vaccinations for Gig Buddies’ volunteers, please get in touch by contacting us via one of the methods listed above.
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 0402 708 814 (Gig Buddies Central Coast) or 0422 061 990 (Gig Buddies Sydney).
Alternatively, feel free to get in touch via Facebook Messenger or connect courtesy of email: info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or info@gigbuddiessydney.org
Matthew Collins
Gig Buddies Central Coast coordinator
Would you like more information about Gig Buddies Central Coast? 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.
Gig Buddies Central Coast is an initiative of ACL Disability Services.
Comments