Gig Buddies Cymru is a befriending scheme that matches people with a learning disability in Wales* with a volunteer who shares the same interests, so they can go to gigs and other events together.

*In South Wales we cover Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Vale of Glamorgan. In North Wales we cover all six counties – Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and Wrexham.

Donate to Gig Buddies

Collage of photos of Gig Buddy pairs at gigs, restaurants, the beach, and Pride, with the text volunteer as a Gig Buddy, make a new friend, go to gigs and social activities togetherI’m interested in volunteering as a Gig Buddy. What do I need to know?

Imagine if you had to leave every night out at 9pm!

Do you believe that everyone has the right to go to gigs and events that they love, to party, and to Stay Up Late? For many people with a learning disability this is impossible.

Volunteer as a Gig Buddy and you can help to change this.

As a Gig Buddy you can use your love of music, the arts, sport, culture and fun to help somebody else in your community to socialise and enjoy new experiences.

People with a learning disability often need support to help them to live the life they want to live. But what do you do when your support isn’t available, or – even worse! – doesn’t share the same interests as you?

At Gig Buddies we match people with a learning disability and/or autism with volunteers who share the same interests so they can go to gigs and other events together.

A few of your hours every month could change someone’s life.

What do I get if I become a Gig Buddy volunteer?

We give you free training and ongoing advice and support to help you be a great Gig Buddy. Most importantly you will get a new friend!

How do I apply to become a Gig Buddy?

If you live in, or close to, one of the areas we cover (*), then all you need to do is complete and return this application form (Word doc). One of our project coordinators will then get in touch about arranging an informal interview. (*See the top of this page for the areas that we cover)

For more information please get in touch with the Gig Buddies Cymru team. Email gigbuddies@ldw.org.uk, or phone 029 2068 1160.


I want a Gig Buddy. What do I need to know?

We have had to pause accepting new applications from participants. Because we have lots of people waiting to be matched with a Gig Buddy.

We are working hard to find new Gig Buddy volunteers – and pairing them with people who are waiting for a Gig Buddy.

We hope to re-open applications from participants soon.

You can still send us an application if you want to. If you do we will add you to our waiting list – and contact you when we have started to accept applications from participants again.


 

Would you like to get out more and do the things you love?

A Gig Buddy can help you go to gigs and events that you may find difficult attending.

A ‘gig’ can be a concert or a festival. But it can also be a rugby match, a trip to a museum or theme park, or a visit to the beach.

Your Gig Buddy could be a Football Buddy, a Bowling Buddy, a Rambling Buddy, a Quiz Buddy, a Roller Skating Buddy, a Surfing Buddy…… It’s up to you to tell us what type of Gig Buddy you want!

I’m interested. So what does a Gig Buddy do?

A Gig Buddy is a volunteer who shares the same interests in music and hobbies as you. They can support you to go to gigs and events that are sometimes hard to get to.

A Gig Buddy can help you:

  • Go to 1 gig or event every month.
  • Meet up every month to plan your next gig.
  • Attend regular social events with other Gig Buddies.
  • Meet on the internet for activities and events – this is helpful when there is a lockdown.

Getting a Gig Buddy is free – it doesn’t cost you anything.

All Gig Buddy volunteers get a day of free training before they are matched with their Gig Buddy.

We make sure Gig Buddy volunteers have a police check to make sure they are safe and good people.

I like the sound of this! How do I get a Gig Buddy?

Are you 18 or over and live in one of these areas:

  • South Wales: Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, RCT, Vale of Glamorgan
  • North Wales: Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and Wrexham.

If you do, then all you need to do is fill out this easy read application form (Word doc) and send it to the Gig Buddies Cymru team.

The form asks things like what hobbies and interests you have. And what support you need.

We have had to pause accepting new applications from participants. Because we have lots of people waiting to be matched with a Gig Buddy.

We are working hard to find new Gig Buddy volunteers – and pairing them with people who are waiting for a Gig Buddy.

We hope to re-open applications from participants soon.

You can still send us an application if you want to. If you do we will add you to our waiting list – and contact you when we have started to accept applications from participants again.

I have some more questions. How do I contact the Gig Buddies Cymru team?

You can email us at gigbuddies@ldw.org.uk or phone us on 029 2068 1160.

Our Gig Buddies team is:

  • South Wales project coordinators: Kai Jones, Kylie Smith
  • North Wales project coordinator: Sian Lloyd-Davies
  • North Wales volunteer coordinator: John Butterly
  • Administrator and communications coordinator: Danielle Wagstaff
  • Social media volunteer: Victoria Waller
  • Innovations Manager: Karen Warner

You can also follow Gig Buddies Cymru / Ffrindiau Gigiau Cymru on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

logos of Gig Buddy funders